Antenna and driving method therefor, and electronic device

Abstract

An antenna and a driving method therefor, and an electronic device. The antenna comprises at least one waveguide structure. A plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of switch elements respectively corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements are arranged on the waveguide structure. The plurality of radiating elements are spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the waveguide structure. The plurality of switch elements are configured to control the corresponding radiating elements to radiate microwave signals. In the extending direction of the waveguide structure, the plurality of radiating elements are located on two sides of the center of the waveguide structure. In a direction of moving away from the center of the waveguide structure, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements is gradually increased.

Description

Antenna and driving method thereof, and electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on June 25, 2023, with application number 202310754115.9 and invention name “An antenna, its driving method, and electronic device”, the contents of which should be understood as incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to, but are not limited to, the field of communication technology, and specifically relate to an antenna and a driving method thereof, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0003] Antenna performance is crucial to the overall performance of most wireless communication systems. With the advancement of technology, the requirements for antenna performance are becoming increasingly stringent. In addition to high requirements for traditional indicators such as gain and polarization, antennas are often required to have low profile, light weight, conformal properties, and frequency independence. Holographic antennas, as high-gain antennas, can simultaneously meet these requirements, making them well-suited to current technological developments and offering significant potential for development.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a summary of the subject matter described in detail herein. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an antenna comprising at least one waveguide structure, wherein a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of switch elements respectively corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements are provided on the waveguide structure, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are spaced apart along an extension direction of the waveguide structure; the plurality of switch elements are configured to control the corresponding radiating elements to radiate microwave signals;

[0007] In the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the multiple radiation elements are located on both sides of the center of the waveguide structure, and the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements increases successively from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements on one side of the center of the waveguide structure is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength and less than or equal to one-half of the waveguide wavelength.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements increases in an arithmetic progression from the center of the waveguide structure to a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements in a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure is expressed by the following formula: n =L n+1 -ΔL;

[0011] Where ΔL is the distance difference between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements, L n L is the distance between the center of the nth radiating element and the center of the n+1th radiating element, n+1 is the distance between the centers of the (n+1)th radiating element and the (n+2)th radiating element, n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and ΔL is greater than 0.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the value of ΔL is 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm;

[0013] The waveguide structure is a center-fed structure, and the value of L1 is 2.5±0.5 mm, and the value of L1 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength; or the waveguide structure is an edge-fed structure, and the value of L0 between the two radiating units closest to the center of the waveguide structure is 2.5±0.5 mm, the value of L0 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength, and the value of L1 is L0+ΔL;

[0014] Among them, L n+1 The value of is less than or equal to half the waveguide wavelength.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure is an edge-fed structure, and the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements in a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure is expressed by the following formula: L n =L0+ΔL*|Nn / 2-1|;

[0016] Where ΔL is the distance difference between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements, L n is the distance between the center of the nth radiating element and the center of the n+1th radiating element, L0 is the distance between the two radiating elements closest to the center of the waveguide structure, N is the total number of radiating elements located in the waveguide structure, N is an integer greater than 1, ΔL is greater than 0, 1≤n≤N.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements increases in a geometric progression from the center of the waveguide structure to a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements in a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure is expressed by the following formula: n =Ln+1 / R;

[0019] Where R is the ratio of the distances between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements, L n L is the distance between the center of the nth radiating element and the center of the n+1th radiating element, n+1 is the distance between the centers of the n+1th radiation element and the n+2th radiation element, n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and R is greater than 1.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the value of R is 1.02±0.1, the waveguide structure is a center-fed structure, the value of L1 is 2.5±0.5 mm, and the value of L1 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength; or the waveguide structure is an edge-fed structure, the value of L0 between the two radiating elements closest to the center of the waveguide structure is 2.5±0.5 mm, the value of L0 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength, and the value of L1 is R*L0;

[0021] Among them, L n+1 The value of is less than or equal to half the waveguide wavelength.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure includes a top wall, side walls, a bottom wall, and a waveguide cavity, the waveguide cavity is surrounded by the top wall, side walls, and bottom wall, and the plurality of radiation elements are disposed on the top wall of the waveguide structure.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure further includes a first dielectric layer, which is filled in the waveguide cavity. A plurality of conductive vias are provided in the waveguide structure, which penetrate the first dielectric layer and the bottom wall of the waveguide structure. The switching element is electrically connected to the external control circuit through the corresponding conductive vias.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the radiating element includes an opening, the opening forming a complementary inductive-capacitive structure.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the complementary inductor and capacitor structure includes an annular slot and two T-shaped slots, the annular slot includes a first slot and a second slot arranged opposite to each other, and a third slot and a fourth slot arranged opposite to each other in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, and the first slot to the fourth slot are connected to each other; the two T-shaped slots include a first T-shaped slot and a second T-shaped slot, the first T-shaped slot and the second T-shaped slot are arranged opposite to each other, the first T-shaped slot is connected to the first slot, and the second T-shaped slot is connected to the second slot.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch element includes two switch structures, including a first switch structure and a second switch structure, the first switch structure is configured to control the opening state of the third slot; the second switch structure is configured to control the opening state of the fourth slot.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, a first accommodating groove connected to the third groove is provided on both sides of the third groove, and a second accommodating groove connected to the fourth groove is provided on both sides of the fourth groove. The first switch structure and the second switch structure each include two electrodes, the two electrodes of the first switch structure are respectively arranged in the two first accommodating grooves, and the two electrodes of the second switch structure are respectively arranged in the two second accommodating grooves. The electrodes in the first switch structure and the second switch structure are respectively electrically connected to the external control circuit through corresponding connecting vias.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the radiating element includes an opening, and the switching element includes a switching structure configured to control an opening state of the opening.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch structure includes two electrodes. In the direction in which the waveguide structure extends, a third accommodating groove connected to the opening is provided on both sides of the opening. The two electrodes of the switch structure are respectively arranged in the two third accommodating grooves and are respectively electrically connected to the external control circuit through two connecting vias.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure is a rectangular waveguide, and the number of the side walls is four; in the direction from the top wall to the bottom wall, the size of the waveguide structure is 6.85±0.5 mm; in the width direction, the size of the waveguide structure is 13.7±0.5 mm, and the width direction is the arrangement direction of the two side walls parallel to the extension direction of the waveguide structure.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure further includes a feeding probe and a load probe disposed on the bottom wall, the feeding probe and the load probe passing through the bottom wall and communicating with the waveguide cavity, the feeding probe being configured to feed power, and the load probe being configured to connect a load.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the load probes include two, and in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the two load probes are arranged at two end positions of the waveguide structure, the feeding probe is arranged at a central position of the waveguide structure, and the multiple radiating elements are symmetrically arranged relative to the feeding probes, and the multiple radiating elements are located between the two load probes.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, in an extending direction of the waveguide structure, the feeding probe and the load probe are located at two end positions of the waveguide structure, and the plurality of radiating elements are located between the feeding probe and the load probe.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, a distance from a center of a radiation element closest to the feeding probe to the feeding probe is 4 mm to 12 mm.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, there are a plurality of waveguide structures, and the plurality of waveguide structures are arranged at intervals along a column direction, and the column direction intersects with an extension direction of the waveguide structure.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of waveguide structures are arranged at equal intervals along the column direction.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, in the column direction, the distance between two adjacent waveguide structures of the plurality of waveguide structures increases successively from the first center line to the direction away from the first center line; wherein, the first center line is the center line of the plurality of waveguide structures along the extension direction of the waveguide structures, and in the column direction, the plurality of waveguide structures are distributed on both sides of the first center line.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, in the column direction, on one side of the first center line, the distance between two adjacent waveguide structures is expressed by the following formula: m -Y m-1 =ΔY|mM / 2-1|;

[0039] Among them, Y m is the distance between the m+1th waveguide structure and the mth waveguide structure, Y m-1 is the distance between the mth waveguide structure and the m-1th waveguide structure, ΔY is the difference in distance between two adjacent waveguide structures, M is the total number of waveguide structures, 1<m≤M, and M is an integer greater than 1.

[0040] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an electronic device, comprising a control circuit and the antenna described in any one of the above embodiments, wherein the control circuit is electrically connected to the antenna.

[0041] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an antenna driving method, which is applied to the antenna described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the antenna includes at least one waveguide structure, wherein a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of switch elements corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements are provided on the waveguide structure, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are spaced apart along an extension direction of the waveguide structure; wherein in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the plurality of radiating elements are located on both sides of a center of the waveguide structure, and a distance between centers of two adjacent radiating elements increases successively from the center of the waveguide structure to a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure, and the driving method comprises:

[0042] The plurality of switching elements are used to control the plurality of radiation elements to radiate microwave signals.

[0043] Still other aspects will become apparent upon reading and understanding the accompanying drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present disclosure, they are used to explain the technical solutions of the present disclosure and do not constitute a limitation of the technical solutions of the present disclosure. The shapes and sizes of each component in the drawings do not reflect the actual scale and are intended only to illustrate the contents of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG1a is a schematic diagram showing a planar structure of an antenna provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG1b is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG2a is a schematic diagram showing a planar structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG2 b is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG2c is a schematic diagram showing a planar structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG3 a is a partially enlarged schematic planar structural diagram of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG3 b is a schematic diagram showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing a planar structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIG5 a is a schematic diagram showing a partially enlarged planar structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG5 b is a schematic diagram showing a partially enlarged cross-sectional structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG6 a is a schematic diagram showing a planar structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG6 b is a schematic diagram showing a planar structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG7 a is a schematic diagram showing a planar structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG7 b is a schematic diagram showing a planar structure of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIG8a is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIG8 b is a schematic diagram showing a normalized full-field direction of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG9a is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG9 b is a schematic diagram showing a normalized full-field direction of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG10 a is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG10 b is a schematic diagram showing a normalized full-field direction of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing a normalized full-field direction of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG12a is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG12 b is a schematic diagram showing a normalized full-field direction of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG13a is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIG13 b is a schematic diagram showing a normalized full-field direction of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG14a is a schematic diagram showing the full-field direction of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG14 b shows a schematic diagram of the full-field direction of an antenna;

[0072] FIG14c is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG14 d is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna;

[0074] FIG15a is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG15 b is a schematic diagram showing the full-field direction of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG16a is a schematic diagram showing the full-field direction of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG16 b shows a schematic diagram of the full-field direction of an antenna;

[0078] FIG16c is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIG16 d is a schematic diagram showing the radiation intensity of an antenna;

[0080] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments can be implemented in a number of different forms. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily understand the fact that the methods and contents can be transformed into various forms without departing from the purpose and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Unless there is a conflict, the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined with each other. In order to keep the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure clear and concise, the present disclosure omits detailed descriptions of some known functions and known components. The drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure only relate to the structures involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and other structures can refer to the general design.

[0082] The scales of the figures in the embodiments of this disclosure can be used as a reference for actual processes, but are not limited to this. For example, the width-to-length ratio of the channel, the thickness and spacing of each film layer, and the width and spacing of each signal line can be adjusted according to actual needs. The number of pixels in the display substrate and the number of sub-pixels in each pixel are not limited to the numbers shown in the figures. The figures described in this disclosure are only structural schematics, and one embodiment of this disclosure is not limited to the shapes or values ​​shown in the figures.

[0083] In this specification, ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second” and “third” are provided to avoid confusion among constituent elements, and are not intended to limit the number.

[0084] In this specification, for convenience, words and phrases indicating orientation or positional relationships, such as "middle," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," and "outside," are used to illustrate the positional relationships of constituent elements with reference to the accompanying drawings. This is merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this specification and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The positional relationships of constituent elements may be appropriately changed depending on the direction in which each constituent element is described. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the words and phrases described in the specification and may be appropriately replaced according to the circumstances.

[0085] In this specification, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed, removable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through intermediaries, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this disclosure.

[0086] In this specification, "electrically connected" includes components connected together via an element having some electrical function. There are no particular limitations on the "element having some electrical function" as long as it enables the transfer of electrical signals between the connected components. Examples of "element having some electrical function" include not only electrodes and wiring, but also switching elements such as transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and other components with various functions.

[0087] In this specification, "parallel" refers to a state where the angle formed by two straight lines is greater than -10° and less than 10°, and thus also includes a state where the angle is greater than -5° and less than 5°. Furthermore, "perpendicular" refers to a state where the angle formed by two straight lines is greater than 80° and less than 100°, and thus also includes a state where the angle is greater than 85° and less than 95°.

[0088] In this specification, the terms "film" and "layer" may be interchanged. For example, "conductive layer" may be replaced with "conductive film." Similarly, "insulating film" may be replaced with "insulating layer."

[0089] The triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, pentagons or hexagons in this specification are not in the strict sense, but may be approximate triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, pentagons or hexagons, etc. There may be some small deformations caused by tolerances, and there may be chamfers, arc edges and deformations.

[0090] The term "about" in the present disclosure refers to a numerical value that is not strictly defined and allows for process and measurement errors.

[0091] The concept of a holographic antenna originates from the principle of optical holography. The principle is that the interference surface is formed by the interference of a target wave and a reference wave. The target wave is then inverted by illuminating the interference surface with the reference wave. A holographic antenna system consists solely of a holographic surface and a feed source, resulting in a very simple structure. The feed source is typically a horn antenna, monopole antenna, or slot antenna, eliminating the need for a complex feed network. However, to reduce the profile, monopole or slot antennas are often used as feed sources. The holographic surface primarily consists of a dielectric substrate and a periodically distributed array of metal patches, making it easy to fabricate and inexpensive. The design process for the holographic surface is simple: simply calculate the interference field expression formed by the interference of the target and reference fields and design the metal patch distribution based on this interference field expression to obtain the desired holographic surface. If a different target wave is obtained, simply resubstitute the target field expression into the above process. This simplicity and flexibility in design are another major advantage of holographic antennas. Furthermore, holographic antennas are easily conformal, meaning they can be attached to curved surfaces such as spheres and cylinders without significantly affecting their performance.

[0092] With the development of communication technology, the requirements for antenna performance are becoming more and more stringent and detailed. There are often requirements for antennas to achieve low sidelobe or ultra-low sidelobe radiation characteristics, which also poses a low sidelobe challenge to holographic antennas. Therefore, the holographic antennas in related technologies have the technical problem of high sidelobe levels.

[0093] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an antenna, which may include at least one waveguide structure, on which a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of switching elements corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements are arranged, and the plurality of radiating elements are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the waveguide structure; the plurality of switching elements are configured to control the corresponding radiating elements to radiate microwave signals; in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the plurality of radiating elements are located on both sides of the center of the waveguide structure, and the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements increases successively from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure.

[0094] The antenna provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one waveguide structure, on which a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of switching elements are arranged for respectively controlling the plurality of radiating units to radiate microwave signals. In the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements increases successively from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure, thereby reducing the sidelobe level of the antenna and solving the technical problem of a high sidelobe level of the antenna.

[0095] As shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the antenna provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one waveguide structure 10, on which a plurality of radiating elements 20 and a plurality of switching elements 30 corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements 20 are arranged, and the plurality of radiating elements 20 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10; the plurality of switching elements 30 are configured to control the corresponding radiating elements 20 to radiate microwave signals; in the extension direction X of the waveguide structure, the plurality of radiating elements 20 are located on both sides of the center Q1 of the waveguide structure 10, and the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements 20 increases successively from the center Q1 of the waveguide structure 10 to the direction away from the center Q1 of the waveguide structure 10.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure 10 may include a top wall 101 , side walls 103 , a bottom wall 102 and a waveguide cavity 100 , wherein the waveguide cavity 100 is surrounded by the top wall 101 , the side walls 103 and the bottom wall 102 , and a plurality of radiation elements 20 are disposed on the top wall 101 of the waveguide structure 10 .

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the top wall 101, the side wall 103, and the bottom wall 102 may be an integrally formed structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the top wall 101, the side wall 103, and the bottom wall 102 may be made of metal.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure 10 may further include a feeding probe 01 and a load probe 02 disposed on the bottom wall 102 . The feeding probe 01 and the load probe 02 pass through the bottom wall 102 and communicate with the waveguide cavity 100 . The feeding probe 01 is configured to feed power, and the load probe 02 is configured to connect a load.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure 10 may further include a first dielectric layer J1, which fills the waveguide cavity 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first dielectric layer J1 may completely fill the space of the waveguide cavity 100, that is, the first dielectric layer J1 may be in close contact with the top wall 101, the bottom wall 102, and the side walls 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the feed probe 01 and the load probe 02 may extend through the bottom wall 102 into the first dielectric layer J1.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure 10 may be a center-fed structure as shown in FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b , or may be an edge-fed structure as shown in FIG. 2 a and FIG. 2 b .

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment, in the center feeding structure shown in Figures 1a and 1b, two load probes 02 may be included. In the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10, the two load probes 02 are arranged at the two end positions of the waveguide structure 10, the feeding probe 01 is arranged at the center position of the waveguide structure 10, and the multiple radiating elements 20 are symmetrically arranged relative to the feeding probe 01, and the multiple radiating elements 20 are located between the two load probes 02.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, in the edge-fed structure shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the feed probe 01 and the load probe 02 may be located at two end positions of the waveguide structure 10 in the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10, and the plurality of radiating elements 20 are located between the feed probe 01 and the load probe 02. In the exemplary embodiment, the feed probe 01 serves as a feeding port for feeding power, and the load probe 02 serves as a matching load to absorb excess energy.

[0103] In the exemplary embodiment, in the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements 20 located on one side of the waveguide structure center Q1 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength and less than or equal to one-half of the waveguide wavelength. That is, the spacing λ between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements 20 is g / 2≤L n ≤λ g / 5, where λ g is the waveguide wavelength.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance L between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements 20 in the direction from the center of the waveguide structure 10 to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure 10 is n In an exemplary embodiment, the distance L between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements 20 from the center of the waveguide structure 10 to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure 10 is n It can be expressed by the following formula: n =L n+1 -ΔL;

[0105] Wherein, ΔL is the distance difference between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements 20, L n is the distance between the nth radiation unit and the center of the n+1th radiation element 20, L n+1is the distance between the centers of the (n+1)th radiating element 20 and the (n+2)th radiating element 20, n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and ΔL is greater than 0. In an exemplary embodiment, on one side of the center of the waveguide structure 10, the first radiating element 20 to the (n+1)th radiating element 20 are arranged sequentially from the center of the waveguide structure 10 toward a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure 10.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment, ΔL may be a constant. In an exemplary embodiment, the value of ΔL may be 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm, for example, the value of ΔL may be 0.05 mm to 0.7 mm.

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, when the waveguide structure 10 is a center-fed structure, the value of L1 is 2.5±0.5 mm, and the value of L1 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength; when the waveguide structure 10 is an edge-fed structure, the value of the distance L0 between the two radiating units closest to the center of the waveguide structure 10 is 2.5±0.5 mm, L1=L0+ΔL, and the value of L0 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength; wherein, L n+1 The value of is less than or equal to half the waveguide wavelength.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements 20 increases in a geometric progression from the center of the waveguide structure 10 to a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure 10 .

[0109] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements 20 in a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure 10 can be expressed by the following formula: L n =L n+1 / R;

[0110] Wherein, R is the ratio of the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements 20, L n is the distance between the nth radiation unit and the center of the n+1th radiation element 20, L n+1 is the distance between the centers of the n+1th radiating element 20 and the n+2th radiating element 20, n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and R is greater than 1. In an exemplary embodiment, on one side of the center of the waveguide structure 10, the first radiating element 20 to the n+1th radiating element 20 are arranged in sequence from the center of the waveguide structure 10 to a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure 10.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the value of R may be 1.02±0.1, the waveguide structure 10 is a center-fed structure, the value of L1 may be 2.5±0.5 mm, and the value of L1 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength; or the waveguide structure 10 is an edge-fed structure, the value of L0 between the two radiating elements closest to the center of the waveguide structure 10 is 2.5±0.5 mm, the value of L0 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength, and the value of L1 may be R*L0;

[0112] Among them, L n+1 The value of is less than or equal to half the waveguide wavelength.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG2c , when the waveguide structure 10 is an edge-fed structure, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements 20 in the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10, from the center Q1 of the waveguide structure 10 to a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure, can also be expressed by the following formula: L n =L0+ΔL*|Nn / 2-1|;

[0114] Where ΔL is the distance difference between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements, L n is the distance between the centers of the nth radiating element and the n+1th radiating element, L0 is the distance between the two radiating elements closest to the center of the waveguide structure, N is the total number of radiating elements 20 in the waveguide structure, N is an integer greater than 1, ΔL is greater than 0, and 1 ≤ n ≤ N. In an exemplary embodiment, on one side of the feed probe 01 of the waveguide structure 10, the first radiating element 20 to the nth radiating element 20 are arranged sequentially from the feed probe 01 of the waveguide structure 10 to the feed probe 01 away from the waveguide structure 10.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure 10 may be provided with a plurality of conductive vias, which penetrate the first dielectric layer J1 and the bottom wall 102 of the waveguide structure 10 . The switch element 30 is electrically connected to the external control circuit through the corresponding conductive vias.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 1a to 2b, the radiating element 20 may include openings that may form a complementary electric inductive-capacitive (CELC) structure. In an exemplary embodiment, a variable capacitor may be formed within the CELC structure, and the radiation characteristics of the CELC may be controlled by controlling the value of the variable capacitor.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, Figure 3a is an enlarged schematic diagram of the planar structure of the radiation element 20, and Figure 3b is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the waveguide structure 10. The complementary inductor and capacitor structure may include an annular slot N0 and two T-shaped slots. The annular slot may include a first slot N1 and a second slot N2 arranged opposite to each other, and a third slot N3 and a fourth slot N4 arranged opposite to each other in the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10. The first slot N1 to the fourth slot N4 are interconnected to form the annular slot N0; the two T-shaped slots may include a first T-shaped slot N01 and a second T-shaped slot N02. The first T-shaped slot N01 and the second T-shaped slot N02 are arranged opposite to each other, the first T-shaped slot N01 is connected to the first slot N1, and the second T-shaped slot N02 is connected to the second slot N2.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, the first T-slot N01 may be a positive T-slot, and the second T-slot N02 may be an inverted T-slot.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, the first slot N1 and the second slot N2 can be arranged along the direction X in which the waveguide structure 10 extends, and the third slot N3 and the fourth slot N4 can be arranged along the direction X perpendicular to the direction in which the waveguide structure 10 extends (i.e., the third slot N3 and the fourth slot N4 can be arranged along the second direction Y, and the direction X in which the waveguide structure 10 extends can be referred to as the first direction); the first T-shaped slot N01 and the second T-shaped slot N02 can be arranged along the second direction Y and can be symmetrically arranged relative to the midline of the top wall 101 extending along the first direction X (can be mirror-symmetrical).

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch element 30 may include two switch structures 300, and the two switch structures 300 may include a first switch structure 301 and a second switch structure 302. The first switch structure 301 is configured to control the open state of the third slot N3; the second switch structure 302 is configured to control the open state of the fourth slot N4.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, a first accommodating groove E1 connected to the third groove N3 is provided on both sides of the third groove N3, and a second accommodating groove E2 connected to the fourth groove N4 is provided on both sides of the fourth groove N4. The first switch structure 301 and the second switch structure 302 each include two electrodes d0. The two electrodes d0 of the first switch structure 301 are respectively arranged in the two first accommodating grooves E1, and the two electrodes d0 of the second switch structure 302 are respectively arranged in the two second accommodating grooves E2. The electrodes d0 in the first switch structure 301 and the second switch structure 302 are respectively electrically connected to the external control circuit through corresponding connecting vias K0.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the top wall 101 at the locations of the annular opening N0, the first T-shaped slot N01, the second T-shaped slot N02, the first receiving slot E1, and the second receiving slot E2 is etched away, thereby exposing the first dielectric layer J1.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, in the structures of the radiation element 20 and the switch element 30 shown in Figures 3a and 3b, the external control circuit applies voltage to the two electrodes d0 of the first switch structure 301 through the two conductive vias K0, respectively, to control the first switch structure 301 to be turned on or off; the external control circuit applies voltage to the two electrodes d0 of the second switch structure 302 through the two conductive vias K0, respectively, to control the second switch structure 302 to be turned on or off, thereby controlling the radiation element 20 to radiate microwave signals.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG4 , the radiation element 20 may include an opening, which may form a rectangular slot 201 , and the switch element 30 may include a switch structure 300 , which may be configured to control an open state of the opening.

[0125] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of the planar enlarged structure of the radiation element 20 in Figure 4, and Figure 5b is an enlarged schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the waveguide structure 10 in Figure 4. The switch structure 300 may include two electrodes d0. In the direction X in which the waveguide structure 10 extends, a third accommodating groove E3 connected to the opening is respectively provided on both sides of the opening (rectangular gap 201). The two electrodes d0 of the switch structure 300 are respectively arranged in the two third accommodating grooves E3, and are respectively electrically connected to the external control circuit through two connecting vias K0. In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the rectangular slot 201 along the extension direction X (i.e., the second direction Y) perpendicular to the waveguide structure 10 can be half the wavelength of the microwave. In the second direction Y, the switch structure 300 is arranged in the middle position of the rectangular slot 201. When the switch structure 300 is turned on, the rectangular slot 201 is equivalent to a small slot with a size of two quarter wavelengths in the second direction Y, and the two small slots are arranged along the second direction Y. In this case, the radiation capability of the radiation element 20 is relatively weak, which can be understood as the radiation element 20 is in the off state; when the switch structure 300 is blocked, the size of the rectangular slot 201 in the second direction Y is a slot of half the wavelength (it can be said to be half the wavelength of the microwave). In this case, the radiation capability of the radiation element 20 is relatively strong, which can be understood as the radiation element is in the open state.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the first to third grooves E1 to E3 are configured to accommodate the electrode d0 , which can prevent the electrode d0 from being electrically connected or short-circuited to other structures in the top wall 101 .

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch structure 300 may be, but is not limited to, a PIN diode. For example, the switch structure 300 may also be any one of a variable reactance diode, a liquid crystal switch, and a MEMS switch. For example, the switch structure 300 in FIG5a is a PIN diode. A conduction voltage is applied to the two electrodes d0 of the switch structure 300, i.e., a first voltage is applied to the electrode d0 connected to the anode of the PIN diode and a second voltage is applied to the electrode d0 connected to the cathode of the PIN diode, where the first voltage is greater than the second voltage, so that the PIN diode is turned on (forward biased). At this time, the radiating element is in an on state, and has a strong ability to radiate microwaves in the waveguide structure. A shutdown voltage is applied to the two electrodes d0 of the switch structure 300, i.e., a third voltage is applied to the electrode d0 connected to the anode of the PIN diode and a fourth voltage is applied to the electrode d0 connected to the cathode of the PIN diode, so that the PIN diode is blocked (reverse biased or zero biased). At this time, the radiating element is in a closed state, and has a weak ability to radiate microwaves in the waveguide structure.

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG5b , the waveguide structure 10 may further include a second dielectric layer J2 disposed on a side of the bottom wall 102 away from the top wall 101 , wherein the second dielectric layer J2 is configured to accommodate a connection trace between the conductive via K0 and the external control circuit, thereby providing an interface for electrically connecting the conductive via K0 to the external control circuit.

[0129] In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structure 10 may be a rectangular waveguide having four side walls 103; in the direction from the top wall 101 to the bottom wall 102 (the opposite direction of the third direction Z), the size of the waveguide structure 10 may be 6.85±0.5 mm; in the width direction (the second direction Y), the size of the waveguide structure 10 is 13.7±0.5 mm, and the width direction may be the arrangement direction Y of the two side walls 103 parallel to the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, 16 or more radiation elements 20 may be provided in a waveguide structure 10. For example, 96 radiation elements 20 may be provided in a waveguide structure 10. In the direction X in which the waveguide structure 10 extends, the 96 radiation elements 20 may be located on both sides of the center of the waveguide structure 10, with 48 radiation elements 20 provided on both sides of the center of the waveguide structure 10, respectively.

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, the distance H0 between the center of the radiating element 20 closest to the feeding probe 01 and the feeding probe 01 in the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10 may be 4 mm to 12 mm. For example, the distance H0 between the center of the radiating element 20 closest to the feeding probe 01 and the feeding probe 01 in the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10 may be 6±Δ4 mm, where Δ4 is ​​the error in the distance between the center of the radiating element 20 closest to the feeding probe 01 and the feeding probe 01. In an exemplary embodiment, the value of Δ4 may range from 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm, and for example, the value of Δ4 may be 0.5 mm.

[0132] In an exemplary embodiment, in the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10, the distance H0 from the center of the radiating element 20 closest to the feeding probe 01 to the feeding probe 01 can be the distance from the center of the radiating element 20 closest to the feeding probe 01 to the central axis of the feeding probe 01, or can be the distance from the center of the radiating element 20 closest to the feeding probe 01 to the outer peripheral edge of the feeding probe 01.

[0133] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG6 a and FIG6 b , the number of waveguide structures 10 may be multiple, and the multiple waveguide structures 10 are arranged at intervals along a column direction (second direction Y), where the column direction Y intersects with the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10. For example, the column direction (second direction Y) is perpendicular to the extension direction X (first direction X) of the waveguide structure 10.

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 a and FIG. 6 b , a plurality of waveguide structures 10 are arranged along a column direction Y at equal intervals.

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figures 7a and 7b, in the column direction Y, the distance between two adjacent waveguide structures 10 of the plurality of waveguide structures 10 increases successively from the first center line P1-P1 to the direction away from the first center line P1-P1; wherein the first center line P1-P1 is the center line of the plurality of waveguide structures 10 along the extension direction X of the waveguide structures 10, and in the column direction Y, the plurality of waveguide structures 10 are distributed on both sides of the first center line P1-P1.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG7a and FIG7b, in the column direction Y, on one side of the first center line P1-P1, the distance between two adjacent waveguide structures 10 can be expressed by the following formula: Y m -Y m-1 =ΔY|mM / 2-1|;

[0137] Among them, Y m is the distance between the m+1th waveguide structure 10 and the mth waveguide structure 10, Y m-1is the distance between the mth waveguide structure 10 and the m-1th waveguide structure 10, ΔY is the difference in distance between two adjacent waveguide structures 10, M is the total number of waveguide structures 10, 1<m≤M, and M is an integer greater than 1.

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, Y m It may be the distance between the center of the m+1th waveguide structure 10 and the center of the mth waveguide structure 10 in the second direction Y, or the closest distance between the edge of the m+1th waveguide structure 10 and the edge of the mth waveguide structure 10 .

[0139] In an exemplary embodiment, the top wall 101, bottom wall 102 and side wall 103 of the waveguide structure 10 can be conductive structures, for example, can be made of conductive metal, the conductive via K0 can be a metal via, the conductive via K0 is electrically connected to the electrode d0 in the switching element 30, the conductive via K0 is not electrically connected to the bottom wall 102 of the waveguide structure 10, and the conductive via K0 has no electrical connection to any structure other than the electrode d0 in the top wall 101.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment, the number of waveguide structures 10 in the antenna may be ten, with five waveguide structures 10 disposed on either side of the first centerline P1-P1 in the column direction (second direction Y). In an exemplary embodiment, the waveguide structures 10 on either side of the first centerline P1-P1 in the second direction Y may be symmetrically arranged relative to the first centerline P1-P1. In an exemplary embodiment, the number of waveguide structures 10 in the antenna may be set based on actual needs and is not limited in this disclosure. For example, the number of waveguide structures 10 in the antenna may be less than ten or greater than ten.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment, FIG1a to FIG2b, FIG3a and FIG3b illustrate one-dimensional antenna structures, and FIG6a to FIG7b illustrate two-dimensional antenna structures. The suppression of sidelobe levels by various antenna structures is described in detail below:

[0142] The first antenna structure (one-dimensional antenna structure): In the one-dimensional antenna structure shown in Figures 1a and 1b, the waveguide structure 10 is a rectangular waveguide, the width of the waveguide structure 10 (the dimension along the second direction Y) is 13.7 mm, the height of the waveguide structure 10 (the dimension along the third direction Z) is 6.85 mm, and 96 radiating elements 20 are provided on the waveguide structure 10. From the center of the waveguide structure 10 to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure 10, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements 20 increases in an arithmetic progression, L1 = 2.5 ± 0.5 mm, ΔL = L n+1 -L n =0.05mm, L1 and ΔL can be adjusted, L1 to L nare both greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength and less than or equal to one-half of the waveguide wavelength. 48 radiating elements 20 are respectively arranged on both sides of the feed probe 01. When the antenna operates at 12 GHz, in the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10, the position of the radiating element 20 relative to the center of the waveguide structure 10 and the radiation intensity are shown in FIG8a , and FIG8b shows the normalized full-field radiation pattern. As shown in FIG8a , the ordinate is the radiation intensity, and the abscissa is the position of the radiating element relative to the center of the waveguide structure 10 (along the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10). The radiation intensity of the radiating element 20 can be divided into 1 (fully open state), 0.5 (half-open state) and 0 (closed state). As shown in FIG8b , the ordinate Gain is the gain of the antenna, and the abscissa is the target pointing angle θ. As can be seen from FIG8b , the angular pointing of the antenna is relatively accurate, the sidelobe level is -17.29 dB, and the antenna has good performance (the sidelobe level can be well suppressed, and the mainlobe width is relatively small).

[0143] In an exemplary embodiment, by controlling the external control circuit to control the switch element 30 corresponding to the complementary inductor and capacitor structure in the radiation element 20, the radiation intensity of each radiation element 20 can be divided into 6 levels: 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1. The division of radiation intensity is more detailed, and the degree of matching between the radiation intensity of the radiation element 20 and the ideal holographic interference pattern can be further improved. This solution will increase the working difficulty of the external control circuit (such as FPGA). Figure 9a shows the center position of the radiation element 20 relative to the waveguide structure 10 and the radiation intensity, and Figure 9b shows the normalized The full-field radiation pattern is shown in Figure 9a, where the ordinate is the radiation intensity and the abscissa is the position of the radiation element relative to the center of the wave structure 10 (along the extension direction X of the waveguide structure 10). The radiation intensity of the radiation element 20 can be divided into six levels: 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1. As shown in Figure 9b, the ordinate Gain is the gain of the antenna, and the abscissa is the target pointing angle θ. It can be seen from Figure 9b that the antenna's angular pointing is relatively precise, the sidelobe level is -16.02dB, and it has good antenna performance (the sidelobe level can be well suppressed, and the main lobe width is relatively small).

[0144] The second antenna structure (one-dimensional antenna structure): The difference from the first antenna structure is that the complementary inductor and capacitor structure formed by the opening in the radiating element is replaced by a rectangular slot structure (the rectangular slot structure can be referred to as 201 in Figure 5a), and the other conditions are consistent with the first antenna structure. The radiating element 20 of this antenna structure relative to the center position of the waveguide structure 10 and the radiation intensity are shown in Figure 10a, and the normalized full-field radiation pattern is shown in Figure 10b. It can be seen from Figure 10a that the radiation intensity of each radiating element is divided into two levels: 0 (off state) and 1 (on state). This antenna structure reduces the difficulty of antenna design and manufacturing. The sidelobe level is -14.36dB, and the sidelobe suppression performance is reduced compared to the first antenna structure.

[0145] The third antenna structure (one-dimensional antenna structure): The difference from the first antenna structure is that ΔL is set to 0.7 mm. Other conditions are the same as the first antenna structure. The normalized full-field radiation pattern is shown in Figure 11. The sidelobe level performance in the far-field direction is reduced to -16.05 dB. This shows that setting an appropriate ΔL value helps to obtain better antenna performance.

[0146] The fourth antenna structure (one-dimensional antenna structure) is different from the first antenna structure in that the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements 20 increases in a geometric progression from the center of the waveguide structure 10 to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure 10. n =L n+1 / R, R = 1.02 ± 0.1, R is the ratio of the distances between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements (which can be called the common ratio of the geometric progression). L1 and the common ratio R of the geometric progression can be adjusted. L1 to L n are both greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength and less than or equal to one-half of the waveguide wavelength. Other conditions are consistent with the first antenna structure. Figure 12a shows the opening and closing of the gap of the antenna structure (i.e., the position of the radiating element 20 relative to the center of the waveguide structure 10 and the radiation intensity). Figure 12b is the normalized full-field radiation pattern. It can be seen from Figure 12b that the sidelobe level is -14.77dB.

[0147] The fifth antenna structure (one-dimensional antenna structure): As shown in FIG2c, the antenna adopts edge feeding, the radiation elements 20 in the middle are relatively dense, and the radiation elements at both ends are relatively sparse. n =L0+ΔLx|Nn / 2-1|, L1 and ΔL can be adjusted, L1 to L nare all greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength and less than or equal to one-half of the waveguide wavelength. In Figure 2c, on one side of the center of the waveguide structure 10, the nth radiating element 20 to the first radiating element 20 are arranged in sequence from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure. Figure 13a shows the opening and closing of the slot of the antenna structure (i.e., the position of the radiating element 20 relative to the center of the waveguide structure 10 and the radiation intensity). Figure 13b is the normalized full-field radiation pattern. As can be seen from Figure 13b, the sidelobe level is -16.57dB. As can be seen from Figures 13a and 13b, the antenna has a lower sidelobe level and a narrower mainlobe width, and still has good antenna performance. In Figure 13a, with the position of the feeding probe as the origin, the coordinates of the center of the waveguide structure 10 are greater than the origin coordinate 0.

[0148] The sixth antenna structure (two-dimensional antenna structure): the number of waveguide structures 10 is 10 (the arrangement of multiple waveguide structures 10 can be referred to as shown in Figure 6b), the width of a single waveguide structure 10 (the dimension along the second direction Y) is 13.7±0.5 mm, the height of the waveguide structure 10 (the dimension along the third direction Z) is 6.85±0.5 mm, and 96 radiation elements 20 are provided on a single waveguide structure 10. From the center of the waveguide structure 10 to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure 10, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements 20 increases in an arithmetic progression, L1=2.5±0.5 mm, ΔL=L n+1 -L n =0.05mm, L1 and ΔL can be adjusted, L1 to L nThe lengths of the waveguide structures 10 and 20 are both greater than or equal to one-fifth and less than or equal to one-half of the waveguide wavelength. 48 radiating elements 2 are positioned on either side of the feed probe 01. Modifying the number of waveguide structures 10 or the number of radiating elements 20 within a single waveguide structure 10 will affect the antenna's radiation performance. The structure of the rectangular slot 201 can be seen in Figures 5a and 5b. A PIN diode is placed in the middle of the rectangular slot 20. The PIN diode is electrically connected to a conductive via K0, and to an external control circuit (e.g., an FPGA) through the metal via K0. This allows the PIN diode to be controlled by the external control circuit. When the PIN diode is turned on (forward biased), the slot is equivalent to two small slots each one-quarter wavelength long. Quarter-wavelength slots have weak energy coupling and radiation capabilities. When the PIN diode is blocked (reverse biased or zero biased), the slot remains at its original half-wavelength length, with strong radiation capabilities. Therefore, by placing a PIN diode in the middle of the slot, the slot can have two states, controlling the on / off state of the rectangular slot's radiating elements. Since the propagation direction of the reference wave of the holographic antenna is fed from the left feeding port (feed probe 01) of the rectangular waveguide and propagates along the waveguide direction (the waveguide structure 10 extends to X), the array factor expression can be written as:

[0149] Among them, k0 represents the propagation constant of the target wave in space, kg represents the propagation constant of the reference wave in the antenna structure, θ0 is the beam pointing direction of the target wave, and x n is the location of the radiation unit, N is the number of radiation elements 20 located in a single waveguide structure 10, M is the number of waveguide structures 10, φ0 is the direction angle of any point in the coordinate system, α n represents the radiation intensity of the nth radiation element 20.

[0150] The seventh antenna structure (two-dimensional antenna structure): As shown in FIG6b, an edge feeding method is adopted, and multiple waveguide structures 10 are arranged at equal intervals along the second direction Y. In a single waveguide structure 10, the left feed probe 01 is responsible for feeding, and the right load probe 02 is connected to the load. 96 radiating elements 20 are set between the two probes. The distance between the nearest radiating element 20 of the feed probe and the feed probe 01 is 6 cm, L0 = 2.5 ± 0.5 mm, ΔL = 0.05 mm, and L n =L0+ΔL*|Nn / 2-1|, the distance between the nth and n+1th radiation units is L n, the far-field radiation pattern of the seventh antenna structure is shown in Figure 14a, and Figure 14b is the far-field radiation pattern of the antenna structure of the control group (for example, the control group can be a single waveguide structure 10 with multiple radiating elements 20 distributed at equal intervals, and multiple waveguide structures 10 are distributed at equal intervals along the second direction Y); Figure 14c is the opening and closing situation of the position of the radiating element 20 of the seventh antenna structure, and Figure 14d is the opening and closing situation of the position of the radiating element 20 of the antenna structure of the control group. It can be seen from Figure 14a that the multiple radiating elements 20 in the waveguide structure 10 in Figure 6b adopt a sparse distribution method with dense distribution in the middle and sparse distribution at both ends, which can greatly suppress the side lobe level. It can be seen from Figure 14c that the spacing between the radiating elements 20 located in the middle position of the waveguide structure 10 is small, and the spacing between the two ends is large.

[0151] The eighth antenna structure (two-dimensional antenna structure): As shown in FIG7b, the difference from the seventh antenna structure is that the multiple waveguide structures 10 are not evenly spaced in the second direction Y. Other conditions are consistent with the seventh antenna structure. As shown in FIG7b, in the column direction Y, on one side of the first center line P1-P1, the distance between two adjacent waveguide structures 10 can be expressed by the following formula: Y m -Y m-1 =ΔY|mM / 2-1|; where Y m is the distance between the m+1th waveguide structure 10 and the mth waveguide structure 10, Y m-1 is the distance between the mth waveguide structure 10 and the m-1th waveguide structure 10, ΔY is the difference in distance between two adjacent waveguide structures 10, M is the total number of waveguide structures 10, 1<m≤M, and M is an integer greater than 1. The far-field pattern of the eighth antenna structure is shown in FIG15b. FIG15a shows the opening and closing of the position of the radiating element 20 of the eighth antenna structure. As can be seen from FIG15a and FIG15b, compared with the seventh antenna structure, the eighth antenna structure can effectively suppress the sidelobe levels in both the u-axis and v-axis directions. The seventh antenna structure can effectively suppress the sidelobe level in the u-axis direction, but the sidelobe level suppression effect in the v-axis direction is poor. This shows that the arrangement of most waveguide structures 10 in the antenna in the second direction Y, with close spacing in the middle and sparse spacing on both sides, can effectively suppress the sidelobe level in the v-axis direction.

[0152] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna structure can be the same as the eighth antenna structure. Through the control of the holographic interferogram, the holographic antenna can achieve multi-beam pointing (multi-beam pointing can be achieved by turning multiple radiating elements 20 on and off). Under such conditions, a sparse distribution can also help reduce sidelobe levels. Figure 16a shows the far-field pattern of the sparse distribution antenna structure, and Figure 16b shows the far-field pattern of the control antenna (the control antenna structure has multiple waveguide structures equidistant in the column direction, and multiple radiating elements 20 are evenly spaced within a single waveguide structure 10). Figure 16c shows the sparse distribution antenna structure with radiating elements 20 in the on-off state, and Figure 16d shows the sparse distribution antenna structure with radiating elements 20 in the on-off state. As can be seen from the figures, the sparse distribution holographic antenna has a certain effect on sidelobe suppression (the sparse distribution antenna in Figure 16a has a better sidelobe suppression effect than the control antenna in Figure 16b), but the effect is not as good as the single-beam case (single-beam far-field pattern 15b).

[0153] In an exemplary embodiment, different colors in the reference mark c0 in Figures 14a to 16d represent different radiation intensities. In the reference mark c0, the radiation intensity gradually increases from bottom to top. The radiation intensities corresponding to different colors in Figures 14a to 16d are consistent with the radiation intensities corresponding to the same colors in the reference mark c0 in the corresponding drawings.

[0154] In the exemplary embodiment, the holographic antenna principle is based on the extension of the optical holographic principle in the microwave frequency band. It is a new antenna design concept. The principle of the holographic antenna is basically the same as the holographic principle in optics. The mathematical expression of the interference pattern is derived below through the mathematical expression of the reference wave and the target wave. Assume that the beam direction of the target wave is θ0 and the position of the radiation unit is x n , the reference wave and target wave equations of the antenna can be expressed as:

[0155] The equation of the reference wave of the antenna is:

[0156] The target wave equation of the antenna is:

[0157] Among them, k g represents the propagation constant of the reference wave in the antenna structure, and k0 represents the propagation constant of the target wave in space.

[0158] The expression of the holographic interference pattern is:

[0159] Substituting the antenna's reference wave and target wave equations into the equations, we can get the expression for the holographic interference pattern:

[0160] From the expression of the holographic interference pattern, it can be seen that when the propagation constant k of the reference wave is g If the holographic interferogram of the antenna is determined, then it is only related to the desired beam direction θ0. Different beam directions will correspond to different holographic interferograms. The embodiment of the present disclosure reflects the holographic interferogram by the intensity (on and off state) of the radiation energy of different radiating elements 20.

[0161] The array factor expression of the holographic antenna is:

[0162] Wherein, N is the number of radiation elements 20 in the waveguide structure 10, α n represents the radiation intensity of the nth radiation element 20.

[0163] In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, for a one-dimensional antenna structure, a sparse distribution of multiple radiating elements 20 in a waveguide structure 10, which is dense in the middle and sparse at both ends, can effectively suppress the sidelobe level; for a two-dimensional antenna structure, multiple waveguide structures 10 in the antenna can adopt a distribution method that is dense in the middle and sparse at both sides, and multiple radiating elements 20 in a single waveguide structure 10 adopt a distribution method that is dense in the middle and sparse at both ends to form a sparse distribution array, thereby obtaining a sparsely distributed holographic antenna. With the antenna structure adopting the sparse distribution method, both the one-dimensional antenna structure and the two-dimensional antenna structure can achieve the effect of reducing the sidelobe level and reducing the main lobe width.

[0164] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an electronic device, as shown in the figure, comprising a control circuit and the antenna described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the control circuit is electrically connected to the antenna.

[0165] In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit can control multiple switch elements in the antenna to control corresponding radiating elements to radiate microwave signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit can serve as the external control circuit described above, or can serve as a driving circuit for the antenna.

[0166] The present disclosure also provides an antenna driving method applicable to the antenna described in any of the above embodiments. The antenna may include at least one waveguide structure, wherein the waveguide structure is provided with a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of switch elements corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are spaced apart along an extension direction of the waveguide structure; in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the plurality of radiating elements are located on both sides of a center of the waveguide structure, and a distance between centers of two adjacent radiating elements increases in a direction away from the center of the waveguide structure. The driving method includes:

[0167] The plurality of switching elements are used to control the plurality of radiation elements to radiate the microwave signal.

[0168] In an exemplary embodiment, radiating microwave signals by controlling multiple radiation elements respectively through multiple switching elements may include: a control circuit (or a driving circuit or the external control circuit described above) applies corresponding voltage signal groups to the multiple switching elements, so that the corresponding switching elements are in corresponding open states.

[0169] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch element 30 may be a PIN diode, which may be provided with two electrodes d0. The two electrodes d0 are electrically connected to an external control circuit (i.e., a control circuit or a drive circuit) via a conductive via K0, thereby enabling the control circuit to control the switch element 30. For example, the control circuit may be an FPGA, which controls the conduction state of the switch element 30 and the magnitude of the voltage applied to the two electrodes d0, thereby controlling the radiation state of the radiating element 20 corresponding to the switch element. For example, in the case of the antenna structure shown in FIG. 4 , the control circuit may control the conduction state of the switch element 30, resulting in weak radiation energy from the radiating element 20, and thus the radiating element 20 is in a closed or semi-closed state; the control circuit may control the blocking state of the switch element 30, resulting in strong radiation energy from the radiating element 20, and thus the radiating element 20 is in an open or semi-open state.

[0170] The antenna, driving method thereof, and electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure include at least one waveguide structure, on which are arranged a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of switching elements for respectively controlling the plurality of radiating units to radiate microwave signals. In the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements increases successively from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure, thereby reducing the sidelobe level of the antenna and solving the technical problem of a high sidelobe level of the antenna.

[0171] There are a few points to note:

[0172] The drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and other structures may refer to general designs.

[0173] In the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present disclosure, that is, the features in the embodiments, can be combined with each other to form new embodiments.

[0174] Although the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure are as described above, the contents described are only embodiments adopted to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art in the field to which the present disclosure belongs may make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the implementation without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed in the present disclosure, but the scope of patent protection of the present disclosure shall still be based on the scope defined by the attached claims.

Claims

1. An antenna, comprising at least one waveguide structure, on which a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of switch elements respectively corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements are arranged, wherein the plurality of radiating elements are arranged at intervals along an extension direction of the waveguide structure; and the plurality of switch elements are arranged to control the corresponding radiating elements to radiate microwave signals; In the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the multiple radiation elements are located on both sides of the center of the waveguide structure, and the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements increases successively from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure.

2. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein: In the extension direction of the waveguide structure, on one side of the center of the waveguide structure, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength and less than or equal to one-half of the waveguide wavelength.

3. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein: From the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements increases in sequence in an arithmetic progression.

4. The antenna according to claim 3, wherein: The distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure is expressed by the following formula: L n =L n+1 -ΔL; Where ΔL is the difference in distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements, L n is the distance between the center of the nth radiating element and the center of the n+1th radiating element, L n+1 is the distance between the centers of the n+1th radiation unit and the n+2th radiation element, n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and ΔL is greater than 0.

5. The antenna according to claim 4, wherein: The value of ΔL is 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm; The waveguide structure is a center-fed structure, the value of L1 is 2.5±0.5 mm, and the value of L1 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength; or the waveguide structure is an edge-fed structure, the value of L0 between the two radiation units closest to the center of the waveguide structure is 2.5±0.5 mm, the value of L0 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength, and the value of L1 is L0+ΔL; Among them, L n+1 The value of is less than or equal to half the waveguide wavelength.

6. The antenna according to claim 1 or 3, wherein: The waveguide structure is an edge-fed structure. The distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure is expressed by the following formula: L n =L0+ΔL*|Nn / 2-1|; Where ΔL is the difference in distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements, L n is the distance between the center of the nth radiation unit and the n+1th radiation element, L0 is the distance between the two radiation units closest to the center of the waveguide structure, N is the total number of radiation elements located in the waveguide structure, N is an integer greater than 1, ΔL is greater than 0, 1≤n≤N.

7. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein: From the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure, the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements increases in sequence in a geometric progression.

8. The antenna according to claim 7, wherein: The distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation elements from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure is expressed by the following formula: L n =L n+1 / R; Where R is the ratio of the distances between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements, L n is the distance between the center of the nth radiating element and the center of the n+1th radiating element, L n+1 is the distance between the centers of the n+1th radiation unit and the n+2th radiation element, n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and R is greater than 1.

9. The antenna according to claim 8, wherein: The value of R is 1.02±0.1, the waveguide structure is a center-fed structure, the value of L1 is 2.5±0.5 mm, and the value of L1 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength; or the waveguide structure is an edge-fed structure, the value of L0 between the two radiation units closest to the center of the waveguide structure is 2.5±0.5 mm, the value of L0 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the waveguide wavelength, and the value of L1 is R*L0; Among them, L n+1 The value of is less than or equal to half the waveguide wavelength.

10. The antenna according to claim 1, wherein: The waveguide structure comprises a top wall, a side wall, a bottom wall and a waveguide cavity, the waveguide cavity is surrounded by the top wall, the side wall and the bottom wall, and the multiple radiation elements are arranged on the top wall of the waveguide structure.

11. The antenna according to claim 10, wherein: The waveguide structure also includes a first dielectric layer, which is filled in the waveguide cavity. A plurality of conductive vias are provided in the waveguide structure, which penetrate the first dielectric layer and the bottom wall of the waveguide structure. The switch element is electrically connected to an external control circuit through corresponding conductive vias.

12. The antenna according to claim 11, wherein: The radiating element includes an opening, and the opening forms a complementary inductor-capacitor structure.

13. The antenna according to claim 12, wherein: The complementary inductor and capacitor structure includes an annular slot and two T-shaped slots, the annular slot includes a first slot and a second slot arranged opposite to each other, and a third slot and a fourth slot arranged opposite to each other in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, and the first slot to the fourth slot are connected to each other; the two T-shaped slots include a first T-shaped slot and a second T-shaped slot, the first T-shaped slot and the second T-shaped slot are arranged opposite to each other, the first T-shaped slot is connected to the first slot, and the second T-shaped slot is connected to the second slot.

14. The antenna according to claim 13, wherein: The switch element includes two switch structures, and the two switch structures include a first switch structure and a second switch structure. The first switch structure is configured to control the opening state of the third slot; and the second switch structure is configured to control the opening state of the fourth slot.

15. The antenna according to claim 14, wherein: A first accommodating groove connected to the third groove is respectively provided on both sides of the third groove, and a second accommodating groove connected to the fourth groove is respectively provided on both sides of the fourth groove. The first switch structure and the second switch structure each include two electrodes, and the two electrodes of the first switch structure are respectively arranged in the two first accommodating grooves, and the two electrodes of the second switch structure are respectively arranged in the two second accommodating grooves, and the electrodes in the first switch structure and the second switch structure are respectively electrically connected to the external control circuit through corresponding connecting vias.

16. The antenna according to claim 11, wherein The radiation element comprises an opening, and the switch element comprises a switch structure, wherein the switch structure is configured to control an opening state of the opening.

17. The antenna according to claim 16, wherein: The switch structure includes two electrodes. In the direction in which the waveguide structure extends, a third accommodating groove connected to the opening is provided on both sides of the opening. The two electrodes of the switch structure are respectively arranged in the two third accommodating grooves and are respectively electrically connected to the external control circuit through two connecting vias.

18. The antenna according to claim 10, wherein: The waveguide structure is a rectangular waveguide, and the number of the side walls is four; in the direction from the top wall to the bottom wall, the size of the waveguide structure is 6.85±0.5 mm; in the width direction, the size of the waveguide structure is 13.7±0.5 mm, and the width direction is the arrangement direction of the two side walls parallel to the extension direction of the waveguide structure.

19. The antenna according to claim 10, wherein: The waveguide structure further includes a feeding probe and a load probe disposed on the bottom wall. The feeding probe and the load probe penetrate the bottom wall and communicate with the waveguide cavity. The feeding probe is configured to feed power, and the load probe is configured to connect a load.

20. The antenna according to claim 19, wherein: The load probes include two, which are arranged at two end positions of the waveguide structure in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, and the feeding probe is arranged at the center position of the waveguide structure. The multiple radiating elements are symmetrically arranged relative to the feeding probes, and the multiple radiating elements are located between the two load probes.

21. The antenna according to claim 19, wherein: In the extending direction of the waveguide structure, the feeding probe and the load probe are located at two end positions of the waveguide structure, and the plurality of radiation elements are located between the feeding probe and the load probe.

22. The antenna according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: In the extending direction of the waveguide structure, the distance from the center of the radiation element closest to the feeding probe to the feeding probe is 4 mm to 12 mm.

23. The antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and 18 to 21, wherein: There are multiple waveguide structures, and the multiple waveguide structures are arranged at intervals along a column direction, and the column direction intersects with the extension direction of the waveguide structure.

24. The antenna according to claim 23, wherein: The plurality of waveguide structures are arranged at equal intervals along the column direction.

25. The antenna according to claim 23, wherein: In the column direction, the distance between two adjacent waveguide structures of the multiple waveguide structures increases successively from the first center line to the direction away from the first center line; wherein, the first center line is the center line of the multiple waveguide structures along the extension direction of the waveguide structures, and in the column direction, the multiple waveguide structures are distributed on both sides of the first center line.

26. The antenna according to claim 25, wherein: In the column direction, on one side of the first center line, the distance between two adjacent waveguide structures is expressed by the following formula: m -Y m-1 =ΔY|mM / 2-1|; Among them, Y m is the distance between the m+1th waveguide structure and the mth waveguide structure, Y m-1 is the distance between the mth waveguide structure and the m-1th waveguide structure, ΔY is the difference in distance between two adjacent waveguide structures, M is the total number of waveguide structures, 1<m≤M, and M is an integer greater than 1.

27. An electronic device, comprising a control circuit and the antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the control circuit is electrically connected to the antenna.

28. A method for driving an antenna, applied to the antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 26, the antenna comprising at least one waveguide structure, a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of switch elements respectively corresponding to the plurality of radiating elements are arranged on the waveguide structure, the plurality of radiating elements are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the waveguide structure; in the extension direction of the waveguide structure, the plurality of radiating elements are located on both sides of the center of the waveguide structure, and the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiating elements increases in sequence from the center of the waveguide structure to the direction away from the center of the waveguide structure, the driving method comprising: The plurality of switching elements are used to control the plurality of radiation elements to radiate microwave signals.

Images