Antennas and communication devices

Abstract

The present application provides an antenna and a communication device, which are related to the field of communication technology and solve the technical problem of limited antenna coverage. The antenna provided herein includes a dielectric substrate, a folded dipole, and N symmetric dipoles. A coupling line is disposed on the dielectric substrate, the coupling line having a first end and a second end. The folded dipole is located at the first end of the coupling line and connected to the coupling line. N symmetric dipoles are disposed on the dielectric substrate, and the N symmetric dipoles are connected to the coupling line. The N symmetric dipoles are arranged in order from the first end to the second end of the coupling line. In the antenna provided herein, bandwidth control of different frequency bands is achieved by the folded dipole and the symmetric dipole together, thereby increasing the operating bandwidth of the antenna. Furthermore, by arranging the folded dipole and the symmetric dipole according to specific size requirements, coherent superposition of the electromagnetic waves generated by the folded dipole and the symmetric dipole can be achieved, resulting in multi-beam characteristics and omnidirectional coverage of the antenna.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[0002] Technical Field The present invention relates to the field of communications technology, and in particular to antennas and communication devices. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0003] Half-wave dipole antennas are mainly used in current wireless communication devices. As a kind of common narrowband antenna, half-wave dipole antennas have characteristics such as horizontal omnidirectional radiation, and the maximum gain is about 2 dBi. In practical applications, half-wave dipole antennas generally include a pair of symmetrically arranged conductors, and the two mutually adjacent ends of the two conductors are respectively connected to a feeder, where the sum of the lengths of the two conductors is approximately equal to half the operating frequency of the two conductors. As the operating frequency of the antenna increases, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna also increases accordingly. However, compared with low-frequency electromagnetic waves, high-frequency electromagnetic waves are significantly attenuated even at the same propagation distance, and have poor wraparound and wall penetration characteristics. However, since the frequency of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the half-wave dipole is greatly related to the size and height of the half-wave dipole, the half-wave dipole antenna can only generate a beam of a single frequency band, has low gain in the vertical direction, and fails to achieve coverage of the entire area. Summary of the Invention

[0003]

[0004] The present application provides an antenna and a communication device that are preferred for achieving high gain and multi-beam characteristics with wide coverage.

[0004]

[0005] According to one aspect, the present application provides an antenna. The antenna includes a dielectric substrate, a coupling line, a folded dipole, and N symmetric dipoles. The coupling line is disposed on the dielectric substrate. The coupling line has a first end and a second end. The folded dipole is located at the first end of the coupling line and is connected to the coupling line. The N symmetric dipoles are disposed on the dielectric substrate. The N symmetric dipoles are connected to the coupling line, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1. When N is greater than 1, the N symmetric dipoles are disposed in order from the first end to the second end of the coupling line.

[0005]

[0006] In the antenna provided in the present application, the folded dipole has a relatively strong radiation gain in the vertical direction, and the symmetric dipole is characterized by horizontal omni-directional radiation, etc. By arranging the folded dipole and the symmetric dipole according to certain dimensional constraints, it is possible to realize coherent superposition of the electromagnetic waves generated by the folded dipole and the symmetric dipole, thereby realizing multi-beam characteristics. Therefore, the superposition of the folded dipole and the symmetric dipole is useful for realizing the multi-directional coverage of the antenna. For example, when a wireless router equipped with the above-mentioned antenna is applied to a multi-story structure, it is also useful for ensuring the coverage of Wi-Fi signals on the same floor and improving the coverage of Wi-Fi signals on the upper and lower floors.

[0006]

[0007] In a specific arrangement, the distance L between the folded dipole and the symmetric dipole in the tail section can be adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, the distance L can be greater than or equal to 1 / 4 of the working wavelength of the antenna, or less than or equal to the working wavelength of the antenna. In this way, the electromagnetic waves generated by the folded dipole and the symmetric dipole in the tail section can be coherently superimposed to achieve multi-beam characteristics.

[0007]

[0008] The symmetric dipole in the tail section is the symmetric dipole of the multiple symmetric dipoles that is the furthest from the folded dipole, or may be understood to be the symmetric dipole located at the second end of the coupling line.

[0008]

[0009] When multiple symmetric dipoles are arranged, the multiple symmetric dipoles may be arranged according to certain dimensional constraints.

[0009]

[0010] For example, the lengths between multiple symmetric dipoles may be set according to the following dimensional constraints:

[0010]

number

[0011] Alternatively, the relative positions between multiple symmetric dipoles may be arranged according to the following dimensional constraints:

[0011]

number

[0012] Alternatively, the relative positions between multiple symmetric dipoles may be arranged according to the following dimensional constraints:

[0012]

number

[0013] n is the sequence number of the symmetric dipoles, which increases from the left to the right of the coupling line. n is the length of the nth symmetric dipole. L n+1 is the length of the (n+1)th symmetric dipole. R n is the distance from the nth symmetric dipole to the virtual vertex of the antenna. R n+1 is the distance from the (n+1)th symmetric dipole to the virtual vertex of the antenna. d n is the distance between the nth symmetric dipole and the (n+1)th symmetric dipole. d n+1is the distance between the (n+1)th symmetric dipole and the (n+2)th symmetric dipole. τ is the coupling factor of the antenna. In a specific application, the value of τ can be appropriately selected based on the actual conditions. For example, the value of τ may be 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0013]

[0014] It will be understood that in a specific configuration, the multiple symmetric dipoles may satisfy only any of the dimension constraints of the above equations (1) to (3), or may simultaneously satisfy any one, two, or three of the above equations. Alternatively, the configuration may be performed according to other dimension constraints, which is not limited in the present application.

[0014]

[0015] In some implementations, the dielectric substrate may be a structure such as a printed circuit board or a flexible circuit board. The coupling line may be formed on the dielectric substrate using a process such as photolithography. The coupling line includes a first microstrip and a second microstrip, and a gap is maintained. To ensure the operational stability of the symmetric dipole and the folded dipole, the width size of the first microstrip and the second microstrip may be the same. In a specific implementation, the coupling line may be referred to as a parallel strip line. The first microstrip and the second microstrip may maintain a parallel or nearly parallel relationship with each other.

[0015]

[0016] Furthermore, the symmetric dipole may include a first vibration arm and a second vibration arm, the first vibration arm and the second vibration arm being configured symmetrically with respect to the coupling line. The first vibration arm may be disposed on a side of the first microstrip, and an end of the first vibration arm closer to the first microstrip is connected to the first microstrip. The second vibration arm may be disposed on a side of the second microstrip, and an end of the second vibration arm closer to the second microstrip is connected to the second microstrip.

[0016]

[0017] In a particular arrangement, the symmetric dipole in the tail section may be used as an excitation unit of an antenna. To satisfy the connection between the antenna and the associated feeding part, the antenna may be connected via one end of a coaxial cable, and the other end of the coaxial cable may be connected to the associated feeding part. The coaxial cable generally includes a cable core and an outer conductor located on the outer periphery of the cable core. Thus, the symmetric dipole in the tail section may be provided with a feeding end. Specifically, the first vibration arm may have a first feeding end, and the first feeding end is located at an end of the first vibration arm facing the second vibration arm. The second vibration arm may have a second feeding end, and the second feeding end is located at an end of the second vibration arm facing the first vibration arm.

[0017]

[0018] Considering that in a coaxial cable, the size of the outer conductor is larger than that of the cable core, an unbalanced feed will occur when the coaxial cable is connected to an antenna. Therefore, in a specific deployment, a balun structure may be further placed on the antenna to balance the feed.

[0018]

[0019] In a specific arrangement, the balun structure can be arranged on the side of the symmetric dipole in the tail section and away from the folded dipole, and connected to the symmetric dipole in the tail section. The specific structure type of the balun structure can be appropriately selected and adjusted based on various conditions. For example, the balun structure can be a bent U-shaped structure, and one end of the balun structure can be connected to the first vibration arm, and the other end can be connected to the second vibration arm.

[0019]

[0020] Alternatively, in other implementations, the problem of unbalanced power supply may be addressed using other configurations.

[0020]

[0021] For example, the end near the first vibration arm and the end near the second vibration arm may be connected to each other, and a slot may exist between the first vibration arm and the second vibration arm. The end of the first vibration arm near the first microstrip may be connected to the first microstrip line, and the end of the second microstrip may extend into the slot. When connected, the outer conductor of the coaxial cable may be connected to the first feed end of the first vibration arm or the second vibration arm, and the inner conductor of the coaxial cable may be connected to the second microstrip. Thus, in order to balance the feed between the antenna and the coaxial cable, a feed is provided between the antenna and the coaxial cable by implementing a coplanar waveguide.

[0021]

[0022] Also, depending on the particular deployment, a folded dipole, which is relatively common in the prior art, may be used for the folded dipole, or flexible processing may be implemented for the folded dipole.

[0022]

[0023] For example, the folded dipole may include a first connection arm and a second connection arm, the first connection arm and the second connection arm are arranged coaxially, the first connection arm and the second connection arm are configured symmetrically with respect to the coupling line, an end of the first connection arm is connected to a first microstrip, and an end of the second connection arm is connected to a second microstrip.

[0023]

[0024] In addition, the working wavelength of the folded dipole can be increased. In a specific arrangement, the first connection arm of the folded dipole further has a first extension section extending away from the second connection arm. The second connection arm has a second extension section extending away from the first connection arm. By setting the first extension section and the second extension section, the working wavelength of the folded dipole can be increased. The specific lengths of the first extension section and the second extension section can be set based on the actual conditions. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0024]

[0025] According to another aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device includes a signal processing circuit and the aforementioned antenna. The signal processing circuit may be electrically connected to the antenna via a coaxial cable. The communication device may be a wireless router, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc. The signal processing circuit is electrically connected to the antenna to input or output a radio frequency signal. The electronic device has better antenna performance and can realize a relatively wide frequency band and omnidirectional coverage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 2]

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of another antenna according to an embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 3]

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of another antenna according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4]

[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of another antenna according to an embodiment of the present application. [Diagram 5]

[0030] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a coaxial cable according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 6]

[0031] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of another antenna according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 7]

[0032] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a planar structure of another antenna according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 8]

[0033] FIG. 8 is a signal simulation diagram of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 9]

[0034] FIG. 9 is a simulation diagram of the radiation intensity of the antenna according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 10]

[0035] FIG. 10 shows the antenna radiation pattern corresponding to FIG. [Figure 11]

[0036] FIG. 11 is a radiation pattern of an antenna in another direction according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 12]

[0037] FIG. 12 is a radiation pattern of an antenna in another direction according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026]

[0038] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027]

[0039] In order to facilitate understanding of the antenna provided in the embodiments of the present application, the application scenario of the antenna will be described first hereinafter.

[0028]

[0040] The antenna provided in the embodiments of the present application may be used in a communication device, and is configured to enable the communication device to receive or transmit wireless signals and realize wireless communication functions. The communication device may be a wireless router, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, etc.

[0029]

[0041] Take a router as an example. A router usually uses an antenna to generate a Wi-Fi signal with a certain coverage. Devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers within the coverage can perform signal interconnection with the router. To achieve faster signal transmission, Wi-Fi signals are gradually covering from 2G to 5G or even higher frequency bands. Half-wave dipole antennas are mainly used in current routers. As a kind of common narrowband antenna, half-wave dipole antennas have characteristics such as horizontal omni-directional radiation, and the maximum gain is about 2dBi. As the operating frequency of the antenna increases, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna also increases accordingly. However, compared with low-frequency electromagnetic waves, high-frequency electromagnetic waves are significantly attenuated even at the same propagation distance, and have poor wraparound and wall penetration capabilities. However, since the frequency of the electromagnetic waves radiated by a half-wave dipole is highly related to the size and height of the half-wave dipole, the half-wave dipole antenna can only generate a beam in a single frequency band and has low gain in the vertical direction, failing to achieve full area coverage.

[0030]

[0042] In addition, general directional antennas usually exhibit single-beam characteristics, and the coverage of the directional antenna decreases with increasing gain. Correspondingly, in the process of increasing the coverage of the directional antenna, the gain of the directional antenna decreases significantly. Therefore, for directional antennas, more gain indicates smaller coverage, and therefore the effects of high gain and large coverage cannot be achieved at the same time.

[0031]

[0043] Thus, embodiments of the present application provide an antenna that has relatively large gain and is useful for achieving omni-directional coverage.

[0032]

[0044] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033]

[0045] The terms used in the following embodiments are merely intended to describe certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the present application. As used in the specification and the appended claims of this application, the singular terms "a", "an", "the", "the" and "this" are intended to encompass such terms as "one or more", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the following embodiments of this application, it should be further understood that "at least one" and "one or more" refer to one, two, or more. The term "and / or" is used to describe a relationship between related objects, and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: only A is present, both A and B are present, and only B is present, where A and B are singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0034]

[0046] References to "embodiments," "some embodiments," and the like in this specification indicate that one or more embodiments of the present application include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment. Thus, the appearances of "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in some other embodiments," "in other embodiments," and the like in different places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "in one or more (but not all) embodiments," unless specifically emphasized otherwise. The terms "include," "comprise," "have," and variations thereof all mean "including, but not limited to," unless specifically emphasized otherwise.

[0035]

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the antenna includes a dielectric substrate 10, a folded dipole 30, and three symmetric dipoles. The three symmetric dipoles are symmetric dipole 40a, symmetric dipole 40b, and symmetric dipole 40c, respectively. A coupling line 20 is disposed on the dielectric substrate 10, and the folded dipole 30, symmetric dipole 40a, symmetric dipole 40b, and symmetric dipole 40c are all disposed on the dielectric substrate 10 and connected to the coupling line 20. The folded dipole 30, symmetric dipole 40a, symmetric dipole 40b, and symmetric dipole 40c may be configured to convert current energy into electromagnetic energy and radiate the electromagnetic energy, and the distance L between the symmetric dipole 40c and the folded dipole 30 may be provided according to certain dimensional constraints to form a series-fed binary antenna array design. The symmetric dipole 40a and the symmetric dipole 40b are arranged between the folded dipole 30 and the symmetric dipole 40c, and the symmetric dipole 40a and the symmetric dipole 40b are arranged sequentially from the folded dipole 30 to the symmetric dipole 40c. The radiation ability of the symmetric dipole 40c in the direction of the folded dipole 30 can be effectively improved by the symmetric dipole 40a and the symmetric dipole 40b, and the bandwidth of the antenna can also be effectively widened.

[0036]

[0048] In the embodiment provided in the present application, the folded dipole 30 has a relatively strong radiation gain in the vertical direction, and the symmetric dipole 40c is characterized by horizontal omni-directional radiation, etc. For the electromagnetic waves generated by the folded dipole 30 and the symmetric dipole 40c, the folded dipole 30 and the symmetric dipole 40c can be arranged according to certain dimensional constraints to realize coherent superposition and achieve multi-beam characteristics. Therefore, the superposition of the folded dipole 30 and the symmetric dipole 40c is beneficial to realize the multi-directional coverage of the antenna. For example, the wireless router equipped with the above-mentioned antenna can be applied to a high-rise building structure to ensure the coverage of Wi-Fi signals on the same floor, and also to improve the coverage of Wi-Fi signals on the upper and lower floors.

[0037]

[0049] Generally, in practical applications, the antenna may include a folded dipole 30 and N symmetric dipoles, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1. The folded dipole 30 may be disposed at a first end of the coupled line 20 (the left part in the figure), and the N symmetric dipoles may be disposed sequentially from the first end to the second end of the coupled line 20 (i.e., from left to right).

[0038]

[0050] In a specific implementation, the dielectric substrate 10 may be a structure such as a printed circuit board or a flexible circuit board. The coupling line 20 may be formed on the dielectric substrate 10 using a process such as photolithography. The coupling line 20 includes a first microstrip 21 and a second microstrip 22, and there is a gap between the first microstrip 21 and the second microstrip 22. To ensure the operation stability of the symmetric dipole 40 and the folded dipole 30, the width size of the first microstrip 21 and the second microstrip 22 may be the same. In a specific implementation, the coupling line 20 may be called a parallel strip line. The first microstrip 21 and the second microstrip 22 may be in a parallel or nearly parallel relationship.

[0039]

[0051] When the symmetric dipole 40c is specifically arranged as shown in FIG. 1, the symmetric dipole 40c may include a first vibration arm 41 and a second vibration arm 42, and the first vibration arm 41 and the second vibration arm 42 are configured symmetrically with respect to the coupling line 20. The first vibration arm 41 and the second vibration arm 42 may be arranged coaxially, and the end of the first vibration arm 41 is connected to the first microstrip 21, and the end of the second vibration arm 42 is connected to the second microstrip 22. The symmetric dipole may be understood as a dipole, a half-wave dipole, etc. The symmetric arrangement of the first vibration arm 41 and the second vibration arm 42 means symmetry in position. In a specific implementation, the structural sizes of the first vibration arm 41 and the second vibration arm 42 may be the same or different.

[0040]

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, in another arrangement, a gap 43 may be further provided in the first vibration arm 41 and the second vibration arm 42 to impose a capacitive load on the symmetric dipole 40c, thereby optimizing the operational performance of the symmetric dipole 40c.

[0041]

[0053] The symmetric dipole 40a and the symmetric dipole 40b may be arranged in the same or similar manner according to the structure of the symmetric dipole 40c described above, and the details will not be described again here.

[0042]

[0054] In a particular arrangement, the distance L between the symmetric dipole 40c and the folded dipole 30 may be in a range ranging from ¼ to the entire operating wavelength of the antenna, thus allowing for coherent superposition of the electromagnetic waves generated by the folded dipole 30 and the symmetric dipole 40c, achieving a multi-beam characteristic.

[0043]

[0055] In addition, in a specific arrangement, the symmetric dipole 40a, the symmetric dipole 40b, and the symmetric dipole 40c may be arranged according to certain dimensional constraints, which can effectively improve the radiation ability of the symmetric dipole 40c in the direction of the folded dipole 30, and also effectively increase the bandwidth of the antenna.

[0044]

[0056] For example, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the lengths between the symmetric dipoles 40a, 40b, and 40c may be arranged in a logarithmic periodic manner. Specifically, the symmetric dipoles 40a, 40b, and 40c may be arranged by satisfying the following dimensional constraints:

[0045]

number

[0057] N is the sequence number of the symmetric dipoles, which increases sequentially from the left end to the right end of the coupling line 20. That is, the symmetric dipole 40a is the first symmetric dipole, the symmetric dipole 40b is the second symmetric dipole, and the symmetric dipole 40c is the third symmetric dipole.

[0046]

[0058] L n is the length of the nth symmetric dipole. L n+1 is the length of the (n+1)th symmetric dipole. For example, in the symmetric dipole 40c, the length of the symmetric dipole 40c is the sum of the lengths of the first vibration arm 41 and the second vibration arm 42. In general, the length of the symmetric dipole 40c is approximately equal to half the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave transmitted or received by the symmetric dipole 40c.

[0047]

[0059] τ is the combination coefficient of the antenna. In a specific application, the value of τ can be appropriately selected based on the actual conditions. For example, the value of τ may be 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, etc. This is not limited in the present application.

[0048]

[0060] In some other implementations, the symmetric dipole 40a and the symmetric dipole 40b may be arranged according to certain dimensional constraints, which can effectively improve the radiation capability of the symmetric dipole 40c in the direction of the folded dipole 30, and can also effectively increase the bandwidth of the antenna.

[0049]

[0061] For example, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the relative positions between the symmetric dipoles 40a, 40b, and 40c may be arranged in a logarithmic periodic manner. Specifically, the symmetric dipoles 40a, 40b, and 40c may be arranged by satisfying the following dimensional constraints:

[0050]

number

[0062] N is the sequence number of the symmetric dipole, which increases sequentially from the left end to the right end of the coupling line 20. That is, the symmetric dipole 40a is the first symmetric dipole, the symmetric dipole 40b is the second symmetric dipole, and the symmetric dipole 40c is the third symmetric dipole. n is the distance from the nth symmetric dipole to the virtual vertex O of the antenna. R n+1 is the distance from the (n+1)th symmetric dipole to the virtual vertex O of the antenna. In the antenna structure shown in FIG. 2, the symmetric dipoles 40a, 40b, and 40c have lengths that decrease in order. Therefore, the upper ends of the symmetric dipoles 40a, 40b, and 40c located above the coupling line 20 are aligned on the same straight line. Correspondingly, the upper ends (lower ends in the drawing) of the symmetric dipoles 40a, 40b, and 40c located below the coupling line 20 are also aligned on the same straight line. The intersection of the two straight lines forms the virtual vertex O.

[0051]

[0063] τ is the coupling coefficient of the antenna. In a specific application, the value of τ can be appropriately selected based on the actual conditions. For example, the value of τ may be 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, etc. This is not limited in the present application.

[0052]

[0064] In some other implementations, the symmetric dipoles 40a and 40b may be arranged according to different dimensional constraints, which may effectively increase the radiation capability of the symmetric dipole 40c in the direction of the folded dipole 30, and may also effectively increase the bandwidth of the antenna.

[0053]

[0065] For example, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the relative positions between the symmetric dipoles 40a, 40b, and 40c may be arranged in a logarithmic periodic manner. Specifically, the symmetric dipoles 40a, 40b, and 40c may be arranged by satisfying the following dimensional constraints:

[0054]

number

[0066] N is the sequence number of the symmetric dipoles, which increases sequentially from the left end to the right end of the coupling line 20. That is, the symmetric dipole 40a is the first symmetric dipole, the symmetric dipole 40b is the second symmetric dipole, and the symmetric dipole 40c is the third symmetric dipole.

[0055]

[0067] d n is the distance between the nth symmetric dipole and the (n+1)th symmetric dipole. d n+1 is the distance between the (n+1)th symmetric dipole and the (n+2)th symmetric dipole.

[0056]

[0068] τ is the coupling coefficient of the antenna. In a specific application, the value of τ can be appropriately selected based on the actual conditions. For example, the value of τ may be 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, etc. This is not limited in the present application.

[0057]

[0069] It will be understood that in a specific implementation, the multiple symmetric dipoles may only satisfy any of the dimensional constraints of the above formulas (1) to (3), or may simultaneously satisfy any one, two, or three of the dimensional constraints of the above formulas. In addition, in a specific setting, the number of symmetric dipoles may be one, three, or more. In addition, parameters such as the placement position and size of the symmetric dipoles can also be appropriately placed based on actual conditions. This is not specifically limited in the present application. Alternatively, in some other implementations, the symmetric dipoles may not be placed.

[0058]

[0070] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the symmetric dipole 40a is disposed between the folded dipole 30 and the symmetric dipole 40c. Alternatively, it will be understood that the aforementioned symmetric dipole 40b is omitted. In this way, the structure of the antenna is effectively simplified, thereby improving the convenience of manufacture and effectively reducing the manufacturing cost and complexity. Furthermore, in a specific implementation, the symmetric dipole 40c can be subjected to a global widening process or a local widening process. As shown in FIG. 3, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the widening process is performed at the end of the first vibration arm 41, and correspondingly, the widening process is also performed at the end of the second vibration arm 42. In this way, the radiation performance of the symmetric dipole 40c can be improved, so that the radiation ability of the symmetric dipole 40c in the direction of the folded dipole 30 can be improved, and the bandwidth of the antenna can also be effectively widened.

[0059]

[0071] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, in another embodiment provided in the present application, the antenna includes a folded dipole 30 and a symmetric dipole 40c. That is, the aforementioned symmetric dipole 40a and symmetric dipole 40b are omitted. When the symmetric dipole 40a and symmetric dipole 40b are omitted, the structure of the antenna is effectively simplified, thereby improving the convenience of manufacture and effectively reducing the manufacturing cost and complexity.

[0060]

[0072] In a specific implementation, a folded dipole 30 which is relatively common in the prior art may be used for the folded dipole 30, or a flexible processing may be performed on the folded dipole 30.

[0061]

[0073] For example, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the folded dipole 30 includes a first connection arm 31, a second connection arm 32, a third connection arm 33, and a fourth connection arm 34. The first connection arm 31 and the second connection arm 32 are arranged coaxially, and the first connection arm 31 and the second connection arm 32 are configured symmetrically with respect to the coupling line 20. An end of the first connection arm 31 is connected to the first microstrip 21, and an end of the second connection arm 32 is connected to the second microstrip 22. In general, the operating wavelength of the folded dipole 30 (the wavelength at which the folded dipole 30 transmits or receives electromagnetic waves) is about twice the total length of the first connection arm 31 and the second connection arm 32. The third connection arm 33 is provided with a folding structure 331, and the fourth connection arm 34 is provided with a folding structure 341. The folding structure 331 and the folding structure 341 facilitate the miniaturization of the folded dipole 30, thereby reducing the volume of the folded dipole 30. Additionally, the folding structures 331 and 341 are also useful for lowering the resonant frequency of the folded dipole 30 so that the folded dipole 30 is within the normal operating frequency band.

[0062]

[0074] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in another embodiment provided in the present application, the first connecting arm 31 of the folded dipole 30 further has a first extension 311 extending in a direction away from the second connecting arm 32. The second connecting arm 32 has a second extension 321 extending in a direction away from the first connecting arm 31. Both ends of the fifth connecting arm 35 respectively have a third extension 351 and a fourth extension 352. By setting the first extension 311, the second extension 321, the third extension 351, and the fourth extension 352, the working wavelength of the folded dipole 30 can be lengthened. The specific lengths of the first extension 311, the second extension 321, the third extension 351, and the fourth extension 352 can be set based on the actual conditions. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0063]

[0075] It will be understood that in a specific application, the structure of the folded dipole 30 can be appropriately selected and adjusted based on different conditions, which is not limited in the present application.

[0064]

[0076] Further, please refer to Fig. 5. In practical application, the antenna needs to be connected to a signal processing circuit via a coaxial cable 50. The coaxial cable 50 generally includes a cable core 51 and a cylindrical outer conductor 52 wound around the outer circumference of the cable core 51. As the excitation unit of the antenna, the symmetric dipole 40 needs to be connected to the coaxial cable 50.

[0065]

[0077] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. Specifically, the first feed end 411 is disposed on the first vibration arm 41 of the symmetric dipole 40, and the second feed end 421 is disposed on the second vibration arm 42. The first feed end 411 is disposed at an end of the first vibration arm 41 that is closer to the second vibration arm 42. Correspondingly, the second feed end 421 is disposed at an end of the second vibration arm 42 that is closer to the first vibration arm 41.

[0066]

[0078] Considering that the size of the outer conductor 52 of the coaxial cable 50 is larger than that of the cable core 51, in order to achieve a good connection between the coaxial cable 50 and the antenna, the antenna can use other structural configurations to further address the problem of unbalanced feeding.

[0067]

[0079] 4, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the antenna further includes a balun structure 60. The balun structure 60 is provided on the side of the symmetric dipole 40c away from the folded dipole 30 and is connected to the symmetric dipole 40c.

[0068]

[0080] Specifically, in the embodiment provided in the present application, the balun structure 60 is a folded U-shaped structure, one end of which is connected to the first vibration arm 41 and the other end of which is connected to the second vibration arm 42.

[0069]

[0081] In a particular arrangement, when the first feed end 411 is connected to the inner conductor 51 of the coaxial cable 50 and the second feed end 421 is connected to the outer conductor 52 of the coaxial cable 50, the U-shaped structure may be bent in the direction in which the second vibration arm 42 extends in order to balance the feed between the symmetric dipole 40 and the coaxial cable 50.

[0070]

[0082] When the first feed end 411 is connected to the outer conductor 52 of the coaxial cable 50 and the second feed end 421 is connected to the inner conductor 51 of the coaxial cable 50, the U-shaped structure may be bent in the direction in which the first vibration arm 41 extends in order to balance the feed between the symmetric dipole 40 and the coaxial cable 50.

[0071]

[0083] It will be understood that in a specific implementation, the specific size and structural form of the balun structure 60 can be appropriately adjusted based on the actual conditions, which is not limited in the present application.

[0072]

[0084] Additionally, the antenna may include further structures to balance the power feed between the antenna and the coaxial cable.

[0073]

[0085] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the embodiment provided in the present application, a slot is formed between the first vibration arm 41 and the second vibration arm 42, and the end (right end) of the second microstrip 22 extends into the slot. During the connection, the outer conductor 52 of the coaxial cable 50 may be connected to the feed end 411 of the first vibration arm 41, and the inner conductor 51 of the coaxial cable 50 may be connected to the feed end 221 of the second microstrip 22. Thus, in order to balance the feed between the antenna and the coaxial cable 50, the feed between the antenna and the coaxial cable 50 is performed by implementing a coplanar waveguide.

[0074]

[0086] Hereinafter, the antenna shown in FIG. 7 will be used as an example to explain the advantageous effects of the antenna using experimental data.

[0075]

[0087] In Fig. 7, the antenna includes a symmetric dipole 40a, a symmetric dipole 40b, a symmetric dipole 40c, and a folded dipole 30. The distance between the symmetric dipole 40c and the folded dipole 30 is approximately equal to half the operating wavelength of the antenna. The symmetric dipole 40a, the symmetric dipole 40b, and the symmetric dipole 40c are arranged sequentially from left to right. The three symmetric dipoles are arranged to satisfy the dimensional constraints of the above-mentioned equations (1) to (3).

[0076]

[0088] FIG. 8 shows a signal simulation diagram of the antenna. It can be seen from the diagram that the working frequency band of the antenna is approximately between 5GHz and 5.6GHz. Specifically, the coordinates of mark 1 in the diagram are approximately (5.0517, -10.179), and the coordinates of mark 2 are approximately (5.5933, -10.074). In the industry, the frequency below -10dB is usually considered as the effective power frequency of the antenna. Therefore, in the antenna provided in this application, the effective working frequency band of the antenna is approximately between 5GHz and 5.6GHz.

[0077]

[0089] Figure 9 shows the data simulation diagram of antenna radiation intensity in XZ direction. Figure 10 shows the antenna radiation pattern in XOZ. Figure 11 shows the antenna radiation pattern (also called directivity pattern) in XOY. Figure 12 shows the antenna radiation pattern in YOZ. That is, in the range of three-dimensional space, the antenna radiation signal shows dual beam characteristics.

[0078]

[0090] In summary, the antenna provided in the embodiment of the present application can achieve a multi-directional radiation range in a three-dimensional space and can realize multi-beam characteristics, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the antenna.

[0079]

[0091] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device includes the above antenna. The communication device may be an optical network unit (ONU), an access point (AP), or a station (STA), a wireless router, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or any other electronic device that uses the above antenna. Alternatively, the communication device may be a module including the above antenna or the like. The communication device may further include a signal processing circuit. The signal processing circuit is electrically connected to the antenna to input or output a radio frequency signal. The signal processing circuit may be electrically connected to the antenna through a transmission medium. The transmission medium may be, for example, a coaxial cable or any other medium. The electronic device has better antenna performance and can achieve a relatively wide frequency band and omnidirectional coverage.

[0080]

[0092] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Any variations or replacements that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. 13. An antenna comprising: A dielectric substrate; a coupling line disposed on the dielectric substrate, the coupling line having a first end and a second end; a folded dipole disposed on the dielectric substrate, the folded dipole being disposed at a first end of the coupled line and connected to the coupled line; and N symmetric dipoles disposed on the dielectric substrate, the N symmetric dipoles being connected to the coupling line, where N is an integer greater than 1; wherein the N symmetric dipoles are arranged in sequence from the first end to the second end of the coupled line, and the N sequentially arranged symmetric dipoles have lengths that vary in a logarithmic cycle.

2. 2. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the distance between the folded dipole and the symmetric dipole in the tail section is L; the symmetric dipole in the tail portion is a symmetric dipole disposed at a second end of the coupled line; and L is in the range of 1 / 4 of the operating wavelength of the antenna to the full length of the operating wavelength.

3. 3. The antenna of claim 2, wherein L is equal to half the operating wavelength of the antenna.

4. 4. The antenna of claim 3, wherein the coupling line includes a first microstrip and a second microstrip; and The antenna, wherein the first microstrip and the second microstrip are arranged in parallel, and a gap exists between the first microstrip and the second microstrip.

5. 5. The antenna of claim 4, wherein the symmetric dipole includes a first vibration arm and a second vibration arm, the first vibration arm and the second vibration arm being configured symmetrically with respect to the coupling line; and the first vibration arm is disposed on a side of the first microstrip, and an end of the first vibration arm proximate the first microstrip is connected to the first microstrip; and The antenna, wherein the second vibration arm is disposed to the side of the second microstrip, and an end of the second vibration arm that is closer to the second microstrip is connected to the second microstrip.

6. 6. The antenna of claim 5, wherein in the symmetric dipole in the tail section, the first vibration arm has a first feed end, the first feed end being disposed at an end of the first vibration arm facing the second vibration arm; the second vibration arm has a second power feed end, the second power feed end being disposed at an end of the second vibration arm facing the first vibration arm; and The antenna, wherein the symmetric dipole in the tail section is a symmetric dipole disposed at a second end of the coupled line.

7. 7. The antenna of claim 6, further comprising a balun structure; and The antenna, wherein the balun structure is disposed to the side of the symmetric dipole in the tail section, away from the folded dipole, and is connected to the symmetric dipole in the tail section.

8. 8. The antenna of claim 7, wherein the balun structure is a bent U-shaped structure, one end of the balun structure being connected to the first vibration arm and the other end being connected to the second vibration arm.

9. 5. The antenna of claim 4, wherein the symmetric dipole in the tail portion includes a first vibration arm and a second vibration arm, the first vibration arm and the second vibration arm being configured symmetrically with respect to the coupling line; an end proximate the first vibration arm and an end proximate the second vibration arm are connected to one another, and a slot exists between the first vibration arm and the second vibration arm; an end of the first vibration arm proximate to the first microstrip is connected to the first microstrip and an end of the second microstrip is disposed in the slot; and The antenna, wherein the symmetric dipole in the tail portion is a symmetric dipole disposed at the second end of the coupled line, the first vibration arm or the second vibration arm having a first feed end, and the second microstrip having a second feed end.

10. 5. The antenna of claim 4, wherein the folded dipole includes a first connection arm and a second connection arm, the first connection arm being connected to an end of the first microstrip and the second connection arm being connected to an end of the second microstrip.

11. 11. The antenna of claim 10, wherein the first connecting arm has a first extension extending away from the second connecting arm; and The second connecting arm has a second extension extending away from the first connecting arm.

12. 2. The antenna of claim 1, wherein the coupling line includes a first microstrip and a second microstrip; and The antenna, wherein the first microstrip and the second microstrip are arranged in parallel, and a gap exists between the first microstrip and the second microstrip.

13. 3. The antenna of claim 2, wherein the coupling line includes a first microstrip and a second microstrip; and The antenna, wherein the first microstrip and the second microstrip are arranged in parallel, and a gap exists between the first microstrip and the second microstrip.

14. 6. The antenna of claim 5, wherein the folded dipole includes a first connection arm and a second connection arm, the first connection arm being connected to an end of the first microstrip and the second connection arm being connected to an end of the second microstrip.

15. 7. The antenna of claim 6, wherein the folded dipole includes a first connection arm and a second connection arm, the first connection arm being connected to an end of the first microstrip and the second connection arm being connected to an end of the second microstrip.

16. 8. The antenna of claim 7, wherein the folded dipole includes a first connection arm and a second connection arm, the first connection arm being connected to an end of the first microstrip and the second connection arm being connected to an end of the second microstrip.

17. 9. The antenna of claim 8, wherein the folded dipole includes a first connection arm and a second connection arm, the first connection arm being connected to an end of the first microstrip and the second connection arm being connected to an end of the second microstrip.

18. 10. The antenna of claim 9, wherein the folded dipole includes a first connection arm and a second connection arm, the first connection arm connected to an end of the first microstrip and the second connection arm connected to an end of the second microstrip.

19. 19. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the N symmetric dipoles are: [0070] where n is a sequence number of the symmetric dipoles, increasing sequentially from the first end to the second end of the coupled line; L n is the length of the nth symmetric dipole; L n+1 is the length of the (n+1)th symmetric dipole; and τ is the coupling factor of said antenna.

20. 20. The antenna of claim 19, wherein the N symmetric dipoles comprise: [0080] where n is a sequence number of the symmetric dipoles, increasing sequentially from the first end to the second end of the coupled line; R n is the distance from the nth symmetric dipole to the virtual vertex of the antenna; R n＋１ is the distance from the (n+1)th symmetric dipole to the virtual vertex of the antenna; τ is the coupling factor of the antenna.

21. 21. The antenna of claim 20, wherein the N symmetric dipoles comprise: [0097] where n is a sequence number of the symmetric dipoles, increasing sequentially from the first end to the second end of the coupled line; d n is the distance between the nth symmetric dipole and the (n+1)th symmetric dipole; d n+1 is the distance between the (n+1)th symmetric dipole and the (n+2)th symmetric dipole; and τ is the coupling factor of the antenna.

22. A communications device comprising a signal processing circuit and an antenna according to any one of claims 1-18, said signal processing circuit being electrically connected to said antenna.

Images