Array antennas and communication devices

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly to array antennas and communication devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Array antennas with irregular arrangements are a technical means of suppressing array scan grating lobes, reducing the number of channels, and increasing gain. In array antennas, the consistency of the element pattern is an important indicator for guaranteeing characteristics such as array gain and directivity. Therefore, the method of handling the non-radiated and dummy portions of the irregular array is important for array performance.

[0003] In some scenarios, multiple dummy antennas may be placed around an array to improve the consistency of the array units in a regular array, and the dummy antennas and chip loads of the array may be surface-mounted to the bottom layer of the printed circuit board (PCB) using surface mount technology (SMT). However, in the case of irregular arrays with a compact arrangement and a large number of dummy antennas placed within the array, there is not enough space to place the SMT loads. As a result, PCB layout space is occupied. [Overview of the project]

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide an array antenna and a communication device. The array antenna and communication device in the embodiments of the present invention may implement unit pattern consistency characteristics similar to those of a regular array without affecting the radiation efficiency and scanning performance of the array antenna, and furthermore, do not occupy layout space on a printed circuit board.

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

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

[0007] In optional implementations, both the carbon oil embedded resistors and feeders are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; or, the carbon oil embedded resistors and feeders are located on different layers of the printed circuit board. In this way, the same unit pattern consistency as that of a regular antenna array can be implemented, further maintaining the appearance encryption function.

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

[0009] In optional implementations, carbon oil embedded resistors are made from carbon oil material with wave-absorbing properties. Based on such a design, a dummy antenna can have good wave-absorbing properties.

[0010] In an optional implementation, a multilayer printed circuit board includes a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer, a third dielectric layer, and a fourth dielectric layer, stacked in order. Both the carbon oil embedded resistors and feeders within each dummy antenna may be placed between the third and fourth dielectric layers. The carbon oil embedded resistors are located in the inner layers of the printed circuit board, and as a result, the layout space of the printed circuit board is not affected.

[0011] In optional implementations, carbon oil embedded resistors and metal layers may be placed on the same layer of the multilayer circuit board, and the thickness of the carbon oil embedded resistors may not be greater than the thickness of the metal layer.

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

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

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

[0015] In an optional implementation, at least a portion of the main path feeders and the carbon oil embedded resistors of the power dividers are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. At least a portion of the first branch feeders and the carbon oil embedded resistors of the power dividers are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. At least a portion of the second branch feeders and the carbon oil embedded resistors of the power dividers are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. At least a portion of the first quarter-wavelength conversion lines and the carbon oil embedded resistors of the power dividers are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. At least a portion of the second quarter-wavelength conversion lines and the carbon oil embedded resistors of the power dividers are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board.

[0016] According to a second aspect, one embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device, the communication device including the array antenna described above.

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

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1a] It is a diagram of the structure of a regular array antenna according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] [Figure 1b] It is a diagram of the structure of an irregular array antenna according to an embodiment of the present application. [Figure 1c] It is a diagram of the structure of an irregular array antenna according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] [Figure 2] It is a diagram of the structure of an array antenna according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] [Figure 3] It is a diagram of the structure of a dummy antenna according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] [Figure 4] It is a diagram of the S11 parameter corresponding to the array antenna according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] [Figure 5] It is a diagram of the structure of a multilayer printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] [Figure 6] It is a diagram of the application scenario of the carbon oil embedded resistor according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating another application scenario for a carbon oil embedded resistor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 8] This figure shows a carbon oil embedded resistor and feeder in a multilayer printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 9a] This diagram illustrates the effect of unit pattern consistency when carbon oil embedded resistors are not used as loads. [Figure 9b] This diagram illustrates the effect of unit pattern consistency when carbon oil embedded resistors are not used as loads.

[0028] [Figure 9c] This figure shows the effect of unit pattern consistency according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9d] This figure shows the effect of unit pattern consistency according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] [Figure 10a] This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a T-type power divider.

[0030] [Figure 10b] This is a diagram of the structure of a Wilkinson power divider.

[0031] [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing the structure of a power divider according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing another structure of a power divider according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [Figure 13a] This shows patterns of theoretical exceptions. [Figure 13b] The pattern of a Wilkinson power divider is shown. [Figure 13c] The pattern of a T-type power divider is shown.

[0034] [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating an application scenario of an array antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the structure of a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0037] In the embodiments of this application, terms such as “first” and “second” are used merely to distinguish different subjects and should not be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance, nor as indicating or suggesting order. For example, “first application” and “second application,” etc., are used to distinguish different applications, but not to describe a particular order of applications. Features limited by “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of embodiments of this application, terms such as “example” or “for example” are used to indicate that an example, illustration, or explanation is being given. No embodiment or design scheme described as “example” or “for example” in the embodiments of this application should be described as having more advantages than another embodiment or design scheme. Strictly speaking, the use of terms such as “example” or “for example” is intended to present relative concepts in a particular manner.

[0038] Antennas are one of the most important front-end passive components of communication devices, and they play a crucial role in improving the performance of communication products. With the rapid development of mobile communications and the large-scale application of 5G technology, base station antennas are being applied more and more widely. Large array antennas are the current development trend for base station antennas.

[0039] It can be understood that array antennas may include array antennas with regular arrangements and array antennas with irregular arrangements. For example, in one scenario, Figure 1a shows an array antenna with a regular arrangement, and the spacing between array elements in an array antenna with a regular arrangement may be a fixed value. In another scenario, Figure 1b shows an array antenna with an irregular arrangement, and the spacing between array elements in an array antenna with an irregular arrangement is not a fixed value, and the array elements may be arranged in a sparse-dense manner. In yet another scenario, Figure 1c shows an array antenna with an irregular arrangement, and an array antenna with an irregular arrangement may select some units from a regular array to operate, with the rest being non-radiating dummies.

[0040] In array antennas, element pattern consistency is a crucial indicator for guaranteeing characteristics such as array gain and directivity. Therefore, the method for handling the non-radiated and dummy portions of an irregular array is important for array performance.

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

[0042] In another possible scenario, the dummy may be open or short-circuited at a certain terminal. However, in this scenario, the electromagnetic environment in which the radiating antenna unit is located is different, and the radiation pattern of the radiating antenna unit is significantly different. Consequently, the unit pattern consistency becomes low.

[0043] In another possible scenario, the method for handling the dummy load may be to connect the feeder to the load in the inner layer. In this way, good consistency of the unit pattern can be ensured. However, the implementation of the embedded resistor in this scenario is resistive copper foil, specifically, the metal in this layer changes from the original copper to a lossy conductor with sheet resistance. Consequently, the feeder loss of the radiating antenna in the same layer increases, and the antenna efficiency is greatly reduced.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention provide an array antenna and a communication device. Embodiments of the present invention can implement the same unit pattern consistency as that of a regular antenna array without affecting the radiation efficiency and scanning performance of the array antenna, while further maintaining appearance encryption functionality.

[0045] Figure 2 shows the structure of an array antenna 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

[0050] In this embodiment, the multiple dummy antennas 10 may occupy multiple positions within the array, but the multiple dummy antennas 10 do not radiate these signals.

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

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

[0053] Figure 3 shows the structure of a dummy antenna 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In an array antenna 100, it may be understood that each dummy antenna 10 includes a feeder 12 and a carbon oil embedded resistor 14. The feeder 12 may be a stripline feeder. In this embodiment, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be located in the inner layer of a printed circuit board (PCB). It may be understood that the feeder 12 of the dummy antenna 10 does not have to be connected to a radio frequency chip or radio frequency component. The feeder 12 of the dummy antenna 10 may be connected to a carbon oil embedded resistor 14 in the inner layer of the printed circuit board. The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be configured to match a load to the dummy antenna 10; in other words, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be used as the feeder terminal load of the dummy antenna 10.

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

[0055] It can be understood that the feeder 12 may be made of a metallic material. The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 and the metal layer (e.g., the feeder 12) may be placed on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board, and the thickness of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may not be greater than the thickness of the metal layer.

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

[0057] The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be placed inside the dummy antenna 10, or in a different area of ​​the entire array antenna 100.

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

[0059] In some embodiments, it may be understood that the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may be grounded. In some other embodiments, the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 may, alternatively, not be grounded.

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

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

[0062] Figure 4 is a simulation diagram of the wave absorption characteristics of a dummy antenna 10 using a carbon oil embedded resistor. From Figure 4, it can be seen that the reflection loss of the dummy antenna 10 is less than -20 dB in all operating frequency bands. It can be seen that a good wave absorption effect can be obtained by using a carbon oil embedded resistor 14 in the dummy antenna 10. It can be understood that during actual measurements, the dummy antenna 10 may have wave absorption characteristics similar to those of the simulation results.

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

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

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

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

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

[0068] In some possible scenarios, the resistors may be placed on the surface layer of the printed circuit board. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the first resistor 31 may be placed on the top layer of the printed circuit board 30, and the second resistor 32 may be placed on the bottom layer of the printed circuit board 30.

[0069] In comparison to the scenario shown in Figure 5, it can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, a carbon oil silkscreen process may be used in the inner layers of a printed circuit board; in other words, in the embodiments of the present application, a thin carbon oil layer having sheet resistance characteristics (i.e., a carbon oil embedded resistor) may be printed in the inner layers of a printed circuit board.

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

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

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

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

[0074] Figure 8 shows another structure of the array antenna 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

[0080] It should be understood that the arrangement of the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 and feeder 12 for one dummy antenna 10 in the above description is merely an example used for illustrative purposes. The carbon oil embedded resistor 14 for each dummy antenna 10 may be placed in the inner layers of the multilayer printed circuit board 40.

[0081] Based on the aforementioned embodiments of the present application, the dummy antenna 10 places the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 in the inner layer of the multilayer printed circuit board 40 instead of the surface layer of the printed circuit board. Thus, the array antenna 100 in this embodiment of the present application can implement unit pattern consistency characteristics similar to those of a regular array when ensuring the radiation efficiency and scanning performance of the array antenna, and does not occupy PCB layout space.

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

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

[0084] Compared to conventional solutions, in this embodiment of the present invention, when the carbon oil embedded resistor 14 is used as a dummy load, the consistency of the array pattern is significantly improved.

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

[0086] In another possible application scenario, for example, if the antenna feeder is located in the inner layers of the printed circuit board, the Wilkinson power divider 120 in Figure 10b cannot be used in an array antenna because it is limited by the size of the resistors.

[0087] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the structure of a power divider 130 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0094] Compared to conventional solutions, the power divider 130 in this embodiment of the present invention is not limited by the size of embedded resistor loads and can be used in array antennas.

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

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

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

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

[0099] Based on the embodiments shown in Figures 11 and 12, a carbon oil embedded resistor process is employed, and as a result, the present invention can replace conventional T-type power dividers by integrating a dummy antenna or radiating antenna unit with a one-to-many Wilkinson power divider in the inner layers of a multilayer printed circuit board. In this invention, the good matching and isolation characteristics of the Wilkinson power divider ports can be used to ensure that the unit patterns in the array are not distorted due to mutual coupling.

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

[0101] The following describes the scattering characteristics and input and output characteristics of a T-type power divider under different conditions.

[0102] If the main port is an input, then a =

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

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

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

Number

Number

Number

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

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

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

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

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

Number

number

number

[0105] When a T-type power divider is used for unequal amplitude and in-phase operation (i.e., unbalanced combining), mismatch and crosstalk occur in the remaining two ports, resulting in noticeable reflections. In addition, the dummy unit performs secondary reflections of absorbed electromagnetic waves, further degrading the pattern of the radiating antenna unit.

[0106] In the case of a Wilkinson power divider, even when the power divider is unbalanced, the remaining two ports can still be matched and isolated. Therefore, the power divider can have a good dummy absorption effect.

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

[0108] As can be seen from Figures 13a and 13b, the pattern shown by the Wilkinson power divider implemented using carbon oil embedded resistors in this embodiment of the application is very similar to the pattern in the theoretical exception shown in Figure 13a. However, the pattern of the T-type power divider shown in Figure 13c is significantly distorted.

[0109] Therefore, carbon oil embedded resistors can meet the engineering implementation requirements of inner-layer power dividers within cable wiring, and furthermore, can guarantee ideal radiation performance.

[0110] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating an application scenario of an array antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] As shown in Figure 14, in possible scenarios, the array antenna 100 can be used within a base station 200. For example, the array antenna 100 can be used within a communications base station in the millimeter-wave and sub-millimeter-wave bands. It can be understood that multiple base stations 200 can communicate with an integrated receiver transcoder 300.

[0112] Under the constraints, it can be understood that the equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of a beam within the area of ​​a geosynchronous orbit satellite is < 60 dBm / 200 M / beam.

[0113] In conventional array designs, EIRP is limited when the aforementioned constraints are met, and the scan range within a large-space array is also limited. However, in irregular array layouts, when the aforementioned constraints are met, the suppression of grating sidelobes in the array can be improved, and the EIRP and scan range of the array can be increased.

[0114] Please refer to Figure 15. One embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device 400. The communication device 400 may include the array antenna 100 described in the above embodiments. The communication device 400 may, but is not limited to, include a base station or gNB in ​​a new radio (NR) system.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will understand that the aforementioned implementation is intended merely to illustrate the present application and is not intended to limit the present application, provided that appropriate modifications and changes made to the aforementioned implementation within the essential scope of the present application are included in the scope of protection. 。 [Other possible items] [Item 1] An array antenna used in a communication device, wherein the array antenna comprises a plurality of radiating antenna units and a plurality of dummy antennas; The plurality of radiating antenna units are configured to radiate or receive electromagnetic signals; The plurality of dummy antennas are arranged within an array, and the plurality of dummy antennas do not emit or receive the electromagnetic signal; and Each dummy antenna has a carbon oil embedded resistor and a feeder, the feeder being connected to the carbon oil embedded resistor, and both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are located in the inner layers of a multilayer printed circuit board. Array antenna. [Item 2] The array antenna according to item 1, wherein both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; or, the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are located on different layers of the multilayer printed circuit board. [Item 3] The shape and size of the dummy antenna are the same as or similar to the shape and size of the radiating antenna unit. Array antenna as described in item 1 or 2. [Item 4] The carbon oil embedded resistor is made of a carbon oil material that has wave-absorbing properties. An array antenna as described in any one of items 1 through 3. [Item 5] The multilayer printed circuit board includes a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer, a third dielectric layer, and a fourth dielectric layer, stacked in order; and Both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder within each dummy antenna are located between the third dielectric layer and the fourth dielectric layer. An array antenna as described in any one of items 1 through 4. [Item 6] The array antenna further comprises a power divider; and The input port of the power divider is connected to a radio frequency chip, and the first output port of the power divider is connected to the second output port of the power divider through the carbon oil embedded resistor. The array antenna described in item 1. [Item 7] The first output port and the second output port are each connected to a single radiating antenna unit. The array antenna described in item 6. [Item 8] The power divider comprises a main path feeder, a first quarter-wavelength conversion line, a second quarter-wavelength conversion line, a first branch feeder, and a second branch feeder; the first end of the main path feeder is connected to the input port, the second end of the main path feeder is connected to the first end of the first quarter-wavelength conversion line and the first end of the second quarter-wavelength conversion line; the second end of the first quarter-wavelength conversion line is connected to the first end of the first branch feeder, the second end of the second quarter-wavelength conversion line is connected to the first end of the second branch feeder; and the second end of the first branch feeder is connected to the first output port, the second end of the second branch feeder is connected to the second output port, and one carbon oil embedded resistor is connected between the first end of the first branch feeder and the first end of the second branch feeder. The array antenna described in item 6. [Item 9] At least a portion of the main path feeder and the carbon oil embedded resistors of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; At least a portion of the first branch feeder and the carbon oil embedded resistor of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; At least a portion of the second branch feeder and the carbon oil embedded resistor of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; At least a portion of the first quarter-wavelength conversion line and the carbon oil embedded resistor of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; and At least a portion of the second quarter-wavelength conversion line and the carbon oil embedded resistor of the power divider are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board. The array antenna described in item 8. [Item 10] A communication device comprising an array antenna as described in any one of items 1 through 9.

Claims

1. An array antenna, wherein the array antenna comprises a plurality of radiating antenna units and a plurality of dummy antennas; The plurality of radiating antenna units are configured to radiate or receive electromagnetic signals; The plurality of dummy antennas are arranged within an array, and the plurality of dummy antennas do not emit or receive the electromagnetic signal; and Each dummy antenna has a carbon oil embedded resistor and a feeder, one end of which is connected to the carbon oil embedded resistor and the other end of which is connected to a radiating antenna unit, and both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are located in the inner layers of a multilayer printed circuit board. Array antenna.

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

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

4. The carbon oil embedded resistor is made of a carbon oil material that has wave-absorbing properties. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The multilayer printed circuit board includes a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer, a third dielectric layer, and a fourth dielectric layer, stacked in order; and Both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder within each dummy antenna are positioned between the third dielectric layer and the fourth dielectric layer. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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

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

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

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

10. The array antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are arranged on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board, and the thickness of the carbon oil embedded resistor is not greater than the thickness of the feeder.

11. A communication device comprising an array antenna, wherein the array antenna comprises a plurality of radiating antenna units and a plurality of dummy antennas; The plurality of radiating antenna units are configured to radiate or receive electromagnetic signals; The plurality of dummy antennas are arranged within an array, and the plurality of dummy antennas do not emit or receive the electromagnetic signal; and Each dummy antenna includes a carbon oil embedded resistor and a feeder, one end of which is connected to the carbon oil embedded resistor, and the other end of which is connected to a radiating antenna unit, and both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are located in the inner layers of a multilayer printed circuit board. Communication device.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are located on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board; or the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are located on different layers of the multilayer printed circuit board.

13. The shape and size of the dummy antenna are the same as or similar to the shape and size of the radiating antenna unit. The communication device according to claim 11.

14. The carbon oil embedded resistor is made of a carbon oil material that has wave-absorbing properties. A communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. The multilayer printed circuit board includes a first metal layer, a first dielectric layer, a second metal layer, a second dielectric layer, a third metal layer, a third dielectric layer, and a fourth dielectric layer, stacked in order; and Both the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder within each dummy antenna are positioned between the third dielectric layer and the fourth dielectric layer. A communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

16. The array antenna further comprises a power divider; and The input port of the power divider is connected to a radio frequency chip, and the first output port of the power divider is connected to the second output port of the power divider through a carbon oil embedded resistor of the power divider. The communication device according to claim 11.

17. The first output port and the second output port are each connected to a single radiating antenna unit. The communication device according to claim 16.

18. The communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the carbon oil embedded resistor and the feeder are arranged on the same layer of the multilayer printed circuit board, and the thickness of the carbon oil embedded resistor is not greater than the thickness of the feeder.

Images