Antenna device, method for manufacturing antenna device, radar and terminal

Abstract

The present application provides an antenna device, a method for manufacturing the antenna device, a radar, and a terminal, which relate to the field of sensor technology and may be applied to the field of autonomous or intelligent driving. The antenna device includes a first antenna array, the first antenna array including at least one antenna unit, the first antenna unit in the at least one antenna unit including a first patch subunit and a first feeder subunit. The first feeder subunit includes a first feeder and a second feeder. A first included angle θ between the first patch subunit and the first feeder satisfies 0<θ<90°. A second included angle β between the first feeder and the second feeder satisfies 0<β<180°. According to embodiments of the present application, the 3 dB beamwidth of the antenna structure can be expanded. Furthermore, the method may improve the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) function of the terminal in autonomous or assisted driving, and may be applied to Internet of Vehicles, such as vehicle-to-everything (V2X), long-term evolution-enabled vehicle communication (LTE-V) technology, vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V), etc.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to the field of sensor technology, and more particularly to an antenna device, a method for manufacturing an antenna device, a radar, and a terminal in the field of sensor technology. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of society, intelligent terminals such as intelligent road traffic equipment, smart home equipment, and robots are gradually penetrating into people's daily life. Sensors play an important role in intelligent terminals. Various sensors such as millimeter-wave radar, laser radar, camera, and ultrasonic radar mounted on intelligent terminals sense the surrounding environment, collect data, identify and track moving objects, identify static scenarios, such as lane lines or signs, and plan routes based on navigator data and map data in the movement process of the intelligent terminal. The sensors can detect potential dangers in advance and assist in taking necessary avoidance measures, or even take such avoidance measures autonomously, thereby effectively improving the safety and comfort of the intelligent terminal.

[0003] In the example where the intelligent terminal is an intelligent road traffic device, mmWave radar has become the main sensor for unmanned driving systems and driver assistance systems due to its relatively low cost and relatively mature technology. Currently, more than 10 functions have been developed for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Blind Spot Monitoring (BSD) all rely on mmWave radar.

[0004] From the perspective of detection scenarios and radar implementation capabilities, the antenna used by the radar needs to have a relatively wide 3 dB beam width, which can ensure a relatively wide detection angle range in the horizontal direction.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an existing antenna structure. The existing antenna structure uses a series feeding method. However, the 3 dB beam width of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 1 is relatively narrow. As a result, the detection angle range in the horizontal direction is relatively narrow. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT APPLICATIONS Embodiments of the present application provide an antenna device for increasing the 3 dB beamwidth of an antenna structure, a method for manufacturing the antenna device, a radar, and a terminal.

[0007] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an antenna device including a first antenna array. The first antenna array includes at least one antenna unit, and the at least one antenna unit includes a first antenna unit, and the first antenna unit includes a first patch subunit and a first feeder subunit. The first feeder subunit includes a first feeder and a second feeder. The included angle between the first patch subunit and the first feeder is a first included angle θ, and is 0<θ<90°. The included angle between the first feeder and the second feeder is a second included angle β, and is 0<β<180°.

[0008] The first included angle θ is an acute included angle formed between the first patch subunit and the first feeder in the physical space. The first patch subunit and the first feeder may be connected in the physical structure, or may be indirectly connected in the physical structure. The second included angle β is an acute included angle or an obtuse included angle formed between the first feeder and the second feeder in the physical space. The first feeder and the second feeder may be connected in the physical structure, or may be indirectly connected in the physical structure. Here, the connection in the physical structure means that there is an actual connection point, and the indirect connection in the physical structure means that there is no actual connection point, in which case the connection is made by an indirect coupling method or by using another cable.

[0009] In this embodiment of the present application, the antenna device may be used in a radar or another device having a signal transmission and reception function. The antenna device may include one or more antenna arrays, and the first antenna array may include one or more antenna units.

[0010] In the antenna device of this embodiment of the present application, the first patch subunit and the first feeder form an included angle θ, and the first feeder and the second feeder form an included angle β, so that the first antenna array forms a narrower physical aperture in the second direction. In this way, the first antenna array can have a wider 3 dB beam width and therefore a wider detection angle range in the horizontal plane. In addition, the first patch subunit is connected in series with the first feeder subunit, which provides a wider impedance bandwidth and thus a better impedance characteristic. In addition, the radiating element of the first antenna unit uses a scheme in which the first patch subunit and the first feeder subunit are connected in series, so that the energy of the first antenna unit and the energy of other adjacent antenna units can be superimposed in the same phase. Therefore, when the input conditions are the same, the radiation efficiency is higher and the electromagnetic wave conversion ability is stronger. This can reduce unnecessary energy loss.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the second included angle β is twice the first included angle θ, or the difference between the second included angle β and twice the first included angle θ meets a certain threshold value.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first patch subunit, the first feeder, and the second feeder are arranged in sequence in a first direction, and the first feeder is arranged between the first patch subunit and the second feeder in the first direction.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the first antenna array is disposed on the top surface of the first dielectric layer, the first direction is the arrangement and extension direction of the antenna units in the first antenna array on the top surface of the first dielectric layer, and the second direction is the direction in which the top surface of the first dielectric layer is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first patch subunit is adjacent to the first feeder in the first direction.

[0015] In one possible embodiment, the first end of the first feeder is connected to the first patch subunit, and the second end of the first feeder is connected to the second feeder. The first end of the first feeder and the first patch subunit may be connected in a physical structure or in a coupling manner.

[0016] In one possible embodiment, the first antenna unit further includes a first transmission line, the first transmission line is connected to the first patch subunit, and the first transmission line is connected to the first end of the first feeder. The first patch subunit is connected to the first feeder through the first transmission line, and the first patch subunit is indirectly connected to the first feeder in the physical structure. In this way, when the length of the first feeder does not change and the included angle between the first patch subunit and the first feeder is fixed, the first antenna unit forms a narrower physical aperture in the second direction, so that the first antenna unit can have a wider 3 dB beam width in the horizontal plane.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the first antenna unit further includes a second transmission line, and the first end of the second transmission line is connected to the second end of the first feeder. The second end of the second transmission line is connected to the second feeder. In this way, when the length of the first feeder and the length of the second feeder do not change and the included angle between the first feeder and the second feeder is fixed, the first antenna unit forms a narrower physical aperture in the second direction, so that the first antenna unit can have a wider 3 dB beam width in the horizontal plane.

[0018] In one possible embodiment, the second end of the first feeder is connected to a second feeder.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the first patch subunit is parallel to the second direction, or the included angle between the first patch subunit and the second direction is smaller than the first angle value.

[0020] In one possible embodiment, the first antenna unit further comprises a second patch subunit.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, the width of the second patch subunit in the first direction is different from the width of the first patch subunit.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the second patch subunit is disposed between the first feeder and the second feeder in the first direction.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the sum of the physical included angles between the second patch subunit and the first feeder and between the second patch subunit and the second feeder is equal to the second included angle β.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the second patch subunit is connected to a second transmission line.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the second patch subunit is connected to a second end of the first feeder.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the second patch subunit and the first patch subunit are disposed on either side of the first feeder in the second direction.

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the second patch subunit is parallel to the second direction, or the included angle between the second patch subunit and the second direction is smaller than the first angle value.

[0028] In one possible embodiment, the included angle between the first feeder and the second direction is a third included angle, the included angle between the second feeder and the second direction is a fourth included angle, and a difference between the third included angle and the fourth included angle is less than the first range.

[0029] In one possible embodiment, the third included angle is the same as the fourth included angle.

[0030] In one possible embodiment, the first feeder and the second feeder are technically symmetrical by using the second direction as an axis of symmetry.

[0031] In one possible embodiment, the physical aperture of the antenna unit in the second direction is L, where 0.2λ≦L≦0.75λ, and λ is a wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency of the antenna device. The first patch subunit and the first feeder form a specific included angle θ, and the first feeder and the second feeder form a specific included angle β, so that the first antenna array forms a narrower physical aperture L in the second direction. In this way, the first antenna array can have a wider 3 dB beam width and therefore a wider detection angle range in the horizontal plane.

[0032] In one possible embodiment, the second included angle β satisfies 68°≦β≦88°, so that the first antenna array forms a narrower physical aperture L in the second direction, and the energy of the first antenna unit and the energy of another adjacent antenna unit can be superimposed in phase, thereby meeting the high gain requirement. In addition, a wider impedance bandwidth is provided, resulting in better impedance characteristics. Thus, the radiation efficiency is higher.

[0033] In one possible embodiment, the at least one antenna unit further includes a second antenna unit, and the first antenna unit is connected to the second antenna unit.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the second antenna unit is the same as the first antenna unit, or the second antenna unit is different from the first antenna unit.

[0035] In one possible embodiment, the second antenna unit includes a third patch subunit and a second feeder subunit, the second feeder subunit includes a third feeder and a fourth feeder, and the physical included angle between the third patch subunit and the third feeder is a first included angle θ, and is 0<θ<90°. The physical included angle between the third feeder and the fourth feeder is a second included angle β, and is 0<β<180°.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the cable connection method and the connection angle of the second antenna unit are the same as the cable connection method and the connection angle of the first antenna unit.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the width of the first patch subunit and the width of the third patch subunit are different in the first direction, so that low side lobes in the vertical plane can be implemented, thereby suppressing land clutter.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the width of the first feeder subunit and the width of the second feeder subunit are different in the first direction, so that low side lobes in the vertical plane can be implemented, thereby suppressing land clutter.

[0039] In one possible embodiment, the first patch subunit is a metal patch.

[0040] In one possible embodiment, the metal patch is a rectangular patch, a triangular patch, a trapezoidal patch, a V-shaped patch, or a two-branch patch.

[0041] In one possible embodiment, the two-branch patch is a double square patch or a two-branch U-shaped patch.

[0042] In one possible embodiment, the second patch subunit and the third patch subunit are identical to the first patch subunit.

[0043] In one possible embodiment, the device further includes a first dielectric layer and a first tier, the first antenna array being disposed on an upper surface of the first dielectric layer, and the first tier being disposed below the first dielectric layer.

[0044] In one possible embodiment, the first dielectric layer is a high-frequency circuit board, and the thickness of the first dielectric layer is H, where 0.003λ≦H≦0.15λ, and λ is a wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency of the antenna device.

[0045] In one possible embodiment, the high frequency circuit board has a dielectric constant of 3 and a thickness of 5 mils.

[0046] In one possible embodiment, β is 78°.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the value of β is related to the material of the first dielectric layer, such that different structures of the first antenna array are used for different dielectric layer materials to optimize the 3 dB beam width, impedance characteristics, and radiation efficiency of the antenna arrangement.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the first antenna array further includes a first impedance matching unit.

[0049] In one possible embodiment, the device further includes a second antenna array, the structure of the second antenna array is the same as that of the first antenna array, the second antenna array includes a second antenna unit and a second impedance matching unit, and the impedance matching performance of the second impedance matching unit is different from the impedance matching performance of the first impedance matching unit. The second antenna array is a parasitic dummy antenna array. By adding the parasitic dummy antenna structure, the surface wave of the antenna can be effectively improved. In this way, the amplitude consistency and phase consistency of the antenna array in the horizontal plane are improved. Therefore, the angle measurement performance and distance measurement performance of the radar are improved.

[0050] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for manufacturing an antenna device, the method includes: etching a first antenna array on a first metal layer, the first antenna array including at least one antenna unit, the at least one antenna unit including a first antenna unit, the first antenna unit including a first patch subunit and a first feeder subunit, the first feeder subunit including a first feeder and a second feeder, an included angle between the first patch subunit and the first feeder is a first included angle θ, 0<θ<90°, and an included angle between the first feeder and the second feeder is a second included angle β, 0<β<180°; and bonding the first antenna array and a first surface of a first dielectric layer to each other, the antenna device being grounded via a first tier.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the first patch subunit is adjacent to the first feeder in the first direction.

[0052] In one possible implementation, a first end of the first feeder is connected to the first patch subunit and a second end of the first feeder is connected to the second feeder.

[0053] In one possible embodiment, the antenna unit further includes a first transmission line, the first transmission line being connected to the first patch subunit, and the first transmission line being connected to a first end of the first feeder.

[0054] In one possible embodiment, the antenna unit further includes a second transmission line, a first end of the second transmission line being connected to the first feeder and a second end of the second transmission line being connected to the second feeder.

[0055] In one possible embodiment, the second end of the first feeder is connected to a second feeder.

[0056] In one possible embodiment, the first antenna unit further comprises a second patch subunit.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the second patch subunit is disposed between the first feeder and the second feeder in the first direction.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the second patch subunit is connected to a second transmission line.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the second patch subunit is connected to a second end of the first feeder.

[0060] According to a third aspect, there is provided a radar including an antenna apparatus according to the first aspect or an embodiment of the first aspect.

[0061] In one possible embodiment, the radar further includes a control chip, which is connected to the antenna device and is configured to control the antenna device to transmit and receive signals.

[0062] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a detection device including an antenna device according to the first aspect or an embodiment of the first aspect.

[0063] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a terminal including a radar according to the third aspect or an implementation of the third aspect.

[0064] In one possible embodiment, the terminal is a vehicle.

[0065] For the technical effects provided by the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and the embodiments corresponding to each aspect, please refer to the description of the technical effects of the first aspect or the embodiments of the first aspect, and the details will not be described again.

[0066] In order to more clearly describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments of the present invention are briefly described below. It is obvious that the accompanying drawings in the following description only show some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can further derive other accompanying drawings from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0067] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna structure. [Figure 2(a)] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an included angle. [Figure 2(b)] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an included angle. [Figure 2(c)] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an included angle. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an antenna device 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5(a)] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of one possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 5(b)] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8(a)] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first patch subunit in one possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8(b)] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first patch subunit in another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8(c)] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a first patch subunit in yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8(d)] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a first patch subunit in yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 8(e)] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a first patch subunit in yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 14(a)] FIG. 1 is a comparison diagram of simulation results according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14(b)] FIG. 11 is another comparison diagram of simulation results according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 14(c)] FIG. 11 is yet another comparison diagram of simulation results according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 15]FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of yet another possible antenna device according to an embodiment of the present application; [Figure 16(a)] FIG. 1 is a comparison diagram of simulation results according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16(b)] FIG. 11 is another comparison diagram of simulation results according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 16(c)] FIG. 11 is yet another comparison diagram of simulation results according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic structural diagram of a radar 1700 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic structural diagram of a terminal 1800 according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 19] 19 is a schematic flow chart of a method 1900 according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0068] In the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. (when present) are intended to distinguish between similar objects and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or sequence. It is to be understood that such referred to data may be interchanged in appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the application described herein may be performed in an order other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "include," "have," and any other variations are meant to cover non-exclusive inclusions, e.g., a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a list of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units, but may include other steps or units not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, product, or device.

[0069] In the following description, some terms in the embodiments of the present application are explained to help those skilled in the art to better understand.

[0070] 1. The patch unit is a module with wireless transmission and reception functions in an antenna structure.

[0071] 2. The feeder is also called a cable and has the function of transmitting signals.

[0072] 3. A transmission line is used to transmit electromagnetic waves carrying information from one point to another along a path specified by the transmission line. The material of the transmission line, etc. is not particularly limited in this application. In this specification, the transmission line may alternatively be a feeder, which has the function of transmitting signals or connecting cables.

[0073] 4. Indirect coupling is coupling via a coupling element such as a capacitor, inductor, or transformer.

[0074] 5. Antennas, also known as microstrip antennas, are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.

[0075] It should be further noted that although the terms "upper surface," "lower surface," "upper end," and "lower end" are used throughout the text of this specification, "upper" and "lower" are intended to indicate two opposing surfaces or two opposing ends only, and no limitations are placed on the up-down relationship between particular locations.

[0076] An embodiment of the present application provides an antenna device. The antenna device includes a first antenna array, the first antenna array includes at least one antenna unit, and the at least one antenna unit includes a first antenna unit. The first antenna unit includes a first patch subunit and a first feeder subunit, and the first feeder subunit includes a first feeder and a second feeder. An included angle between the first patch subunit and the first feeder is a first included angle θ, and is 0<θ<90°, while an included angle between the first feeder and the second feeder is a second included angle β, and is 0<β<180°.

[0077] In the antenna device of this embodiment of the present application, the first patch subunit and the first feeder form a first included angle θ, and the first feeder and the second feeder form a second included angle β, so that the first antenna array forms a narrower physical aperture in the second direction. In this way, the first antenna array can have a wider 3 dB beam width and therefore a wider detection angle range in the horizontal plane. In addition, the first patch subunit is connected in series with the first feeder subunit, which results in a wider impedance bandwidth and therefore a better impedance characteristic. In addition, the first antenna unit includes a first patch subunit and a first feeder subunit, and the first patch subunit and the first feeder form a first included angle θ, and the first feeder and the second feeder form a second included angle β, so that the energy of the first feeder and the energy of other adjacent antenna units can be superimposed in the same phase. Therefore, under the same input conditions, the radiation efficiency is higher and the electromagnetic wave conversion ability is stronger, which can reduce unnecessary energy loss.

[0078] In addition, both the first patch subunit and the first feeder subunit in this embodiment of the present application have the functions of radiating energy and supplying energy. Therefore, the antenna apparatus in this embodiment of the present application has higher radiation efficiency.

[0079] It should be noted that dB (decibel) in this embodiment of the present application is the unit of power gain, and the 3dB bandwidth is the frequency interval used corresponding to the maximum gain of the antenna structure is reduced by 3dB, which belongs to the general definition of the bandwidth of the antenna structure. In this application, the example of the 3dB beam width of the antenna is used to explain the technical problem and technical effect. However, the present application is not limited to using only the 3dB bandwidth for explanation, and any other description used to express the bandwidth of the antenna structure may be replaced with the 3dB bandwidth. A wider 3dB beam width means a larger detection angle of the antenna structure.

[0080] The antenna structure in the present application includes a patch subunit and a first feeder subunit in a first direction, and the patch subunit and the first feeder subunit can be freely coupled in the first direction. The antenna can be flexibly designed, has stronger adaptability, and has higher degrees of freedom.

[0081] The patch subunit in this application is also called a patch unit, which is a transceiver module in the antenna unit. In this application, the name of the patch subunit is not limited.

[0082] The feeder may be called a microstrip or other cable with another feeding function. The first antenna array may be called a first microstrip antenna array. The first patch subunit may be a metal patch or other module or cable with wireless transmission and reception function. The antenna device of this specification may use a one-piece design or may be formed by connecting cables or patches of different parts, which is not limited in this specification.

[0083] At least one of the length or width of the first feeder may be the same as or different from at least one of the length or width of the second feeder, and is not limited in this respect herein.

[0084] The antenna apparatus may include one or more antenna arrays, and the one or more antenna arrays may include a first antenna array. The first antenna array may include one or more antenna units. The number of antenna arrays in the antenna apparatus and the number of antenna units in the antenna array are not limited in the present application.

[0085] In one possible embodiment, the first antenna array is disposed on the upper surface of the first dielectric layer, and at least one antenna unit is disposed horizontally on the upper surface of the first dielectric layer. In the present application, the first included angle θ and the second included angle β are the included angle between the first patch subunit and the first feeder, and the included angle between the first feeder and the second feeder, on the upper surface of the first dielectric layer on which the antenna array is disposed. The aforementioned included angles are within an angle of 180°. The two sides forming the included angle are separate first and second sides, and the first and second sides may be feeders or patch subunits. The first and second sides may be connected in the physical structure. As shown in FIG. 2(a), in the physical structure, the first and second sides have an intersection. Alternatively, the first and second sides may not be connected in the physical structure. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the first side and the second side are connected via a connecting line, and the included angle between the first side and the second side is an included angle formed at an intersection of an extension line of the first side and the second side. Alternatively, the first side and the second side may not be connected in the physical structure, or the first side and the second side may be connected in an indirect connection manner. As shown in FIG. 2(c), the first side and the second side do not have an intersection in the physical structure, but the included angle between the first side and the second side is an included angle formed at an intersection of an extension line of the second side and the first side. Those skilled in the art can recognize that the included angle formed between the first side and the second side may be an acute included angle or an obtuse included angle in different directions. In the figure, an acute included angle is used as an example for explanation. 2(a)-2(c) show only some possible examples of the first and second sides that form an included angle. The positions of the first and second sides that form an included angle are not limited in this application.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the first patch subunit is adjacent to the first feeder in the first direction, the first patch subunit, the first feeder, and the second feeder are sequentially arranged in an upward direction in the first direction, and the first feeder is arranged between the first patch subunit and the second feeder in the first direction.

[0087] In one possible embodiment, the first feeder, the first patch subunit, and the second feeder are arranged in sequence in an upward direction in the first direction.

[0088] In one possible embodiment, the first patch subunit is parallel to the second direction, or the included angle between the first patch subunit and the second direction is smaller than the first angle value. Due to limitations in the manufacturing process, the first patch subunit may not be parallel to the second direction, and an error in a certain range may be generated by the manufacturing process. In the present application, the error in a certain range generated by the manufacturing process may be ignored.

[0089] Alternatively, the placement orientation of the first patch subunit may be set so that the included angle between the first patch subunit and the second direction is smaller than a first angle value, and the value of the first angle value is not limited in this specification.

[0090] In one possible embodiment, the first antenna array further includes a first impedance matching unit. The first impedance matching unit is connected to the first antenna array using a transmission line and configured to match the impedance. The transmission line may be a straight line or a bent line, which is not limited in the present application.

[0091] In this specification, the first direction is defined as the arrangement and extension direction of the antenna unit, and the second direction is the direction perpendicular to the first direction in the plane of the first antenna array.

[0092] For example, the present application provides a schematic structural diagram of one possible antenna device, as shown in FIG. 3. The antenna device 100 includes a first antenna array, and the first antenna array includes at least one antenna unit. The at least one antenna unit includes a first antenna unit, and the first antenna unit includes a first patch subunit 110 and a first feeder subunit. The first feeder subunit includes a first feeder 121 and a second feeder 122. A first end of the first feeder 121 is connected to the first patch subunit 110. A second end of the first feeder 121 is connected to the second feeder 122, and the second feeder 122 does not extend as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3, but extends upward in the first direction from the second end of the first feeder 121. The extension of the dashed line in FIG. 3 is downward along the first direction. 3 is used as an example for the purpose of explanation in this specification, so the details are not described in other accompanying drawings. The first end of the first feeder 121 and the second end of the first feeder 121 are the lower end and the upper end of the first feeder in the first direction, respectively.

[0093] For example, the present application provides a schematic structural diagram of another possible antenna device, as shown in FIG. 4. The antenna device 200 includes a first antenna array, and the first antenna array includes at least one antenna unit. The at least one antenna unit includes a first antenna unit, and the first antenna unit includes a first patch subunit 210, a first transmission line, a first feeder 221, a second transmission line, and a second feeder 222. The first transmission line is connected to the first patch subunit 210, and the first transmission line is connected to a first end of the first feeder 221. The first end of the second transmission line is connected to a second end of the first feeder 221, and the second end of the second transmission line is connected to the second feeder 222, and the second feeder 222 extends upward in a first direction starting from the second end of the second transmission line. In this specification, the concept of the first end and the second end is the same as the concept of the first end and the second end of the first feeder 121. The first end and the second end are the lower end and the upper end in the first direction, respectively. When the present antenna device is integrally formed, the first transmission line, the first feeder 221, the second transmission line, and the second feeder 222 may be regarded as one feeder. In this specification, the division of the feeder is merely embodied to describe a specific structure of the feeder, and "connected" refers to the connection between the structures of different segments in one feeder. The length of the first transmission line and the length of the second transmission line in the first direction may be the same or different. The first transmission line and the second transmission line may also be feeders, and the names of the first transmission line and the second transmission line are not limited in this specification.

[0094] The first patch subunit is connected to the first feeder through the first transmission line, and the first patch subunit is indirectly connected to the first feeder in the physical structure. In this way, when the length of the first feeder does not change and the included angle between the first patch subunit and the first feeder is fixed, the first antenna unit forms a narrower physical aperture in the second direction, so that the first antenna unit can have a wider 3dB beam width in the horizontal plane. When the length of the first feeder and the length of the second feeder do not change and the included angle between the first feeder and the second feeder is fixed, the first antenna unit forms a narrower physical aperture in the second direction, so that the first antenna unit can have a wider 3dB beam width in the horizontal plane.

[0095] In embodiments of the present application, "connected" may refer to a connection within a physical structure, or "connected" may refer to an indirectly coupled connection, where there is no intersection within the physical structure.

[0096] Optionally, the second included angle β is twice the first included angle θ, or the absolute value of the difference between the second included angle β and twice the first included angle θ is equal to or less than a certain threshold. Due to limitations in the manufacturing process, there may be an error between the second included angle β and twice the first included angle θ. In the present application, the error caused by the manufacturing process is within a certain threshold and may be ignored. The value of the certain threshold is not limited in the present application and may be configured or defined based on the manufacturing process, performance requirements, etc.

[0097] Optionally, the included angle between the first feeder and the second direction is a third included angle, and the included angle between the second feeder and the second direction is a fourth included angle, and a difference between the third included angle and the fourth included angle is less than the first range, and the magnitude of the first range is not limited herein.

[0098] Optionally, the third included angle is the same as the fourth included angle, that is, the first feeder and the second feeder are technically symmetrical by using the second direction as the symmetry axis. Due to limitations in the manufacturing process, the third included angle and the fourth included angle may not be completely identical, and an error in a certain range may occur due to the manufacturing process. In the present application, the error in a certain range caused by the manufacturing process may be ignored.

[0099] Optionally, the first antenna unit further includes a second patch subunit.

[0100] Optionally, the second patch subunit is disposed between the first feeder and the second feeder in the first direction, or the second patch subunit is connected to a second end of the second feeder using a transmission line.

[0101] Optionally, the second patch subunit and the first patch subunit are disposed on either side of the first feeder in the second direction.

[0102] For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the second patch subunit is connected to the second end of the first feeder and is located midway between the first feeder and the second feeder in the first direction.

[0103] For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the second patch subunit is connected to the second transmission line.

[0104] In one possible embodiment, the second patch subunit is parallel to the second direction, or the included angle between the second patch subunit and the second direction is smaller than the first angle value, or the sum of the physical included angles between the second patch subunit and the first feeder and between the second patch subunit and the second feeder is equal to the second included angle β.

[0105] The width of the first patch subunit and the width of the second patch subunit in the first direction may be the same or different, and is not limited thereto herein.

[0106] In one possible embodiment, the physical aperture of the antenna unit in the second direction is L, where 0.2λ≦L≦0.75λ, and λ is a wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency of the antenna device. For example, the antenna device structure shown in FIG. 6 allows the first antenna array to form a narrower physical aperture L in the second direction, so that the first antenna array can have a wider 3 dB beam width and therefore a wider detection angle range in the horizontal plane. L and λ are in millimeters.

[0107] In one possible embodiment, 68°≦β≦88°. Therefore, the first antenna array forms a narrower physical aperture L in the second direction, and the energy of the first antenna unit and the energy of other adjacent antenna units can be superimposed in the same phase, so that equivalent magnetic currents in the same direction can be generated in the adjacent patch subunits, thereby meeting the high gain requirement. In addition, a wider impedance bandwidth is provided, resulting in better impedance characteristics. Thus, the radiation efficiency is higher.

[0108] In one possible embodiment, the at least one antenna unit further includes a second antenna unit, and the first antenna unit is connected to the second antenna unit.

[0109] The second antenna unit includes a third patch subunit and a second feeder subunit, the second feeder subunit includes a third feeder and a fourth feeder, and a physical included angle between the third patch subunit and the third feeder is a first included angle θ, which is 0<θ<90°. In addition, a physical included angle between the third feeder and the fourth feeder is a second included angle β, which is 0<β<180°.

[0110] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second antenna unit is connected to the second feeder of the first antenna unit through a third transmission line, or the second antenna unit is directly connected to the second feeder of the first antenna unit. The second antenna unit and the first antenna unit are similarly arranged. Optionally, the second antenna unit may further include a fourth transmission line, and the fourth transmission line is configured to connect the third feeder and the fourth feeder. The length of the first transmission line in the first direction, the length of the second transmission line, the length of the third transmission line, and the length of the fourth transmission line may be the same or different. This is not limited in the present application. FIG. 7 is merely described using an example in which the first antenna array includes two antenna units. The first antenna array may further include a third antenna unit. The structure of the third antenna unit may be the same as that of the first antenna unit or the second antenna unit. Alternatively, the structure of the third antenna unit may be different from the structure of the first antenna unit or the second antenna unit. The combination of different antenna units is not limited in this application. The antenna array may include antenna units of the same structure or may include antenna units of different structures.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the width of the first patch subunit and the width of the third patch subunit are different in the first direction, so that low side lobes in the vertical plane can be implemented, thereby suppressing land clutter.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the width of the first feeder subunit and the width of the second feeder subunit are different in the first direction, so that low side lobes in the vertical plane can be implemented, thereby suppressing land clutter.

[0113] In one possible embodiment, the width of the first patch subunit and the width of the third patch subunit in the first direction may also be the same, although this application is not limited thereto.

[0114] In the above embodiment, when the first patch subunit, the second patch subunit, or the third patch subunit is a metal patch, the metal patch may be a rectangular patch, a triangular patch, a trapezoidal patch, a V-shaped patch, or a two-branch patch. The two-branch patch may be a two-branch U-shaped patch or a double square patch. With reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific shape of the patch subunit is described below by using the first patch subunit as an example.

[0115] For example, Figures 8(a) to 8(e) respectively show schematic diagrams in which the first patch subunit is a triangular patch, a trapezoidal patch, a V-shaped patch, a double square patch, and a two-branch U-shaped patch. When the shape of the first patch subunit is any of the shapes shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(e), the width of the above patch subunit may be a geometric parameter that can represent the shape and size of the patch subunit.

[0116] Optionally, at least one of the first patch subunit, the second patch subunit, or the third patch subunit may be connected to the first transmission line in an indirectly coupled manner. As shown in FIG. 9, the first patch subunit, the second patch subunit, and the third patch subunit are connected to the transmission line in an indirectly coupled manner.

[0117] In one possible embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the antenna apparatus further includes a first dielectric layer and a first tier, the first antenna array being disposed on an upper surface of the first dielectric layer, the first tier being disposed below the first dielectric layer, and the first tier being bonded to a lower surface of the first dielectric layer.

[0118] Optionally, the antenna device includes a three-layer printed circuit board (PCB) structure, the surface layer of which is an antenna array, and the first dielectric layer may be a high-frequency circuit board or another material. It should be noted that the high-frequency circuit board is a special circuit board with a relatively high electromagnetic frequency. In general, high frequency can be defined as a frequency above 1 GHz. High-frequency circuit boards, which have very high requirements for their physical performance, precision, and technical parameters, are commonly used in automobile collision avoidance systems, satellite systems, wireless systems, and so on. When the wavelength corresponding to the operating frequency of the antenna device is λ, the thickness H of the first dielectric layer satisfies 0.003λ≦H≦0.15λ. Both H and λ are in millimeters.

[0119] Optionally, the value of β is related to the material of the first dielectric layer. The first dielectric layer may be a high frequency circuit board NF30 with a dielectric constant of 3 and a thickness of 5 mils, and the first layer is a metal layer. In this case, β is 78°. The 3 dB beam width, impedance characteristics, and radiation efficiency of the antenna device may be optimized.

[0120] In one possible embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second antenna array, the second antenna array including a second antenna unit having a structure same as that of the first antenna array, and a second impedance matching unit, and the impedance matching performance of the second impedance matching unit is different from the impedance matching performance of the first impedance matching unit. The second antenna array is a parasitic dummy antenna array.

[0121] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the antenna device includes ten antenna arrays ANT1 to ANT10. ANT4 to ANT7 are powered antennas, and specifically, there is a current input through the powered end of ANT4 to ANT7. The structures of ANT4 to ANT7 may be the same or different. ANT1 to ANT3 and ANT8 to ANT10 are unpowered dummy antennas, and the structures of ANT1 to ANT3 and ANT8 to ANT10 may be the same or different. In this embodiment, the processing at the powered end of the unpowered dummy antenna is not limited to short circuit or open, and the length of the short circuit and open is not limited. In addition, the structures of ANT1 to ANT3, ANT8 to ANT10, and ANT4 to ANT7 may be the same or different. In addition, in this embodiment, the number and arrangement method of the powered antennas, and the number and arrangement method of the unpowered dummy antenna arrays are not limited. By adding the unpowered dummy antenna structure, the surface wave of the antenna can be effectively improved. In this way, the amplitude consistency and phase consistency of the antenna array in the horizontal plane are improved. This improves the angle measurement performance and distance measurement performance of the radar.

[0122] For example, the structure of the first antenna array in one embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. 12. The location of the first impedance matching unit is in the center of the antenna array. The location of the first impedance matching unit is merely an example. Alternatively, the first impedance matching unit may be located in the middle of two adjacent antenna units. This is not limited in the present application.

[0123] For example, the present application provides a structure of a first antenna array in which the patch subunits have the same width, as shown in Fig. 13. The number of antenna units in Fig. 13 is merely an example, and is not limited thereto in the present application.

[0124] Simulation diagrams of the performance comparison between the antenna structure shown in FIG. 13 and the antenna structure shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 14(a) to FIG. 14(c). FIG. 14(a) shows the comparison result of the reflection coefficient. The impedance bandwidth of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 13 is expanded from 1.3% to 6.5% compared with the impedance bandwidth of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 14(b) shows the comparison result of the antenna radiation efficiency. The efficiency of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 13 is 22% higher than the efficiency of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 14(c) shows the comparison result in the normalized horizontal radiation pattern. The 3db beam width of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 13 is 46 degrees wider than the 3db beam width of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 1.

[0125] For example, the present application provides a first antenna array structure as shown in Figure 15. The middle width of the patch subunit is the widest, and both sides of the patch subunit gradually narrow.

[0126] Simulation diagrams of the performance comparison between the antenna structure shown in FIG. 15 and the antenna structure shown in FIG. 1 are shown in FIG. 16(a) to FIG. 16(c). FIG. 16(a) shows the comparison result of the antenna reflection coefficient. The impedance bandwidth of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 15 is expanded from 1.3% to 7.3% compared with the impedance bandwidth of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 16(b) shows the comparison result of the antenna radiation efficiency. The radiation efficiency of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 15 is 22% higher than the radiation efficiency of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 16(c) shows the comparison result in the normalized horizontal radiation pattern. The 3db beam width of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 15 is 52 degrees wider than the 3db beam width of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 1.

[0127] 17 is a schematic structural diagram of a radar 1700 according to an embodiment of the present application. The radar 1700 includes an antenna device 1701, which may be any of the antenna devices in the above-mentioned embodiments. Moreover, the radar 1700 is a millimeter-wave radar.

[0128] Optionally, the radar 1700 further includes a control chip 1702. The control chip 1702 is connected to the antenna apparatus, and the control chip 1702 is configured to control the antenna apparatus to transmit and receive signals.

[0129] Alternatively, the radar may be another detection device having detection capabilities.

[0130] 18 illustrates a terminal 1800 according to an embodiment of the present application. The terminal 1800 includes the radar 1700 illustrated in FIG.

[0131] Optionally, the terminal in this embodiment of the present application may have the ability to implement a communication function and / or a detection function using a radar, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0132] In one possible embodiment, the terminal may be a vehicle in automatic or intelligent driving, an unmanned aerial vehicle, an unmanned transport vehicle, a robot, etc.

[0133] In other possible embodiments, the terminal may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, an industrial control terminal, a self driving terminal, a remote medical terminal, a smart grid terminal, a terminal related to transportation safety, a smart city terminal, a smart home terminal, or the like.

[0134] The present application further provides a method 1900 for manufacturing an antenna device. The method includes steps S1910 to S1930.

[0135] In S1910, a first antenna array is etched on the first metal layer, the first antenna array including at least one antenna unit, the at least one antenna unit including a first antenna unit, the first antenna unit including a first patch subunit and a first feeder subunit, the first feeder subunit including a first feeder and a second feeder, an included angle between the first patch subunit and the first feeder is a first included angle θ, where 0<θ<90°, and an included angle between the first feeder and the second feeder is a second included angle β, where 0<β<180°.

[0136] In S1920, the first surface of the antenna apparatus and the first surface of the first dielectric layer are bonded to each other.

[0137] In S1930, the second surface of the first dielectric layer and the first surface of the first tier are joined together, and the antenna apparatus is grounded via the first tier.

[0138] Optionally, the first patch subunit is adjacent to the first feeder in the first direction.

[0139] Optionally, a first end of the first feeder is connected to the first patch subunit and a second end of the first feeder is connected to the second feeder.

[0140] Optionally, the antenna unit further includes a first transmission line, the first transmission line connected to the first patch subunit, and the first transmission line connected to a first end of the first feeder.

[0141] Optionally, the antenna unit further includes a second transmission line, a first end of the second transmission line connected to the first feeder and a second end of the second transmission line connected to the second feeder.

[0142] Optionally, a second end of the first feeder is connected to a second feeder.

[0143] Optionally, the first antenna unit further includes a second patch subunit.

[0144] Optionally, the second patch subunit is disposed between the first feeder and the second feeder in the first direction.

[0145] Optionally, the second patch subunit is connected to a second transmission line.

[0146] Optionally, a second patch subunit is connected to a second end of the first feeder.

[0147] According to the antenna device manufactured by the method of this embodiment of the present application, the first patch subunit and the first feeder subunit are connected in series, and the first feeder and the second feeder form an included angle β, so that the first antenna array forms a narrower physical aperture in the second direction. Therefore, the first antenna array can have a wider 3 dB beam width, and as a result, a wider detection angle range in the horizontal plane. In addition, the first patch subunit is connected in series with the first feeder subunit, which provides a wider impedance bandwidth, and therefore a better impedance characteristic is obtained. In addition, the radiating element of the first antenna unit uses a scheme in which the first patch subunit and the first feeder subunit are connected in series, so that the energy of the first antenna unit and the energy of other adjacent antenna units can be superimposed in the same phase. Therefore, when the input conditions are the same, the radiation efficiency is higher and the electromagnetic wave conversion ability is stronger. This can reduce unnecessary energy loss.

[0148] The above description of the embodiment allows those skilled in the art to clearly understand that the above division of functional modules is only used as an example for illustration, for the purpose of easy and simple description. In practical application, each of the above functions can be allocated to different modules and implemented based on requirements. In other words, the internal structure of the device is divided into different functional modules to implement all or part of the above-described functions.

[0149] In some embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method may be implemented in other ways. For example, the described apparatus embodiments are merely examples. For example, the division of modules or units is merely a division of logical functions, and there may be other divisions in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not implemented. In addition, the shown or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections may be implemented through some interfaces. Indirect couplings or communication connections between apparatuses or units may be implemented in electronic, mechanical, or other forms.

[0150] The units described as separate parts may or may not be physically separate, and the parts shown as units may be one or more physical units, i.e., located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units may be selected based on actual requirements to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

[0151] In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0152] The above description is merely a specific implementation of the embodiments of the present application, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Any variations or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in this application shall be included in the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 100 Antenna device 110 First patch subunit 121 First Feeder 122 Second Feeder 200 Antenna device 210 First Patch Subunit 221 First Feeder 222 Second Feeder 1700 Radar 1701 Antenna equipment 1702 Control Chip 1800 terminals

Claims

1. First Antenna Array An antenna device comprising: The first antenna array includes at least one antenna unit, the at least one antenna unit includes a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit, the first antenna unit includes a first patch subunit, a first transmission line and a second transmission line, and a first feeder subunit, the second antenna unit includes a third patch subunit and a second feeder subunit; the first feeder subunit includes a first feeder and a second feeder; the first transmission line is connected to a first end of the first feeder; a first end of the second transmission line connected to a second end of the first feeder; a second end of the second transmission line connected to the second feeder; the first patch subunit and the first feeder are adjacent in a first direction; the first patch subunit is connected to the first feeder via the first transmission line; the second antenna unit is connected to the second feeder of the first antenna unit via a third transmission line; the third patch subunit is connected to the second feeder via the third transmission line; The included angle between the first patch subunit and the first feeder is a first included angle θ, where 0<θ<90°, and the included angle between the first feeder and the second feeder is a second included angle β, where 0<β<180°; An antenna apparatus, wherein each patch subunit included in the first antenna array is disposed on a first side of the first feeder and the second feeder in a second direction.

2. the first patch subunit is configured to emit or deliver energy; and / or The first feeder subunit is configured to emit or supply energy.

2. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. The first patch subunit is parallel to the second direction or an included angle between the first patch subunit and the second direction is smaller than a first angle value; 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. an included angle between the first feeder and the second direction is a third included angle; an included angle between the second feeder and the second direction is a fourth included angle; a difference between the third included angle and the fourth included angle is smaller than a first range; 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a physical aperture of the antenna unit in the second direction is L, 0.2λ≦L≦0.75λ, λ being a wavelength corresponding to an operating frequency of the antenna device; 5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the second included angle β satisfies 68°≦β≦88°.

7. The second feeder subunit includes a third feeder and a fourth feeder, a physical included angle between the third patch subunit and the third feeder is a first included angle θ, 0 < θ < 90°, and a physical included angle between the third feeder and the fourth feeder is a second included angle β, 0 < β < 180°; 2. The apparatus of claim 1.

8. A width of the first patch subunit in the first direction is different from a width of the third patch subunit.

8. The apparatus of claim 7.

9. A radar comprising an antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the radar further includes a control chip, the control chip is connected to the antenna device, and the control chip is configured to control the antenna device to transmit and receive signals. The radar according to claim 9.

11. A detection device, the detection device comprising an antenna device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. A terminal, the terminal including the radar according to claim 9 or 10.

13. The terminal of claim 12, wherein the terminal is a vehicle.

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