Signal transmitting apparatus, electronic device, and communication base station

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of wireless communications, and provided thereby are signal transmitting apparatus, an electronic device, and a communication base station, which are used to reduce costs and power consumption. The signal transmitting apparatus comprises a first functional device, a second functional device, and a filling structure. The first functional device comprises at least one feed source. The feed source is used for transmitting an electromagnetic signal. The second functional device comprises a plurality of transmission units. Each transmission unit is used for changing a physical state of the electromagnetic signal traversing the transmission unit. The physical state of the electromagnetic signal comprises one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, polarization direction, and frequency. The second functional device is at least partially opposite to the first functional device. The filling structure is located between the first functional device and the second functional device. Dielectric constants of at least two positions in the filling structure are different.

Description

Signal transmitter, electronic equipment and communication base station

[0001] This application claims priority from Chinese patent application No. 202310827434.8, filed on July 6, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a signal transmitting device, electronic equipment and a communication base station. Background Art

[0003] Wireless communication technology is gradually moving toward higher frequencies due to their advantages, such as greater bandwidth and higher system capacity. However, higher frequencies correspond to smaller electromagnetic wavelengths. This translates to smaller components and stricter design requirements, leading to higher costs and power consumption.

[0004] Furthermore, current communication base stations typically use phased arrays as transmit antennas to transmit wireless signals. Phased arrays rely on structures such as phase shifters, amplifiers, switch matrices, and radio frequency links to function. As antennas become increasingly large, the scale of these components, such as phase shifters, amplifiers, switch matrices, and radio frequency links, will also increase. This further increases costs and power consumption.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a signal transmitting device, an electronic device and a communication base station for reducing costs and power consumption.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present application provide the following technical solutions.

[0008] In a first aspect, a signal transmitting device is provided, comprising: a first functional device, a second functional device, and a filling structure. The first functional device includes at least one feed source. The feed source is used to transmit an electromagnetic signal. The second functional device includes multiple transmission units. The transmission units are used to change the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission units. The physical state of the electromagnetic signal includes one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, polarization direction, and frequency. The second functional device is at least partially aligned with the first functional device. The filling structure is located between the first and second functional devices. At least two locations in the filling structure have different dielectric constants.

[0009] In a second aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising: the signal transmitting device as described in the first aspect.

[0010] In a third aspect, a communication base station is provided, comprising: a signal transmitting device as described in the first aspect.

[0011] The signal transmitting device provided in the embodiment of the present application, by setting a first functional device and a second functional device that are at least partially opposite to each other, and setting at least one feed source for transmitting electromagnetic signals in the first functional device, and setting multiple transmission units in the second functional device for changing the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through itself, can select different feed sources to transmit electromagnetic signals, and use the transmission units to regulate the electromagnetic signals to form directional beams with different emission angles. In other words, the embodiment of the present application can use the first functional device and the second functional device to replace the more complex radio frequency links and phase shifters. This not only simplifies the structure of the signal transmitting device and facilitates the miniaturization of the device, but also helps to reduce the cost and power consumption of the signal transmitting device. Even if the antenna develops in the direction of ultra-large scale, the cost and power consumption can be greatly reduced.

[0012] Moreover, the embodiment of the present application sets a filling structure between the first functional device and the second functional device, and the dielectric constants of at least two positions in the filling structure are different, which not only enables the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source to be better focused on the second functional device to further reduce power consumption and cost, but also enables more channels to be constructed between the first functional device and the second functional device, increases the complexity of the channel, and enhances the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device to further simplify the structure of the signal transmitting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in some embodiments of this application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings. Furthermore, the drawings described below should be considered schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual dimensions of the products involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0014] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a communication base station provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0015] FIG2 is a structural diagram of another communication base station provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0016] FIG3 is a structural diagram of an electronic device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0017] FIG4 is a structural diagram of a signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0018] FIG5 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0019] FIG6 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0020] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a feed arrangement provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0021] FIG8 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0022] FIG9 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0023] FIG10 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0024] FIG11 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0025] FIG12 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0026] FIG13 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0027] FIG14 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0028] FIG15 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0029] FIG16 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0030] FIG17 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0031] FIG18 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0032] FIG19 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0033] FIG20 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application;

[0034] FIG21 is a structural diagram of another signal transmitting device provided in some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in some embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "including" is to be interpreted as having an open, inclusive meaning, that is, "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, the terms "some embodiments," "examples," or "some examples," etc., are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. Schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0037] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0038] When describing some embodiments, the expressions "coupled" and "connected" and their derivatives may be used. For example, when describing some embodiments, the term "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more components are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. For another example, when describing some embodiments, the term "coupled" may be used to indicate that two or more components are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, the term "coupled" may also mean that two or more components are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to the contents of this document.

[0039] “At least one of A, B, and C” includes the following combinations of A, B, and C: only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B, and C. “A and / or B” includes the following three combinations: only A, only B, and a combination of A and B.

[0040] The use of "for" herein is intended to be open and inclusive language, and does not exclude devices adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps. Additionally, the use of "based on" is intended to be open and inclusive, as a process, step, calculation, or other action that is "based on" one or more stated conditions or values ​​may, in practice, be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0041] As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "equal" include the situations described and situations similar to the situations described, and the range of the similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate parallelism can be, for example, a deviation within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate equality can be, for example, that the difference between the two equals is less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or plan views that are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and the area of ​​regions are exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are contemplated. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include deviations in shape due to, for example, manufacturing. For example, a region shown as a rectangle will typically have curved features. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of regions of the device and are not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0043] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication base station, which is located between a communication network and a communication device (eg, a mobile communication device) and is used to transmit electromagnetic signals between the communication network and the communication device.

[0044] The above-mentioned communication base stations can be various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, access points (APs), etc. For example, the communication base station can be an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), a next generation node base station (gNB), a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a relay node (RN), an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, etc. In systems using different radio access technologies (RATs), the names of devices with communication base station functions may be different. For example, in an LTE (long term evolution) system, it can be called eNB or eNodeB, and in a 5G system or NR (new radio) system, it can be called gNB. This application does not limit the specific name of the communication base station.

[0045] The above-mentioned communication base station may have various structures. For example, the structure of the communication base station may include a distributed structure, a tower structure, a pole structure, and the like.

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates the structure of a communication base station. As shown in Figure 1, the communication base station includes a bracket 100 and an antenna 200 and other structures. The bracket 100 is set on the ground or on the roof, and the antenna 200 is installed on the bracket 100. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on the installation method of the antenna 200. Among them, the antenna 200 can be a 4G antenna or a 5G antenna. For example, the antenna 200 can also be a 4G or 5G antenna with multiple input multiple output (MIMO). The embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on the specific type of the antenna 200.

[0047] 1 and 2 , the communication base station further includes a controller 300. The controller 300 is coupled to the antenna 200. The controller 300 is used to manage wireless channels, and the antenna 200 is used to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals.

[0048] For example, when antenna 200 is performing wireless communication, controller 300 may allocate a wireless channel for voice services received by antenna 200. After receiving an electromagnetic signal, antenna 200 extracts information (e.g., voice service information) carried in the electromagnetic signal and transmits the information through the wireless channel allocated by controller 300.

[0049] The present application also provides an electronic device. The electronic device may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, an augmented reality (AR) device, a virtual reality (VR) device, an artificial intelligence (AI) device, a smart wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, a smart bracelet), an in-vehicle device (e.g., an in-vehicle radar), a smart home device and / or a smart city device, a detector, an unmanned aerial vehicle, a surveying and mapping device, etc. The present application does not impose any particular restrictions on the specific type of the electronic device.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates the structure of an electronic device. As shown in Figure 3, the electronic device includes an antenna 400. The electronic device can use the antenna 400 to transmit energy or electromagnetic waves. For example, the electronic device can use the antenna 400 to perform wireless communication or wireless detection (or sensing).

[0051] When the electronic device uses the antenna 400 for wireless communication, the electronic device can transmit electromagnetic signals to the outside and receive electromagnetic signals from the outside through the antenna 400. The electromagnetic signals can carry communication data, such as call requests.

[0052] When the electronic device uses antenna 400 for wireless detection, the electronic device can transmit an electromagnetic signal for detection through antenna 400 and receive the electromagnetic signal reflected by the detected object, thereby determining information about the detected object in the external environment based on the reflected electromagnetic signal. The information about the detected object may include, for example, the location information and movement speed of the detected object.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4 , some embodiments of the present application further provide a signal transmitting device 500 capable of transmitting electromagnetic signals. In some embodiments, the signal transmitting device 500 can also receive electromagnetic signals. The signal transmitting device 500 can function as the antenna 200 in the aforementioned communication base station or as the antenna 400 in the aforementioned electronic device.

[0054] The structure of the signal transmitting device 500 includes various structures, which can be selected and configured according to actual needs. The structure of the signal transmitting device 500 is schematically described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] In some possible embodiments, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, a signal transmitting device 500 includes an antenna module 1, which includes a first functional device 11 and a second functional device 12. The first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are spaced apart, that is, there is a gap between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and they are not in direct contact. The spacing between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 can be selected and set according to actual needs and is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0056] The first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are at least partially aligned. That is, the orthographic projection of the first functional device 11 on a reference plane and the orthographic projection of the second functional device 12 on the reference plane at least partially overlap. The reference plane is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first functional device 11 includes at least one feed source 111. The number of feed sources 111 can be one or more. Figures 5 and 6 both illustrate the number of feed sources 111 as multiple, and the following description also assumes the number of feed sources 111 as multiple.

[0058] There are many ways to arrange the plurality of feed sources 111 , which can be selected according to actual needs. FIG7 (a), (b), and (c) illustrate one arrangement of the feed sources 111 , respectively.

[0059] For example, as shown in FIG7( a ), the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged in a linear array. That is, the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged on the same straight line, with a gap between two adjacent feed sources 111. Of course, the plurality of feed sources 111 can also be arranged on the same curve.

[0060] Exemplarily, as shown in (b) and (c) of FIG7 , the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged in a two-dimensional planar array. That is, the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged on a two-dimensional plane according to certain rules (which can be set according to actual needs). For example, as shown in (b) of FIG7 , the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged in a rectangular array. For another example, as shown in (c) of FIG7 , the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged in a circular array.

[0061] For example, as shown in FIG5 , the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged in a curved array. That is, the plurality of feed sources 111 are arranged on a spatial curved surface, and the orthographic projections of the plurality of feed sources 111 on a reference plane are arranged in a two-dimensional planar array. The reference plane is, for example, tangent to the geometric center of the spatial curved surface.

[0062] The feed source 111 is used to transmit electromagnetic signals. The feed source 111 has the ability to actively transmit electromagnetic signals. Each of the multiple feed sources 111 can independently transmit electromagnetic signals. Of course, the feed source 111 may also have the ability to receive electromagnetic signals. Optionally, the feed source 111 may be a half-wave dipole, a monopole, a microstrip antenna, a slot antenna, a horn antenna, or other antenna structure capable of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific form of the feed source.

[0063] 5 and 6 , the second functional device 12 includes a plurality of transmission units 121. For example, the number of the transmission units 121 is two, three, or even more.

[0064] There are many ways to arrange the plurality of transmission units 121 , and they can be selected according to actual needs.

[0065] For example, the plurality of transmission units 121 may be arranged in a linear array, a two-dimensional planar array, or a curved array, etc. For details, please refer to the description of the arrangement of the plurality of feed sources 111, which will not be repeated here. In the antenna module 1 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the arrangement of the plurality of feed sources 111 of the first functional device 11 and the arrangement of the plurality of transmission units 121 of the second functional device 12 may be the same or different.

[0066] The transmission unit 121 is a passive electromagnetic unit, meaning it does not independently transmit electromagnetic signals. Each of the multiple transmission units 121 is capable of modulating electromagnetic signals. Accordingly, the transmission unit 121 is configured to alter the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through it. The physical state of the electromagnetic signal may include one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, frequency, and polarization.

[0067] For example, when the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is amplitude, there is a difference between the amplitude of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 and the amplitude of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121. When the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is phase, there is a difference between the phase of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 and the phase of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121. When the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is frequency, there is a difference between the frequency of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 and the frequency of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121. When the physical state of the electromagnetic signal is polarization direction, there is a difference between the polarization direction of the electromagnetic signal before passing through the transmission unit 121 and the polarization direction of the electromagnetic signal after passing through the transmission unit 121.

[0068] Exemplarily, among the plurality of transmission units 121, at least two transmission units 121 have different control effects on electromagnetic signals. For example, the at least two transmission units 121 include a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit. The first transmission unit can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through it by π / 2, and the second transmission unit can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through it by π / 4.

[0069] The transmission unit 121 may be static or dynamic.

[0070] When the transmission unit 121 is static, it has fixed electromagnetic signal control characteristics. The hardware of the transmission unit 121 exhibits frequency selectivity. In this embodiment of the present application, the amount of change in the physical state of electromagnetic signals passing through the transmission unit 121 may vary; however, the amount of change in the physical state of electromagnetic signals passing through its specific frequency band is fixed. The amount of change in the physical state of electromagnetic signals passing through its specific frequency band by different transmission units 121 may be the same or different. For example, a certain transmission unit 121 may delay the phase of a 30 GHz electromagnetic signal passing through it by π / 2, and this phase delay is constant and unchangeable. The phase delay of other transmission units 121 for 30 GHz electromagnetic signals passing through them may be π / 2, π / 4, or other amounts that enhance beamforming capabilities. The phase response of a static transmission unit can be altered by changing the shape of the metal patch on the unit, the thickness of the dielectric substrate, and other methods.

[0071] When the transmission units 121 are dynamic, the second functional device 12 can change the state of each transmission unit 121 in real time, allowing the transmission units 121 to dynamically adjust the change in the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through them. For example, at a first moment, a transmission unit 121 can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through it by π / 2, while at a second moment, the same transmission unit 121 can delay the phase of the electromagnetic signal passing through it by π. In embodiments of the present application, for example, the change in the state of the transmission units 121 can be controlled using structures such as diodes, transistors, liquid crystal materials, and micro-electromechanical systems.

[0072] In some examples, as shown in FIG4 , the signal transmitting device 500 further includes a signal processing module 2 and a feed selection module 3. One end of the feed selection module 3 is coupled to the signal processing module 2, and the other end is coupled to the multiple feeds 111 in the antenna module 1. Specifically, the other end of the feed selection module 3 is coupled to the first functional device 11. The signal processing module 2 is configured to generate a first electromagnetic signal. The feed selection module 3 is configured to select at least one target feed from the multiple feeds 111, causing the target feed to transmit the first electromagnetic signal.

[0073] Exemplarily, the signal processing module 2 includes a radio frequency link, which is used to convert a received digital signal into an electromagnetic signal, and convert a received electromagnetic signal into a digital signal.

[0074] The target feed source may be determined by the signal processing module 2. After determining the target feed source, the signal processing module 2 may send an identifier of the target feed source to the feed source selection module 3. The feed source selection module 3 may select the target feed source from the plurality of feed sources 111 based on the identifier of the target feed source and control the target feed source to be turned on so that the target feed source transmits the first electromagnetic signal generated by the signal processing module 2.

[0075] Exemplarily, the feed source selection module 3 includes an automatic switching circuit, which can switch on the target feed source according to the instruction of the signal processing module 2 .

[0076] Since the feed source 111 has the ability to transmit electromagnetic signals, the signal transmitting device 500 provided in the present application can also be used as a transmitting antenna to transmit electromagnetic signals to the outside world. Figure 8 illustrates a process in which a signal transmitting device 500 (or antenna module 1) transmits an electromagnetic signal. For example, the coordinate system shown in Figure 8 is established with the center point of the first functional device 11 as the origin and the direction from the center point of the first functional device 11 to the center point of the second functional device 12 as the positive direction of the X-axis. The center point of the first functional device 11 is, for example, the geometric center of the first functional device 11, and the center point of the second functional device 12 is, for example, the geometric center of the second functional device 12.

[0077] For example, as shown in FIG8 , when the signal transmitting device 500 acts as a transmitting antenna to transmit electromagnetic signals to the outside world, the signal processing module 2 generates a first electromagnetic signal and sends the first electromagnetic signal to the feed selection module 3. The feed selection module 3 can select at least one target feed (e.g., the first feed 111a and the second feed 111b in FIG8 ) from the multiple feeds 111 of the first functional device 11 to transmit the first electromagnetic signal. The multiple transmission units 121 in the second functional device 12 can regulate (or beamform) the first electromagnetic signal emitted by the at least one target feed, so that the first electromagnetic signal emitted by the at least one target feed forms at least one directional beam (e.g., directional beam 1 and directional beam 2 shown in FIG8 ) after passing through the multiple transmission units 121 in the second functional device 12. The pointing directions of different directional beams can be different, and the emission angles (i.e., the angle between the pointing direction and the X-axis) of different directional beams can be different. For example, as shown in FIG8 , the pointing direction of directional beam one extends downwardly from the X-axis; the pointing direction of directional beam two extends upwardly from the X-axis; and the emission angle of directional beam one is smaller than the emission angle of directional beam two.

[0078] By selecting different feed sources 111 to transmit electromagnetic signals, the electromagnetic signals (or directional beams) radiated by the second functional device 12 can have different emission angles, thereby achieving switching of different directional beams and serving different signal receiving ends.

[0079] It is understandable that in the related art, a radio frequency link, or a combination of a radio frequency link and a phase shifter is usually used to control the phase of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the transmitting antenna to achieve directional transmission of the wireless signal. However, the embodiment of the present application sets a first functional device 11 and a second functional device 12, and can use at least one feed source 111 in the first functional device 11 to transmit an electromagnetic signal, and use multiple transmission units 121 in the second functional device 12 to control the electromagnetic signal to form a directional beam with different emission angles. In other words, the embodiment of the present application can use the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 to replace the more complex radio frequency link and phase shifter. In this way, not only can the structure of the signal transmitting device 500 be simplified, facilitating the miniaturization of the device, but it is also beneficial to reduce the cost and power consumption of the signal transmitting device 500. Even if the antenna develops in the direction of ultra-large scale, the cost and power consumption can be greatly reduced.

[0080] Moreover, the design of the feed source 111 and the transmission unit 121 can more conveniently achieve a larger effective aperture and obtain a larger beamforming gain.

[0081] Furthermore, when the feed source 111 has the ability to receive electromagnetic signals, the signal transmitting device 500 provided in the present application can also serve as a receiving antenna to receive electromagnetic signals radiated from the outside.

[0082] In some embodiments, when electromagnetic signals are transmitted using the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, the emission angle range of the directional beam may be relatively small. Therefore, if it is necessary to increase the coverage of the directional beam or to enable the directional beam to be transmitted in a predetermined direction, it is necessary to move the signal transmitting device 500 (or the antenna module 1).

[0083] Furthermore, a vacuum is provided between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, or the space between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 is filled with air. Thus, if the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 is large, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 may not be fully received by the second functional device 12, affecting the signal transmission of the signal transmitting device 500 (or antenna module 1). In order to ensure that the second functional device 12 can receive sufficient electromagnetic signals from the first functional device 11 and reduce the impact on the electromagnetic signals emitted by the signal transmitting device 500 (or antenna module 1), the power of the first functional device 11 needs to be increased, which can easily increase costs and power consumption.

[0084] Based on this, in some possible embodiments, as shown in Figures 9 to 21, the antenna module 1 of the signal transmitting device 500 further includes a filling structure 13. The filling structure 13 is located between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. In the structures shown in Figures 9 to 21, the first functional device 11, the filling structure 13, and the second functional device 12 are arranged in sequence from left to right in the figures. Moreover, in the structures shown in Figures 9 to 21, the surface where the first functional device 11 is located (that is, the surface where the structure for supporting and fixing the feed source 111 in the first functional device 11 is located) is taken as a plane, and the surface where the second functional device 12 is located (that is, the surface where the structure for supporting and fixing the transmission unit 121 in the second functional device 12 is located) is taken as an example, and the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 are arranged in parallel, and the cross-section of the structure shown in Figures 9 to 21 is perpendicular to the plane where the first functional device 11 is located. 8 , the Y axis shown in FIG9 to FIG21 is the same as the Y axis shown in FIG8 , and the cross section of the structure shown in FIG9 to FIG21 is perpendicular to the Z axis shown in FIG8 .

[0085] The space between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 forms a cavity (for example, the outer boundary of the first functional device 11 and the outer boundary of the second functional device 12 are connected to form the cavity), and the filling structure 13 fills the cavity. The electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 in the first functional device 11 passes through the filling structure 13 and is incident on the second functional device 12.

[0086] The dielectric constants of at least two locations in the filling structure 13 are different. In other words, the dielectric constants at different locations in the filling structure 13 are non-uniform. The arrangement of the filling structure 13 makes the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 a non-uniform dielectric cavity.

[0087] The electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 can be reflected and / or scattered at locations with different dielectric constants. The filling structure 13 has multiple locations with different dielectric constants. This allows the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 to change direction multiple times within the filling structure 13, allowing for better focus on the second functional device 12. This ensures that substantially all of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 can be received and transmitted by the second functional device 12, eliminating the need to increase the power of the first functional device 11, thereby reducing costs and power consumption.

[0088] Furthermore, the provision of the filling structure 13 can construct more channels between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, increasing the complexity of the channels and enhancing the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500. This can increase the emission angle range of the directional beam emitted by the second functional device 12 and increase the coverage of the directional beam. In situations where a directional beam needs to be emitted in a preset direction, there is no need to move the signal transmitting device 500 (or antenna module 1), which further simplifies the structure of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0089] The dielectric constants at different locations of the filling structure 13 can be set according to actual needs. The greater the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13, the smaller the spacing between the first functional element 11 and the second functional element 12 (i.e., the smaller the size of the cavity in the arrangement direction of the first functional element 11 and the second functional element 12). This can effectively reduce the size of the signal transmitting device 500 (or antenna module 1), facilitating a miniaturized or lightweight design, which not only facilitates installation but also reduces cost and power consumption.

[0090] Moreover, on the basis of reducing the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, it can further ensure that the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 can basically be radiated to the second functional device 12 and transmitted, which is conducive to further reducing power consumption.

[0091] It is understood that the greater the dielectric constant of a material, the greater its ability to absorb electromagnetic signals. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, the material to be filled between the first functional component 11 and the second functional component 12 can be determined based on the required dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 and the ability of the filling structure 13 to absorb electromagnetic signals.

[0092] The above-mentioned filling structure 13 can be arranged in a variety of ways, and can be selected according to actual needs. The following is a schematic illustration of the arrangement of the filling structure 13 in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the arrangement of the filling structure 13 is not limited to this.

[0093] In a first possible embodiment, as shown in FIG9 , the filling structure 13 is a single-layer structure. In this case, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 can be set to change gradually. There are multiple ways to change the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13, which can be selected according to actual needs.

[0094] It should be understood that the spatial distribution of the dielectric constant in the filling structure 13 can be represented by a function, for example: ε x,y,z =f(x,y,z). x,y,z The dielectric constant of the point with coordinates (x, y, z) in the filling structure 13 is represented.

[0095] In some examples, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 varies linearly along the first direction. For example, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 increases linearly along the first direction. That is, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases along the first direction. For another example, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 decreases linearly along the first direction. That is, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually decreases along the first direction.

[0096] Here, the arrangement direction of the first functional device 11, the filling structure 13, and the second functional device 12 is defined as a second direction. The second direction is, for example, parallel to the extension direction of the X-axis shown in Figure 9, and the second direction is in the same direction as the positive direction of the X-axis. The angle between the first direction and the second direction ranges from 0° to 90°. The angle between the first direction and the second direction is, for example, 0°, 10°, 30°, 40°, 65°, or 90°.

[0097] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 0°, for example, the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the X-axis shown in FIG. 9 , and is in the same direction as the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0098] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90°, for example, the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the Y-axis shown in Figure 9, and is in the same direction or opposite direction to the positive direction of the Y-axis; for example, the first direction is parallel to the extension direction of the Z-axis (the Z-axis is not shown in the figure, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis), and is in the same direction or opposite direction to the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0099] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 45°, the angle between the first direction and the positive direction of the Y-axis is 45° to 135°.

[0100] Exemplarily, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 satisfies the following relationship:

[0101] f(x,y,z)=[1+a1(x-x0)+b1(y-y0)+c1(z-z0)]×ε. Wherein, f(x,y,z) is the dielectric constant of the point with coordinate position (x,y,z) in the filling structure 13; a1, b1, c1 are coefficients, and they are not 0 at the same time; ε is the preset dielectric constant. (x0,y0,z0) is the reference point, at which the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 is the preset dielectric constant ε. The reference point can be set arbitrarily. Optionally, the reference point can be the center point of the first functional device 11, or a point other than the center point of the first functional device 11, or the center point of the second functional device 12, or a point other than the center point of the second functional device 12, or any point on the line connecting the center point of the first functional device 11 and the center point of the second functional device 12.

[0102] The above-mentioned "preset dielectric constant" is related to the material of the filling structure 13. For example, the "preset dielectric constant" is the same as the dielectric constant of the material of the filling structure 13. When the material of the filling structure 13 changes, the preset dielectric constant will also change.

[0103] For example, when a coordinate system is established with the center point of the first functional device 11 as the reference point (also called the origin, in which case x0=0, y0=0, z0=0) and the direction from the center point of the first functional device 11 to the center point of the second functional device 12 as the positive direction of the X-axis, f(x,y,z)=(1+a1x)×ε.

[0104] That is, b1 and c1 are both 0, and f(x, y, z) is a first-order function with respect to x. Along the positive direction of the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases.

[0105] Optionally, b1=0, c1=0, and d is the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. At this time, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 satisfies the following relationship:

[0106] When x = 0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (i.e., the dielectric constant of the surface of the filling structure 13 close to the first functional device 11) is ε. Along the positive direction of the x-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases, and when x = d, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (i.e., the dielectric constant of the surface of the filling structure 13 close to the second functional device 12) increases to 4ε.

[0107] For example, when a1 and b1 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is a first-order function with respect to z; along the positive direction of the z-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases. When a1 and c1 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is a first-order function with respect to y; along the positive direction of the y-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases. When a1, b1, and c1 are not 0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 can gradually change along the positive direction of the x-axis, the positive direction of the y-axis, and the positive direction of the z-axis, respectively.

[0108] In some other examples, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 varies nonlinearly along the first direction. The dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 varies at a non-constant ratio along the first direction.

[0109] For example, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 increases exponentially. That is, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases, and the rate of increase of the dielectric constant also increases. For another example, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 decreases exponentially. That is, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually decreases, and the rate of decrease of the dielectric constant also increases.

[0110] Exemplarily, along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 satisfies the following relationship:

[0111] f(x,y,z)=[1+a2(x-x0) n +b2(y-y0) n +c2(z-z0) n]×ε; f(x,y,z) is the dielectric constant of the point with coordinate position (x,y,z) in the filling structure; a2, b2, c2 are coefficients, and they are not 0 at the same time; ε is a preset dielectric constant; n≥2, and n is an integer. (x0,y0,z0) is a reference point, at which the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 is the preset dielectric constant ε. The reference point can be set arbitrarily. Optionally, the reference point can be the center point of the first functional device 11, or a point other than the center point of the first functional device 11, or the center point of the second functional device 12, or a point other than the center point of the second functional device 12, or any point on the line connecting the center point of the first functional device 11 and the center point of the second functional device 12.

[0112] The above-mentioned "preset dielectric constant" is related to the material of the filling structure 13. For example, the "preset dielectric constant" is the same as the dielectric constant of the material of the filling structure 13. When the material of the filling structure 13 changes, the preset dielectric constant will also change.

[0113] For example, when the center point of the first functional device 11 is used as the reference point (also called the origin, in which case x0=0, y0=0, z0=0), and the direction from the center point of the first functional device 11 to the center point of the second functional device 12 is used as the positive direction of the X-axis to establish a coordinate system, f(x, y, z)=[1+(a2x) n ]×ε.

[0114] That is, b2 and c2 are both 0, and f(x, y, z) is an nth-order function with respect to x. Along the positive direction of the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases with the nth power of x.

[0115] Optionally, b2=0, c2=0, and d is the distance between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. At this time, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 satisfies the following relationship:

[0116] When x = 0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (i.e., the dielectric constant of the surface of the filling structure 13 located near the first functional device 11) is ε. Along the positive direction of the X-axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases with the nth power of x, and when x = d, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 (i.e., the dielectric constant of the surface of the filling structure 13 located near the second functional device 12) increases to 2ε.

[0117] For example, when a2 and b2 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is an n-order function with respect to z; along the positive direction of the Z axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases with the n-th power of z. When a2 and c2 are both 0, f(x, y, z) is an n-order function with respect to y; along the positive direction of the Y axis, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 gradually increases or decreases with the n-th power of y. When a2, b2, and c2 are not 0, the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 can gradually change along the positive direction of the X axis, the positive direction of the Y axis, and the positive direction of the Z axis, respectively.

[0118] The material of the filling structure 13 includes, for example, a dielectric material, which includes but is not limited to resin material, glass, FR-4 material, and the like.

[0119] Taking FR-4 material as an example, by adjusting the concentration of doping elements at different positions in the filling structure 13 , a gradual change design of the dielectric constant of the filling structure 13 can be achieved.

[0120] In the embodiment of the present application, a filling structure 13 with a gradient dielectric constant is filled between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 , so as to construct a rich scattering environment between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 and enhance the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500 .

[0121] In a second possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 10 and 11 , the filling structure 13 is a structure composed of multiple film layers stacked in sequence. For example, the filling structure 13 includes multiple stacked filling dielectric layers 131. The number of filling dielectric layers 131 can be two, three, four, or even more. Figure 10 schematically illustrates three filling dielectric layers 131 (e.g., a first filling dielectric layer 131a, a second filling dielectric layer 131b, and a third filling dielectric layer 131c).

[0122] The plurality of filling medium layers 131 included in the filling structure 13 may be stacked sequentially along the first direction.

[0123] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 0°, for example, as shown in FIG10 , the plurality of filling dielectric layers 131 are stacked along the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0124] Optionally, when the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90°, for example, as shown in FIG11 , the multiple filling dielectric layers 131 are stacked along the positive direction of the Y axis; for another example, the multiple filling dielectric layers 131 are stacked along the positive direction of the Z axis (the Z axis is not shown in the figure, and the Z axis is perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis).

[0125] Of course, when the included angle between the first direction and the second direction is other angles, the plurality of filling dielectric layers 131 may also be stacked along the corresponding direction.

[0126] Among the multiple filling dielectric layers 131 included in the filling structure 13, two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 have different dielectric constants. The relative magnitude of the dielectric constants of the two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 can be set according to actual needs. For example, along the first direction, the dielectric constants of the multiple filling dielectric layers 131 may increase or decrease sequentially, or may increase first and then decrease, or may decrease first and then increase, etc.

[0127] Optionally, in the filling structure 13 shown in FIG10 , the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131 a is different from the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b , and the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b is different from the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131 c .

[0128] For example, the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131 a is greater than the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b ; and the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b is greater than the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131 c .

[0129] For another example, the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131 a is smaller than the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b ; and the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131 b is smaller than the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131 c .

[0130] For example, the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131a is smaller than the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131b; the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131b is greater than the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131c. The dielectric constants of the first filling dielectric layer 131a and the third filling dielectric layer 131c can be the same or different.

[0131] For example, the dielectric constant of the first filling dielectric layer 131a is greater than the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131b; the dielectric constant of the second filling dielectric layer 131b is less than the dielectric constant of the third filling dielectric layer 131c. The dielectric constants of the first filling dielectric layer 131a and the third filling dielectric layer 131c can be the same or different.

[0132] Since the dielectric constants of two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 are different, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 may be reflected at the contact surface (see the following description) between the two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 .

[0133] By layering the filling structure 13 and adjusting the dielectric constants of the different filling dielectric layers 131, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 can enter the filling structure 13, undergo multiple reflections within the filling structure 13, and then be emitted to the second functional device 12, which is then radiated to the outside world. This allows a unique channel to be constructed between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 11, thereby utilizing this specially constructed channel to enhance the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0134] In the aforementioned filling structure 13, the dielectric constant at each position of the same filling dielectric layer 131 is the same. That is, the dielectric constant at different positions of the same filling dielectric layer 131 is uniformly set. This helps reduce the difficulty in preparing the filling dielectric layer 131, and thus reduces the difficulty in preparing the filling structure 13.

[0135] Of course, the dielectric constants at various locations within the same filling dielectric layer 131 may also be different. The changing trend of the dielectric constants at various locations within the filling dielectric layer 131 is, for example, the same as that of the filling structure 13 in the first possible embodiment, and will not be further described here. This helps further increase the complexity of the channel between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, thereby further enhancing the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0136] In the aforementioned filling structure 13, as shown in FIG10 , two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 are in contact. Taking the adjacent first filling dielectric layer 131a and second filling dielectric layer 131b as an example, a surface of the first filling dielectric layer 131a close to the second filling dielectric layer 131b and a surface of the second filling dielectric layer 131b close to the first filling dielectric layer 131a overlap, forming a contact surface between the first filling dielectric layer 131a and the second filling dielectric layer 131b.

[0137] The contact surface between two adjacent filling dielectric layers 131 is planar or curved.

[0138] The shapes of the multiple contact surfaces in the filling structure 13 can be the same or different. For example, the multiple contact surfaces have the same shape. In this case, the multiple contact surfaces can all be planar or curved. For example, the multiple contact surfaces have different shapes. In this case, some of the multiple contact surfaces can be planar, while others can be curved.

[0139] By setting the shape of the contact surface, the structural complexity of the filling structure 13 can be increased, thereby facilitating an increase in the complexity of the channel.

[0140] The material of the filling structure 13 includes, for example, a dielectric material, including but not limited to resin material, glass, FR-4 material, etc. The materials of different filling dielectric layers 131 can be the same or different.

[0141] In a third possible embodiment, as shown in Figures 12 to 19 , the filling structure 13 includes a fixing medium layer 132 and a plurality of first microstructures 133. The plurality of first microstructures 133 are located within the fixing medium layer 132. The fixing medium layer 132 surrounds each first microstructure 133 to fix the position of the first microstructures 133 and the relative positions of different first microstructures 133.

[0142] The first microstructures 133 are distributed inside the fixed medium layer 132 , and the contact surface between the first microstructures 133 and the fixed medium layer 132 may be equivalent to the outer surface of the first microstructures 133 .

[0143] The dielectric constant of the first microstructure 133 is different from that of the fixed dielectric layer 132. As a result, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 can be reflected and / or scattered at the outer surface of the first microstructure 133. By providing multiple first microstructures 133 with different dielectric constants within the fixed dielectric layer 132, the outer surface of the first microstructure 133 can be utilized to increase the area at which electromagnetic signals can be reflected and / or scattered. This facilitates the construction of a more complex channel between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, further enhancing the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0144] For example, the dielectric constants of the plurality of first microstructures 133 may be the same or different.

[0145] The size of the first microstructure 133 is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500, i.e., it is subwavelength in size. Subwavelength refers to a size smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device. In this case, the first microstructure 133 is a microstructure with subwavelength dimensions.

[0146] For example, the frequency of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal transmitting device 500 is 30 GHz, and the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal is approximately 1 cm. In this case, the subwavelength size is, for example, less than 1 cm. It should be noted that the subwavelength size is a relative concept and is determined by the wavelength of the transmitted signal.

[0147] It is understood that the structure of the first microstructure 133 is a three-dimensional structure, and the sub-wavelength size of the first microstructure 133 means that at least two independent points can be found on the outer surface of the first microstructure 133, and these two points satisfy the following conditions: (1) the normal directions of the outer surface of the first microstructure 133 at these two points are parallel; and (2) the distance between these two points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal transmitting device 500. For example, for a three-dimensional sphere, any straight line passing through the center of the sphere and the two intersection points of the sphere meet the above condition (1). If the distance between the two intersection points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal transmitting device 500, then the three-dimensional sphere is a sub-wavelength microstructure. For another example, for a cube, any two center points on the opposite surfaces meet the above condition (1). If the distance between the two center points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal transmitting device 500, then the cube is a sub-wavelength microstructure. For another example, for a cylinder, if the two intersection points of any straight line perpendicular to and intersecting the central axis of the cylinder and the cylindrical surface meet the above condition (1), and if the distance between the two intersection points is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal transmitting device 500, then the cube is a subwavelength microstructure. It can be seen that on a common three-dimensional geometric body, there can be more than one set of points that meet condition (1). For a three-dimensional microstructure, there can also be more than one set of points that meet conditions (1) and (2) at the same time.

[0148] By providing a plurality of subwavelength-sized microstructures at different locations in the filling structure 13, the equivalent dielectric constants at these locations can be changed, thereby constructing a rich scattering channel in the filling structure 13 and improving the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500. On the other hand, since the plurality of filled first microstructures 133 have subwavelength sizes, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 or the electromagnetic signal received by the transmission unit 121 can interact with these first microstructures 133, for example, to stimulate evanescent waves, thereby bringing about super-resolution focusing performance, so that the electromagnetic signal emitted by the feed source 111 or the electromagnetic signal received by the transmission unit 121 can be better focused to a designated location after passing through the first microstructure 133. For example, by setting the dimensions of at least one direction of the first microstructure 133 to a subwavelength size, when the signal transmitting device 500 receives an electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside, it can be well focused on the feed source 111 of the first functional device 11, so that the reception intensity of the electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside can be improved, thereby obtaining a better signal-to-noise ratio.

[0149] In some examples, the distance between two adjacent first microstructures 133 among the plurality of first microstructures 133 is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500. That is, the distance between two adjacent first microstructures 133 is sub-wavelength.

[0150] Optionally, the distance between any two adjacent first microstructures 133 in the plurality of first microstructures 133 is sub-wavelength. Alternatively, the distance between any two adjacent first microstructures 133 in a portion of the plurality of first microstructures 133 is sub-wavelength.

[0151] By setting the spacing between two adjacent first microstructures 133 to a subwavelength size, the focusing effect of the electromagnetic signal can be further improved when the signal transmitting device 500 receives the electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside, and the energy focused on the feed source 111 of the first functional device 11 can be further increased, so that the receiving intensity of the electromagnetic signal radiated from the outside can be further improved.

[0152] There are many ways to arrange the plurality of first microstructures 133 , and they can be selected according to actual needs.

[0153] For example, the plurality of first microstructures 133 are arranged periodically, which is beneficial to improving the regularity of the arrangement of the first microstructures 133 .

[0154] The above-mentioned “periodic arrangement” means, for example, that along the positive direction of the X-axis, the above-mentioned multiple first microstructures 133 can be arranged into multiple microstructure rows, and the multiple microstructure rows can be arranged at equal intervals along the positive direction of the Y-axis, or can be arranged at equal intervals along the positive direction of the Z-axis.

[0155] Furthermore, the distances between any two adjacent first microstructures 133 are equal.

[0156] For example, the plurality of first microstructures 133 are randomly arranged, which helps to reduce the difficulty of preparing the filling structure 13 .

[0157] The first microstructure 133 may have various shapes, which can be selected according to actual needs.

[0158] In some examples, the shape of the first microstructure 133 includes, but is not limited to, a sphere, an ellipsoid, a cube, a cuboid, a tetrahedron, a cylinder (also called a rod or a wire), and the like.

[0159] The shapes of the plurality of first microstructures 133 may be the same or different.

[0160] Optionally, the plurality of first microstructures 133 have the same shape. For example, the plurality of first microstructures 133 have a shape selected from the group consisting of a sphere, an ellipsoid, a cube, a cuboid, a tetrahedron, and a cylinder.

[0161] Optionally, the first microstructures 133 have different shapes. For example, the shapes of the first microstructures 133 include at least two of sphere, ellipsoid, cube, cuboid, tetrahedron, and cylinder.

[0162] The shape of the first microstructure 133 is relatively regular, which makes it easy to set the size of the first microstructure.

[0163] When the first microstructure 133 is spherical, the size of the first microstructure 133 is the diameter of the first microstructure 133. By setting the diameter of the spherical first microstructure 133 to a subwavelength size, the size of the spherical first microstructure 133 in any direction can be made subwavelength. This can further improve the signal transmitting device 500's reception strength of electromagnetic signals radiated from the outside.

[0164] When the first microstructure 133 is in the shape of a cube, a cuboid, or a tetrahedron, the size of the first microstructure 133 includes at least one of the multiple side lengths of the first microstructure 133. Using the side length as the size of the first microstructure 133 helps simplify the design of the first microstructure 133.

[0165] Of course, when the first microstructure 133 is in the shape of a cube or a cuboid, the size of the first microstructure 133 may also include the length of the diagonal of the cube or cuboid. When the first microstructure 133 is in the shape of a tetrahedron, the size of the first microstructure 133 may also include the height of one of the faces of the tetrahedron.

[0166] When the first microstructure 133 is cylindrical, the size of the first microstructure 133 is at least one of the diameter and length of the first microstructure 133. Using the diameter and / or length as the size of the first microstructure 133 can simplify the design of the first microstructure 133.

[0167] In some examples, when the first microstructure 133 is cylindrical, the length of the first microstructure 133 is greater than the diameter thereof, for example.

[0168] For example, the diameter of the first microstructure 133 is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500. That is, the diameter of the first microstructure 133 is a sub-wavelength size. Furthermore, the length of the first microstructure 133 is, for example, greater than the sub-wavelength size.

[0169] For another example, the length of the first microstructure 133 is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500. That is, the length of the first microstructure 133 is a sub-wavelength size. Furthermore, the diameter of the first microstructure 133 is also a sub-wavelength size.

[0170] It can be understood that since the length of a cylinder is greater than its diameter, and the difference between the dimensions of a sphere, a cuboid, a cube, and a tetrahedron in different directions is small, the arrangement of the cylindrical first microstructure 133 is different from the arrangement of the spherical, cuboid, cube, or tetrahedron first microstructure 133.

[0171] 12, 13, and 15, the spherical first microstructures 133 are arranged in multiple rows and columns. The arrangement of the rectangular, cube, or tetrahedral first microstructures 133 is substantially the same as that of the spherical first microstructures 133.

[0172] For example, in the structures shown in Figures 17, 18, and 19, the cylindrical first microstructures 133 are located in the same row. The axes of the cylindrical first microstructures 133 are parallel to or at an acute angle to the second direction. This facilitates securing the cylindrical first microstructures 133.

[0173] Furthermore, the materials of the first microstructures 133 of different shapes may be different. The materials of the first microstructures 133 of the same shape may be the same or different.

[0174] Exemplarily, when the shape of the first microstructure 133 is one of a sphere, a cuboid, a cube, and a tetrahedron, the first microstructure 133 can be formed of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or a resin material with a preset dielectric constant; or, the first microstructure 133 can be formed of a metal material or a non-conductive material, and the outer surface of the first microstructure 133 is coated with a coating having a high reflectivity. The material of the coating includes a metal material, such as silver, copper, and the like. Of course, the material of the first microstructure 133 is not limited thereto. When the materials of the first microstructure 133 are different, a more diverse dielectric constant distribution can be formed in the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, and a more complex channel can be constructed to enhance the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device.

[0175] For example, when the first microstructure 133 is cylindrical, the material of the first microstructure 133 includes a non-metallic material or a metallic material. The non-metallic material includes, but is not limited to, PMMA, resin materials, and glass, and the metallic material includes, but is not limited to, copper and silver. In this case, the first microstructure 133 can be, for example, an acrylic rod, a metal rod, a copper wire, a silver wire, etc. The first microstructure 133 can be arranged in a straight line or in a curved shape.

[0176] In the first, second, and third possible embodiments described above, the filling structure 13 can be filled in the cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 in a variety of ways, which can be selected and configured according to actual needs. The filling method of the filling structure 13 is schematically illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the shape of the surface on which the first functional device 11 or the second functional device 12 is located may affect the overall shape of the filling structure 13, but will not affect the filling method of the filling structure 13.

[0177] In some examples, as shown in Figures 9 to 12 and 17, the filling structure 13 can fill the above-mentioned cavity, so that a sealed cavity is formed between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12. Specifically, in order to increase the effective emission aperture of the launch device, the size of the second functional device can be set to be larger than the first functional device. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of the filling structure 13 is trapezoidal, and accordingly, the filling structure 13 as a whole is terraced. The side of the filling structure 13 close to the first functional device 11 is in contact with the first functional device 11; the side of the filling structure 13 close to the second functional device 12 is in contact with the second functional device 12.

[0178] For example, in the first and second possible embodiments, the filling structure 13 completely fills the cavity. In the third possible embodiment, taking the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 as an example, which is spherical or cylindrical, the fixed dielectric layer 132 completely fills the cavity, and the first microstructure 133 is evenly distributed within the fixed dielectric layer 132.

[0179] In other examples, as shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 16 and FIG. 18 to FIG. 19 , the filling structure 13 may fill a portion of the cavity, so that a partially open cavity is formed between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 .

[0180] Optionally, as shown in Figures 14 and 18 , a gap exists between the filling structure 13 and the first functional device 11. In this case, the filling structure 13 is close to one side of the second functional device 12 and contacts the second functional device 12. It can be considered that the filling structure 13 is fixed to the second functional device 12. The present embodiment does not limit the spacing between the filling structure 13 and the first functional device 11 and can be set according to actual needs.

[0181] For example, in the third possible embodiment described above, taking the shape of the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 as a spherical or cylindrical shape, the fixed medium layer 132 is in contact with the second functional device 12, and there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the first functional device 11, and the first microstructure 133 is evenly distributed or randomly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0182] Optionally, as shown in Figures 15 and 19 , a gap exists between the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12. In this case, the filling structure 13 is close to one side of the first functional device 11 and contacts the first functional device 11. It can be considered that the filling structure 13 is fixed to the first functional device 11. The present embodiment does not limit the spacing between the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12, and can be set according to actual needs.

[0183] For example, in the third possible embodiment described above, taking the shape of the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 as a spherical or cylindrical shape, the fixed medium layer 132 is in contact with the first functional device 11, and there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the second functional device 12, and the first microstructure 133 is evenly distributed or randomly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0184] 13 and 16 , there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the first functional device 11, and there is a gap between the filling structure 13 and the second functional device 12. In this case, for example, a housing may be provided over the first functional device 11, the filling structure 13, and the second functional device 12 to facilitate fixing the filling structure 13.

[0185] For example, in the third possible embodiment described above, taking the shape of the first microstructure 133 in the filling structure 13 as a spherical shape, the fixed medium layer 132 is filled in the middle of the above-mentioned cavity, there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the first functional device 11, and there is a gap between the fixed medium layer 132 and the second functional device 12, and the first microstructure 133 is evenly distributed or randomly distributed in the fixed medium layer 132.

[0186] 20 and 21 , the filling structure 13 includes a plurality of second microstructures 134. The cavity between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12 is filled with air, for example, and the dielectric constant of the second microstructures 134 is different from that of air.

[0187] The electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 can be reflected and / or scattered at the outer surface of the second microstructure 134. Thus, the outer surface of the second microstructure 134 can be utilized to increase the area where the electromagnetic signal can be reflected and / or scattered, thereby facilitating the construction of a more complex channel between the first functional device 11 and the second functional device 12, further enhancing the beam steering capability of the signal transmitting device 500.

[0188] The size of the second microstructure 134 is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device 500. Here, the meaning of "the size of the second microstructure 134" is the same as the meaning of "the size of the first microstructure 133" in the third possible embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0189] The length of the second microstructure 134 is smaller than the distance between the first functional component 11 and the second functional component 12. The second microstructure 134 can be disposed in various positions within the cavity between the first functional component 11 and the second functional component 12.

[0190] For example, as shown in Figure 21, the second microstructure 134 is connected to the first functional device 11. Specifically, the second microstructure 134 is fixed to the side of the first functional device 11 near the second functional device 12, with a gap between the second microstructure 134 and the second functional device 12. The spacing between any two adjacent second microstructures 134 can be equal or unequal. The area occupied by the multiple second microstructures 134, for example, covers the first functional device 11.

[0191] As another example, as shown in FIG20 , the second microstructure 134 is connected to the second functional device 12. Specifically, the second microstructure 134 is fixed to the side of the second functional device 12 that is close to the first functional device 11, with a gap between the second microstructure 134 and the first functional device 11. The spacing between any two adjacent second microstructures 134 can be equal or unequal. The area occupied by the multiple second microstructures 134 can, for example, cover the second functional device 12 or a portion of the second functional device 12.

[0192] The second microstructure 134 may be shaped like a rod, for example. Furthermore, the second microstructure 134 may be shaped like a wire, for example. Taking the wire-shaped second microstructure 134 as an example, the material of the second microstructure 134 may include a non-metallic material or a metallic material. The metallic material includes, but is not limited to, copper and silver. In this case, the second microstructure 134 may be, for example, a copper wire or a silver wire. The second microstructure 134 may be arranged in a straight line or in a curved shape.

[0193] By setting the dimensions of at least one direction of the second microstructure 134 to subwavelength dimensions and configuring the connection position of the second microstructure 134, the electromagnetic signal emitted by the first functional device 11 can be converted into an evanescent wave, propagating within the second microstructure 134, and finally converted into a guided wave that radiates outward through the second functional device 12. This allows the construction of a super-resolution channel, significantly increasing the number of user connections and effectively improving the performance of the wireless communication system.

[0194] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that a person skilled in the art can conceive within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A signal transmitting device, wherein: The signal transmitting device comprises: The first functional device comprises at least one feed source; the feed source is used to transmit an electromagnetic signal; The second functional device comprises a plurality of transmission units; the transmission units are used to change the physical state of the electromagnetic signal passing through the transmission units; the physical state of the electromagnetic signal comprises one or more of the following: amplitude, phase, polarization direction and frequency; wherein the second functional device is at least partially opposite to the first functional device; A filling structure is located between the first functional device and the second functional device; wherein the dielectric constants of at least two positions in the filling structure are different.

2. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: Along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure changes linearly; The arrangement direction of the first functional device, the filling structure and the second functional device is a second direction; and the angle between the first direction and the second direction ranges from 0° to 90°.

3. The signal transmitting device according to claim 2, wherein: The dielectric constant of the filling structure satisfies the following relationship: f(x,y,z)=[1+a1(x-x0)+b1(y-y0)+c1(z-z0)]×ε; Among them, f(x, y, z) is the dielectric constant of the point with coordinate position (x, y, z) in the filling structure; a1, b1, c1 are coefficients, and they are not 0 at the same time; ε is the preset dielectric constant at the reference coordinate point (x0, y0, z0).

4. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: Along the first direction, the dielectric constant of the filling structure changes nonlinearly; The arrangement direction of the first functional device, the filling structure and the second functional device is a second direction, and the angle between the first direction and the second direction is in the range of 0° to 90°.

5. The signal transmitting device according to claim 4, wherein: The dielectric constant of the filling structure satisfies the following relationship: f(x,y,z)=[1+a2(x-x0) n +b2(y-y0) n +c2(z-z0) n ]×ε; Among them, f(x, y, z) is the dielectric constant of the point with coordinate position (x, y, z) in the filling structure; a2, b2, c2 are coefficients, and they are not 0 at the same time; ε is the preset dielectric constant at the reference coordinate point (x0, y0, z0); n≥2, and n is an integer.

6. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The filling structure comprises a plurality of filling dielectric layers stacked in sequence along a first direction, and the dielectric constants of two adjacent filling dielectric layers are different; The arrangement direction of the first functional device, the filling structure and the second functional device is a second direction, and the angle between the first direction and the second direction is in the range of 0° to 90°.

7. The signal transmitting device according to claim 6, wherein: The dielectric constant at each position in the filling dielectric layer is the same.

8. The signal transmitting device according to claim 6, wherein: Two adjacent filling medium layers are in contact with each other, and the contact surfaces of the two adjacent filling medium layers are in a planar or curved shape.

9. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The filling structure comprises: Fixed dielectric layer; A plurality of first microstructures are located in the fixed medium layer; The size of the first microstructure is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device, and the dielectric constant of the first microstructure is different from the dielectric constant of the fixed dielectric layer.

10. The signal transmitting device according to claim 9, wherein: The distance between two adjacent first microstructures is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device.

11. The signal transmitting device according to claim 9, wherein: A plurality of the first microstructures are arranged periodically.

12. The signal transmitting device according to claim 9, wherein: The shape of the first microstructure includes a sphere, a cube, a cuboid, a tetrahedron or a cylinder.

13. The signal transmitting device according to claim 12, wherein: When the shape of the first microstructure is the spherical shape, the size of the first microstructure is the diameter of the first microstructure; When the shape of the first microstructure is the cube, the cuboid, or the tetrahedron, the size of the first microstructure includes at least one of the multiple side lengths of the first microstructure; When the shape of the first microstructure is the cylindrical shape, the size of the first microstructure is at least one of the diameter and the length of the first microstructure.

14. The signal transmitting device according to claim 12, wherein: When the shape of the first microstructure is the cylindrical shape, the diameter of the first microstructure is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device, and / or the length of the first microstructure is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device.

15. The signal transmitting device according to claim 14, wherein: The arrangement direction of the first functional device, the filling structure and the second functional device is a second direction; Wherein, the axis of the first microstructure is parallel to or at an acute angle to the second direction.

16. The signal transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: There is a gap between the filling structure and the first functional device; and / or there is a gap between the filling structure and the second functional device.

17. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The filling structure comprises: a plurality of second microstructures; the size of the second microstructures is smaller than the wavelength of the electromagnetic signal emitted by the signal emitting device; Wherein, a plurality of the second microstructures are connected to the first functional device; or, a plurality of the second microstructures are connected to the second functional device.

18. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The signal transmitting device also includes: A signal processing module, configured to generate a first electromagnetic signal; A feed source selection module has one end coupled to the signal processing module and the other end coupled to the plurality of feed sources; the feed source selection module is used to select at least one target feed source from the plurality of feed sources so that the target feed source transmits the first electromagnetic signal.

19. The signal transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The feed source is also used to receive electromagnetic signals.

20. An electronic device, wherein: The electronic device comprises: a signal transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. A communication base station, wherein: The communication base station comprises: a signal transmitting device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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