Circularly polarized antenna, array antenna, and communication device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of antennas, and provides a circularly polarized antenna, an array antenna, and a communication terminal. The circularly polarized antenna comprises a radiation patch, a grounding layer, a dielectric layer, and a power division module; the radiation patch and the grounding layer are oppositely arranged, and the dielectric layer is located between the radiation patch and the grounding layer; the power division module comprises an input end and two output ends, and the phase difference between output signals of the two output ends is 90°; the radiation patch comprises a first feed point and a second feed point, the first feed point is electrically connected to one output end, and the second feed point is electrically connected to the other output end; the virtual connection line between the first feed point and the center of the radiation patch is a first line, the virtual connection line between the second feed point and the center of the radiation patch is a second line, and the included angle between the first line and the second line is less than 90°. The circularly polarized antenna has a small size and a compact structure.

Description

Circularly polarized antennas, array antennas and communication equipment

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on August 15, 2023, with application number 202311029974.8, and invention name “Circularly Polarized Antenna, Array Antenna and Communication Equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a circularly polarized antenna, an array antenna, and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] Communication devices typically include antennas that can radiate guided waves from a feeder into the external space as electromagnetic waves, or receive electromagnetic waves from the external space and convert them into guided waves. However, the antennas in related art are relatively large in size.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a circularly polarized antenna, an array antenna, and a communication device with a compact structure and small size.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present disclosure adopt the following technical solutions:

[0007] On the one hand, a circularly polarized antenna is provided, comprising a radiating patch, a ground layer, a dielectric layer, and a power divider; the radiating patch and the ground layer are arranged relative to each other, and the dielectric layer is located between the radiating patch and the ground layer; the power divider module comprises an input end and two output ends, and the phases of the output signals of the two output ends differ by 90°; the radiating patch comprises a first feeding point and a second feeding point, the first feeding point is electrically connected to one of the output ends, and the second feeding point is electrically connected to the other output end; the virtual line between the first feeding point and the center of the radiating patch is a first line, and the virtual line between the second feeding point and the center of the radiating patch is a second line, and the angle between the first line and the second line is less than 90°.

[0008] In some embodiments, the power division module includes a power divider, a first signal line, and a second signal line, the power divider includes a first output end and a second output end, the first signal line electrically connects the first output end and the first feeding point, the second signal line electrically connects the second output end and the second feeding point, and the lengths of the first signal line and the second signal line are different.

[0009] In some embodiments, the circularly polarized antenna further includes a first conductive layer connected to a side of the dielectric layer away from the ground layer, and the radiation patch, the power divider, the first signal line, and the second signal line are located in the first conductive layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, there are two parallel and spaced virtual straight lines in the first conductive layer, the radiation patch is connected to both of the virtual straight lines, and the radiation patch, the first signal line, the second signal line and the power divider are located between the two virtual straight lines.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first signal line includes a first feeding segment electrically connected to the first feeding point, the second signal line includes a second feeding segment electrically connected to the second feeding point, and the first feeding segment and the second feeding segment are parallel and spaced apart.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first output terminal and the second output terminal output signals with the same phase.

[0013] In some embodiments, a length difference between the first signal line and the second signal line is 2.8-3.8 mm, and / or a distance between the first feeding point and the second feeding point is 4.9-5.9 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the radiation patch is circular, polygonal, or irregular in shape.

[0015] In some embodiments, an electrically connected radiation patch and a power division module constitute an antenna unit, and the circularly polarized antenna includes at least two antenna units; the circularly polarized antenna also includes a branch line coupler, and the branch line coupler includes multiple input ports and at least two output ports, and the phases of the signals output by two adjacent output ports differ by 90°, and each output port is connected to the antenna unit.

[0016] In some embodiments, two adjacent radiation patches are spaced apart, and the distance between the centers of the two adjacent radiation patches is half of the spatial wavelength.

[0017] In some embodiments, a plurality of conductive columns are provided between two adjacent radiation patches, and the axial direction of the conductive columns is perpendicular to the ground layer; and / or a neutral line is provided between two adjacent radiation patches, one end of the neutral line is electrically connected to one radiation patch, and the other end of the neutral line is electrically connected to the other radiation patch; and / or the ground layer is provided with a defective ground structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer is provided with a plurality of openings, and the conductive pillars are disposed in the openings.

[0019] In some embodiments, the circularly polarized antenna includes at least three antenna units, and the branch line coupler includes at least three output ports.

[0020] In some embodiments, a filter is connected between the output port and the input port.

[0021] On the other hand, an array antenna is provided, comprising a plurality of the aforementioned circularly polarized antennas, wherein the plurality of the aforementioned circularly polarized antennas are arranged in an array.

[0022] In some embodiments, the plurality of circularly polarized antennas include a plurality of circularly polarized antenna rows, wherein the plurality of circularly polarized antennas in the circularly polarized antenna rows are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and two adjacent circularly polarized antenna columns in the circularly polarized antenna rows are staggered at a preset distance along a second direction, and the first direction intersects with the second direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the array antenna further includes a phase shifter, wherein the phase shifter is connected to the input port of the circularly polarized antenna, and / or the phase shifter is connected between the output port of the circularly polarized antenna and the input end of the antenna unit.

[0024] In some embodiments, the phase shifter is a liquid crystal phase shifter, and the dielectric layer serves as a substrate of the liquid crystal phase shifter.

[0025] In some embodiments, the array antenna further includes a power regulator, which is configured to amplify or attenuate an electrical signal; the power regulator is connected to the input port of the circularly polarized antenna, and / or the power regulator is connected between the output port of the circularly polarized antenna and the input end of the antenna unit.

[0026] On the other hand, a communication terminal is provided, comprising the array antenna.

[0027] The circularly polarized antenna, array antenna, and communication terminal provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure have a radiating patch including a first feed point and a second feed point. The first feed point is electrically connected to one of the output terminals, and the second feed point is electrically connected to the other output terminal. A virtual line connecting the first feed point and the center of the radiating patch is a first line, and a virtual line connecting the second feed point and the center of the radiating patch is a second line. The angle between the first line and the second line is less than 90°. Unlike the circularly polarized antenna in the related art that uses orthogonal feeding, the embodiments of the present disclosure utilize the phase difference between the two output terminals of the power splitter module and the different positions of the first feed point and the second feed point to achieve circular polarization of the antenna while reducing the size of the antenna along the first direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0029] FIG1 exemplarily shows an application scenario diagram of a communication terminal;

[0030] FIG2 shows a front view of a circularly polarized antenna in the related art;

[0031] FIG3 exemplarily shows a front view of a circularly polarized antenna;

[0032] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view about AA in FIG3 ;

[0033] FIG5 exemplarily shows an exploded view of a circularly polarized antenna;

[0034] FIG6 exemplarily shows a partial structural diagram of a circularly polarized antenna;

[0035] FIG7 exemplarily shows a partial structure of a circularly polarized antenna;

[0036] FIG8 shows the 3D radiation pattern of the circularly polarized antenna shown in FIG3 ;

[0037] FIG9 shows an input impedance bandwidth diagram of the circularly polarized antenna shown in FIG3 ;

[0038] FIG10 shows a curve showing the change of the axial ratio of the circularly polarized antenna shown in FIG3 with frequency;

[0039] FIG11 shows a graph showing the axial ratio of the circularly polarized antenna shown in FIG3 as a function of Theta in FIG7 ;

[0040] FIG12 exemplarily shows a front view of another circularly polarized antenna;

[0041] FIG13 is a 3D directional diagram of the circularly polarized antenna shown in FIG12 ;

[0042] FIG14 shows an input impedance bandwidth diagram of the circularly polarized antenna shown in FIG12 ;

[0043] FIG15 shows a curve showing the change of the axial ratio of the circularly polarized antenna shown in FIG12 with frequency;

[0044] FIG16 exemplarily shows a front view of another circularly polarized antenna;

[0045] FIG17 exemplarily shows the structure of another circularly polarized antenna;

[0046] FIG18 exemplarily shows the structure of another circularly polarized antenna;

[0047] FIG19 exemplarily shows the structure of another circularly polarized antenna;

[0048] FIG20 exemplarily shows a structure of a ground layer;

[0049] FIG21 exemplarily shows the structure of an array antenna;

[0050] FIG22 exemplarily shows the structure of another array antenna;

[0051] FIG23 is a 3D radiation pattern of the array antenna shown in FIG21;

[0052] 24 to 34 exemplarily illustrate the arrangement of radiation patches in an array antenna;

[0053] FIG35 exemplarily shows the structure of another array antenna;

[0054] FIG36 shows the beam pointing corresponding to different phase differences of the array antenna shown in FIG35 ;

[0055] FIG37 exemplarily shows the structure of another array antenna;

[0056] FIG38 exemplarily shows the structure of another array antenna;

[0057] FIG39 exemplarily shows the structure of another array antenna;

[0058] FIG40 exemplarily shows the structure of another array antenna. Specific embodiments

[0059] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, words such as "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. This is only for the purpose of clearly describing the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “a plurality of” means two or more, and “at least one” means one or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0062] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper” and “lower” are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present disclosure.

[0063] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication terminal that can wirelessly communicate with external devices. Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates an application scenario for a communication terminal. As shown in Figure 1 , wireless communication can be performed between the communication terminal and a satellite. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 uses a mobile phone as an example. It is understood that the communication terminal can also be other electronic devices. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the type of communication device, as long as wireless communication with external devices is possible.

[0064] The communication terminal includes a circularly polarized antenna, which enables wireless communication with external devices. The circularly polarized antenna can function as either a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna. When used as a transmitting antenna, it converts guided-wave radio frequency current into a diffuse-wave spatial electromagnetic wave. When used as a receiving antenna, it intercepts the diffuse-wave spatial electromagnetic wave and converts it into a guided-wave radio frequency current.

[0065] Exemplarily, the communication terminal includes a housing, a circularly polarized antenna, a feeder, a receiving device, and a transmitting device disposed within the housing. The feeder electrically connects the circularly polarized antenna to the transmitting device, and vice versa. When the circularly polarized antenna functions as a transmitting antenna, a radio frequency current signal emitted by the transmitting device is fed into the circularly polarized antenna via the feeder. When the circularly polarized antenna functions as a receiving antenna, a current signal converted by the circularly polarized antenna is input into the receiving device via the feeder.

[0066] In actual application, the communication terminal may further include a battery to provide power to various active devices inside the communication terminal.

[0067] FIG2 shows a front view of a circularly polarized antenna in the related art. As shown in FIG2 , the circularly polarized antenna in the related art includes a circular radiator and two feed lines connected to the radiator. The connection point between the two feed lines and the radiator is a feeding point. The two feed points are respectively connected to the center of the radiator to form two virtual lines (dashed lines in FIG2 ). The two virtual lines are perpendicular to each other to achieve circular polarization of the antenna. Since the two virtual lines need to be perpendicular to each other, one of the feed lines extends along the first direction X and the other feed line extends along the second direction Y, resulting in the circular polarization antenna in the related art having a large lateral size, that is, the circular polarization antenna has a large size along the first direction X shown in FIG2 , which cannot meet the miniaturization requirements of the communication terminal. Specifically, one of the feed lines of the antenna in the related art needs to extend along the longitude of the radiator along the first direction X, resulting in the position of this feed line exceeding the outermost area of ​​the radiating antenna along the first direction X.

[0068] In view of this, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a circularly polarized antenna with a compact structure and small size. The circularly polarized antenna can be a microstrip antenna, a dielectric antenna, a cross-dipole antenna, or the like. For ease of description, the following example uses a microstrip antenna as an example.

[0069] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a circularly polarized antenna, Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 3, and Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of a circularly polarized antenna. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the circularly polarized antenna 100 includes a radiating patch 31, a ground layer 1, and a dielectric layer 2. The radiating patch 31 and the ground layer 1 are positioned opposite each other, with the dielectric layer 2 positioned between them.

[0070] Dielectric layer 2 can be a sheet made of a low-loss hard material such as quartz, ceramic, graphene, or glass. Alternatively, dielectric layer 2 can be a low-loss printed circuit board (PCB), such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) F4BM high-frequency antenna board. Of course, dielectric layer 2 can also be made of other materials, and the present disclosure does not limit the material of the dielectric layer.

[0071] The thickness of dielectric layer 2 is oriented along the third direction Z in Figure 4 . The thickness of dielectric layer 2 can be less than the operating wavelength. For example, the thickness of dielectric layer 2 is greater than 0.025 times the operating wavelength and less than the operating wavelength. In practical applications, the thickness of dielectric layer 2 can be flexibly adjusted as needed. Setting a thinner thickness for dielectric layer 2 can reduce impedance mismatch, improve antenna gain, increase antenna bandwidth, and reduce the overall size of the circularly polarized antenna. Setting a thicker thickness for dielectric layer 2 can make the radiation of the circularly polarized antenna more uniform.

[0072] The dielectric layer 2 includes a first side surface and a second side surface perpendicular to the thickness direction. The radiation patch 31 is located on the first side surface of the dielectric layer 2 , and the ground layer 1 is located on the second side surface of the dielectric layer 2 .

[0073] The radiating patch 31 and the ground layer 1 are made of conductive materials, for example, low-loss metal materials such as gold, silver, and copper. The ground layer 1 and the radiating patch 31 can be made of the same material, for example, both made of copper. Alternatively, the ground layer 1 and the radiating patch 31 can be made of different materials, for example, the ground layer 1 is made of copper and the radiating patch is made of gold.

[0074] The ground layer 1 and the radiating patch 31 can be directly connected to the dielectric layer 2, thereby reducing the thickness of the circularly polarized antenna along the third direction Z. For example, when the dielectric layer 2 is a glass dielectric layer, the ground layer 1 and the radiating patch 31 can be fabricated on the surface of the dielectric layer 2 using a glass-based semiconductor process. For another example, when the dielectric layer 2 is a PCB, the ground layer 1 and the radiating patch 31 can be printed on the substrate surface of the PCB.

[0075] For example, as shown in FIG4 , when the dielectric layer 2 is a glass dielectric layer, a first conductive layer 3 can be formed on the first side of the dielectric layer 2 by magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, electroplating, or the like, and a second conductive layer can be formed on the second side of the dielectric layer 2. The first conductive layer 3 is patterned to form a radiation patch 31, and the second conductive layer serves as a ground layer 1 or is patterned to form a ground layer 1.

[0076] Of course, the present disclosure does not limit the preparation method of the ground layer 1 and the radiating patch 31, nor the connection method of the ground layer 1 and the radiating patch 31 with the dielectric layer 2. For example, the ground layer 1 and the radiating patch 31 may be connected to the dielectric layer 2 by bonding.

[0077] The thickness of the ground layer 1 and the radiating patch 31 can be flexibly adjusted based on actual needs. A thicker ground layer 1 and radiating patch 31 can reduce the loss of the circularly polarized antenna, while a thinner ground layer 1 and radiating patch 31 can reduce the size of the circularly polarized antenna. Furthermore, when fabricating a circularly polarized antenna using a glass-based semiconductor process, a thinner ground layer 1 and radiating patch 31 can reduce the manufacturing difficulty.

[0078] Exemplarily, the thickness of the radiation patch 31 and the ground layer 1 is 18-35 μm.

[0079] Continuing with Figure 3, the circularly polarized antenna 100 also includes a power splitter module 32, which includes an input terminal 32a and two output terminals. The power splitter module 32 receives an RF current signal through the input terminal 32a and simultaneously outputs the RF current signals through two output terminals. The signals output by the two output terminals have the same amplitude and a 90° phase difference. Both output terminals are electrically connected to the radiating patch 31, so that the power splitter module 32 simultaneously provides two RF current signals with the same amplitude and a 90° phase difference to the radiating patch 31 through the two output terminals, thereby achieving circular polarization of the circularly polarized antenna.

[0080] The fact that the power splitter module 32 includes two output terminals means that the power splitter module 32 includes at least two output terminals. The power splitter module 32 may also include three output terminals, four output terminals, etc. When the power splitter module 32 includes more than three output terminals, only two of the output terminals of the power splitter module 32 are electrically connected to the radiating patch 31, and the signals output by the two output terminals electrically connected to the radiating patch 31 have the same amplitude and a phase difference of 90°.

[0081] Power splitter module 32 acts as a power divider, splitting the RF current signal received at input terminal 32a into two or more RF current signals. Power splitter module 32 can be either an active or passive device. The present disclosure does not limit the structure of power splitter module 32, as long as the output signals at the two output terminals electrically connected to radiating patch 31 have the same amplitude and a 90° phase difference.

[0082] The radiation patch 31 includes a first feeding point 31a and a second feeding point 31b, which are used to electrically connect to the output end of the power splitter module 32. The first feeding point 31a and the second feeding point 31b are spaced apart.

[0083] For example, when the radiation patch 31 is circular, the first feeding point 31a and the second feeding point 31b are two points spaced apart on the circumference of the radiation patch 31. Of course, the first feeding point 31a and the second feeding point 31b may also be points inside the circular radiation patch 31.

[0084] The first feeding point 31 a and the second feeding point 31 b may be arranged along the first direction X at intervals.

[0085] The first feeding point 31a is electrically connected to one output terminal of the power splitter module 32, and the second feeding point 31b is electrically connected to the other output terminal of the power splitter module 32. The RF current signals received by the first feeding point 31a and the second feeding point 31b have the same amplitude and a 90° phase difference, thereby achieving circular polarization of the antenna.

[0086] Figure 6 exemplifies a partial structural diagram of a circularly polarized antenna. As shown in Figure 6 , a virtual line connecting the first feeding point 31a and the center of the radiating patch 31 is a first line L1, and a virtual line connecting the second feeding point 31b and the center of the radiating patch 31 is a second line L2. The angle between the first line L1 and the second line L2 is less than 90°, meaning that the first line L1 and the second line L2 are not orthogonal.

[0087] Among them, the first line L1 and the second line L2 are virtual lines used to represent the positional relationship between the first feeding point 31a, the second feeding point 31b and the center of the radiation patch 31. The radiation patch 31 may not be provided with physical structures corresponding to the first line L1 and the second line L2.

[0088] Exemplarily, the radiation patch 31 is circular, and the center of the radiation patch 31 is the center of the circle. The first line L1 is a radius line passing through the first feeding point 31a, and the second line L2 is a radius line passing through the second feeding point 31b. The angle between the two radius lines is less than 90°.

[0089] Exemplarily, the radiation patch 31 is rectangular, and the center of the radiation patch 31 is the intersection of two diagonals of the rectangle.

[0090] Because the angle between the first line L1 and the second line L2 is less than 90°, the spacing between the first feed point 31a and the second feed point 31b can be smaller. This means that the spacing between the two output terminals of the power splitter module 32 is smaller, making the circularly polarized antenna more compact. When the first feed point 31a and the second feed point 31b are spaced apart along the first direction X, the two output terminals are also spaced apart along the first direction X. For example, if both output terminals of the power splitter module 32 are located below the radiating patch 31 along the second direction Y, the circularly polarized antenna can be smaller along the first direction X.

[0091] Among them, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the radiation patch 31 is taken as a circular patch for illustrative explanation. The radiation patch 31 can also be a polygon such as a triangle, rhombus, rectangle, square, trapezoid, etc. The radiation patch 31 can also be an irregular shape. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the shape of the radiation patch 31.

[0092] The circularly polarized antenna provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure has a radiating patch 31 including a first feeding point 31a and a second feeding point 31b. The first feeding point 31a is electrically connected to one of the output terminals, and the second feeding point 31b is electrically connected to the other output terminal. The virtual line connecting the first feeding point 31a and the center of the radiating patch 31 is a first line L1, and the virtual line connecting the second feeding point 31b and the center of the radiating patch 31 is a second line L2. The angle between the first line L1 and the second line L2 is less than 90°. Unlike the circularly polarized antenna 100 in the related art that uses orthogonal feeding, the embodiment of the present disclosure utilizes the phase difference between the two output terminals of the power splitter module 32 and the different positions of the first feeding point 31a and the second feeding point 31b to achieve circular polarization of the antenna while reducing the size of the antenna along the first direction X.

[0093] Continuing with reference to Figure 6, the power division module 32 may include a power divider, a first signal line 33 and a second signal line 34. The power divider includes an input end 32a, a first output end 32c and a second output end 32b. The first signal line 33 electrically connects the first output end 32c and the first feeding point 31a. The second signal line 34 electrically connects the second output end 32b and the second feeding point 31b. The lengths of the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 are different.

[0094] The power splitter is a power distributor that receives an RF current signal through an input terminal 32a and outputs the RF current signal through a first output terminal 32c and a second output terminal 32b. The amplitude and phase of the RF current signals output by the first output terminal 32c and the second output terminal 32b can be the same.

[0095] For example, the power divider may be a Wilkinson power divider or a T-type power divider. The disclosed embodiment uses a Wilkinson power divider as an example for illustrative description. The power divider may also be other types of power dividers, as long as they can output RF current signals with the same amplitude and phase through the first output terminal 32c and the second output terminal 32b.

[0096] When the power divider is a Wilkinson power divider, in order to improve the isolation between the first output terminal 32c and the second output terminal 32b, an isolation resistor may be connected between the first output terminal 32c and the second output terminal 32b.

[0097] Because the RF current signals output by the first output terminal 32c and the second output terminal 32b have the same phase, and the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 have different lengths, a phase difference occurs between the RF current signals fed into the first feeding point 31a and the second feeding point 31b. Furthermore, the magnitude of this phase difference is related to the length difference between the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34.

[0098] Exemplarily, the length difference between the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 is one quarter of the waveguide wavelength, so that the RF signal fed into the first feeding point 31 a and the second feeding point 31 b generates a phase difference of 90°.

[0099] In actual application, the axial ratio and circular polarization performance of the circular polarization antenna can be adjusted by adjusting the lengths of the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 , and the distance between the first feeding point 31 a and the second feeding point 31 b .

[0100] Exemplarily, the distance between the first feeding point 31 a and the second feeding point 31 b is 4.9-5.9 mm.

[0101] For example, the length difference between the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 is 2.8 to 3.8 mm. When the length difference between the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 is approximately 3.3 mm, the circularly polarized antenna can achieve a good axial ratio and circular polarization performance. When the length difference between the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 deviates from 3.3 mm and is greater than or less than 0.5 mm, the axial ratio and circular polarization performance deteriorate.

[0102] The length of the first signal line 33 can be shorter than that of the second signal line 34, so that the radiating patch 31 stimulates right-handed circular radiation. The length of the first signal line 33 can also be longer than that of the second signal line 34, so that the radiating patch 31 stimulates left-handed circular radiation.

[0103] The radiating patch 31, power divider, first signal line 33, and second signal line 34 can be arranged on the same layer, reducing the number of film layers of the circularly polarized antenna, making the circularly polarized antenna thinner along the third direction Z and more compact. For example, the radiating patch 31, power divider, first signal line 33, and second signal line 34 are all located on the first conductive layer 3.

[0104] Exemplarily, the radiating patch 31, power divider, first signal line 33, and second signal line 34 are formed in the same patterning process, which can reduce the number of steps in the preparation process of the circularly polarized antenna. After forming the first conductive layer 3 on the first side of the dielectric layer 2 by magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, electroplating, etc., the first conductive layer 3 is patterned to form the radiating patch 31, power divider, first signal line 33, and second signal line 34.

[0105] When the power divider is a Wilkinson power divider, the wiring of the Wilkinson power divider is located on the first conductive layer 3, and the isolation resistor of the Wilkinson power divider can be connected between the first output terminal 32c and the second output terminal 32b by welding.

[0106] Of course, the radiating patch 31, the power divider, the first signal line 33, and the second signal line 34 may also be located on different conductive layers. For example, the circularly polarized antenna further includes a third conductive layer located on a side of the first conductive layer 3 away from the dielectric layer 2, and at least one of the power divider, the first signal line 33, and the second signal line 34 may be located on the third conductive layer.

[0107] Figure 7 illustrates a partial structure of a circularly polarized antenna. As shown in Figure 7, when the radiating patch 31, power divider, first signal line 33, and second signal line 34 are all located on the first conductive layer, two parallel and spaced virtual straight lines VL exist on the first conductive layer 3. The radiating patch 31 is connected to both virtual straight lines VL, and the radiating patch 31, first signal line 33, second signal line 34, and power divider are located between the two virtual straight lines VL.

[0108] The two virtual straight lines VL are virtual straight lines used to represent the relative sizes of the power divider, the first signal line 33 , the second signal line 34 and the radiation patch 31 along the first direction X. No physical structures corresponding to the two virtual straight lines VL may be provided on the first conductive layer 3 .

[0109] Exemplarily, two virtual straight lines VL extend along the second direction Y, wherein one virtual straight line VL is connected to the leftmost edge of the radiating patch 31 along the first direction X, and the other virtual straight line VL is connected to the rightmost edge of the radiating patch 31 along the first direction X. When the radiating patch 31, the first signal line 33, the second signal line 34, and the power divider are located between the two virtual straight lines VL, the dimensions of the radiating patch 31, the first signal line 33, the second signal line 34, and the power divider along the first direction X are all smaller than the spacing between the two virtual straight lines VL, that is, along the first direction X, the dimensions of the first signal line 33, the second signal line 34, and the power divider are all smaller than the dimensions of the radiating patch 31.

[0110] For example, as shown in FIG6 , the radiating patch 31 is a circular patch, and two spaced-apart virtual straight lines VL extend along the second direction Y. One virtual straight line VL is tangent to the left edge of the radiating patch 31, and the other virtual straight line VL is tangent to the right edge of the radiating patch 31. The first signal line 33, the second signal line 34, and the power divider are all located between the two virtual straight lines VL.

[0111] That is, the sizes of the first signal line 33 , the second signal line 34 and the power divider in the first direction X are smaller than those of the radiation patch 31 , so that the circularly polarized antenna is smaller in the first direction X and has a more compact structure.

[0112] At this time, the radiation patch 31 , the first signal line 33 , the second signal line 34 and the power divider may be arranged in sequence along the second direction Y. That is, the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 are located between the radiation patch 31 and the power divider.

[0113] It is understood that when the radiation patch 31 is rectangular, the rectangle includes two sides extending along the second direction Y, and the extension lines of the two sides extending along the second direction Y can be used as two virtual straight lines VL. The same applies when the radiation patch 31 is of other shapes, which are not listed here one by one.

[0114] In addition, the two virtual straight lines VL may also form a certain angle with the second direction Y. For example, the angles between the two virtual straight lines VL and the second direction Y are 80°, 70°, 60°, etc.

[0115] Continuing with Figure 6 , the first signal line 33 includes a first feed segment 33a electrically connected to the first feed point 31a. The second signal line 34 includes a second feed segment 34a electrically connected to the second feed point 31b. The first feed segment 33a and the second feed segment 34a are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart. When the first feed segment 33a and the second feed segment 34a are arranged parallel to each other, the circularly polarized antenna structure is more compact, compared to when the first feed segment 33a and the second feed segment 34a are arranged crosswise.

[0116] Exemplarily, one end of the first feeding segment 33a is electrically connected to the first feeding point 31a, and the other end of the first feeding segment 33a is electrically connected to the first output terminal 32c; one end of the second feeding segment 34a is electrically connected to the second feeding point 31b, and the other end of the second feeding segment 34a is electrically connected to the second output terminal 32b.

[0117] Illustratively, the first feeding segment 33a and the second feeding segment 34a extend along the second direction Y. Of course, the first feeding segment 33a and the second feeding segment 34a may also form a certain angle with the second direction Y. For example, the angle between the first feeding segment 33a and the second feeding segment 34a and the second direction Y is 80°, 70°, 60°, etc.

[0118] Of course, the first feeding segment 33a may also extend along the direction of the first line L1, and the second feeding segment 34a may extend along the direction of the second line L2.

[0119] Continuing with Figure 6, the first signal line 33 further includes a first connecting segment 33b, which electrically connects the first feeding segment 33a and the first output terminal 32c. The second signal line 34 further includes a second connecting segment 34b, which electrically connects the second feeding segment 34a and the second output terminal 32b. The length of the first signal line 33 is the sum of the lengths of the first feeding segment 33a and the first connecting segment 33b, and the length of the second signal line 34 is the sum of the lengths of the second feeding segment 34a and the second connecting segment 34b.

[0120] Exemplarily, the first connecting segment 33b and the second connecting segment 34b extend along the first direction X.

[0121] The first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 have different lengths, and the first connecting section 33b and the second connecting section 34b may be of equal length, while the first feeding section 33a and the second feeding section 34a have different lengths. The first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 have different lengths, and the first connecting section 33b and the second connecting section 34b may be of different lengths, while the first feeding section 33a and the second feeding section 34a also have different lengths.

[0122] A radiating patch 31, a ground layer 1 disposed opposite the radiating patch 31, a dielectric layer 2 located between the radiating patch 31 and the ground layer 1, and a power splitter module 32 electrically connected to the radiating patch 31 together constitute an antenna unit. A circularly polarized antenna can include a single antenna unit or multiple antenna units. When a circularly polarized antenna includes a single antenna unit, it is a single-beam circularly polarized antenna.

[0123] Figure 8 shows the 3D radiation pattern of the circularly polarized antenna shown in Figure 3. Circularly polarized antennas can be used in satellite communication scenarios in the KU band. The KU band refers to a band with a lower frequency than the K band under the IEEE 521-2002 standard. The KU frequency band generally ranges from 10.7 to 12.75 GHz for downlink and 12.75 to 18.1 GHz for uplink. The power of a single KU-band satellite transponder is generally large, and shaped beam coverage is often used. The satellite EIRP is large. In addition, the efficiency of the Ku-band receiving antenna is higher than that of the C-band receiving antenna. Therefore, the antenna aperture for receiving Ku-band satellite programs is much smaller than that of the C-band, which can effectively reduce the reception cost and facilitate individual reception. Figure 8 shows the gain diagram at 12 GHz. As can be seen from Figure 8, the circularly polarized antenna provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure has good gain performance at 12 GHz, with a maximum realized gain (Realized Gain) of approximately 4.61 dBi.

[0124] Figure 9 shows the input impedance bandwidth diagram of the circularly polarized antenna shown in Figure 3, that is, the S11 curve of the circularly polarized antenna shown in Figure 3. The horizontal axis in Figure 9 represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents gain. As shown in Figure 9, the circularly polarized antenna 100 of the present embodiment has a good impedance bandwidth of S11 ≤ -10dB at 11.12 to 12.14 GHz. In practical applications, impedance matching can be achieved by adjusting the widths of the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34, as well as the width of the feeder.

[0125] The axial ratio of a circularly polarized antenna is an important parameter that determines its performance. When designing a circularly polarized antenna, it is generally necessary to keep the axial ratio below 3 dB. Figure 10 shows a curve showing the axial ratio of the circularly polarized antenna shown in Figure 3 as a function of frequency. In Figure 10, the horizontal axis represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents gain. As shown in Figure 10, the circularly polarized antenna of the present disclosure has an axial ratio of less than 3 dB at 11.30 to 12.09 GHz, demonstrating good circular polarization performance.

[0126] Figure 11 shows the axial ratio of the circularly polarized antenna shown in Figure 3 as a function of the Theta angle in Figure 8. In Figure 11, the horizontal axis represents the Theta angle, and the vertical axis represents the gain. As shown in Figure 11, the axial ratio is less than 3 dB within the Theta range of -102° to 86°, demonstrating excellent circular polarization performance.

[0127] As can be seen from Figures 8 to 11, the circularly polarized antenna provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure has good gain performance and circular polarization performance, and is easy to achieve impedance matching.

[0128] With the development of mobile communication technology, the number of communication terminals has rapidly increased. Related technologies typically increase channel capacity by increasing carrier frequencies and sectors and adding base stations. However, even with increasing base station density and configuration, network congestion can still occur. Therefore, a solution can be proposed for the antenna and feeder link: the use of dual-beam circularly polarized antennas. Dual-beam circularly polarized antennas generate two beams, which not only increase channel capacity and coverage but also improve system stability and reliability. For example, if one beam of a dual-beam circularly polarized antenna is lost, the other beam can still continue to operate. When used in communication terminals in satellite communication links, dual-beam circularly polarized antennas can reduce the probability of satellite loss and improve the reliability of satellite communications.

[0129] Figure 12 illustrates an exemplary front view of another circularly polarized antenna. As shown in Figure 12, to enable circularly polarized antenna 100 to generate two beams, circularly polarized antenna 100 may include multiple antenna elements. For example, circularly polarized antenna 100 may include two antenna elements. These two antenna elements include a first antenna element 101 and a second antenna element 102. During operation, first antenna element 101 generates one beam, and second antenna element 102 generates another beam.

[0130] The circularly polarized antenna 100 including two antenna units means that the circularly polarized antenna 100 includes at least two antenna units. The circularly polarized antenna 100 may also include three antenna units, four antenna units, etc.

[0131] Continuing with reference to Figure 12, the circularly polarized antenna 100 also includes a branch line coupler 104, which includes a first input port IN1, a second input port IN2, a first output port OUT1 and a second output port OUT2. The first output port OUT1 is electrically connected to the input end 32a of the first antenna unit 101, and the second output port OUT2 is electrically connected to the input end 32a of the second antenna unit 102.

[0132] The branch line coupler 104 receives the RF current signal through the first input port IN1 and the second input port IN2 and outputs the RF signal through the first output port OUT1 and the second output port OUT2 . The phase difference between the signals outputted from the first output port OUT1 and the second output port OUT2 is 90°.

[0133] The branch line coupler 104 is a microwave device having multiple input ports and multiple output ports. The phase difference between the two output ports of the branch line coupler 104 is 90°. It is also called a branch line bridge and is commonly used for power distribution and synthesis.

[0134] Exemplarily, the branch line coupler 104 is a Butler matrix or a 3dB bridge. Of course, the disclosed embodiment does not limit the type of the branch line coupler 104, as long as the phase difference between the RF current signals output by the first output port OUT1 and the second output port OUT2 of the branch line coupler 104 is 90 degrees.

[0135] Continuing with reference to FIG12 , the first antenna unit 101 and the second antenna unit 102 can be arranged at intervals along the first direction X. When the circularly polarized antenna 100 is in operation, the branch line coupler 104 outputs a first RF signal to the first antenna unit 101 through the first output port OUT1 and outputs a second RF signal to the second antenna unit 102 through the second output port OUT2. The first RF signal and the second RF signal have a phase difference of 90°. Under the excitation of the first RF signal, the first antenna unit 101 radiates electromagnetic waves outward to form one beam, and under the excitation of the second RF signal, the second antenna unit 102 radiates electromagnetic waves outward to form another beam, thereby forming two beams in the circularly polarized antenna 100, reducing the probability of satellite loss and improving the reliability of satellite communications.

[0136] Figure 13 is a 3D radiation pattern of the circularly polarized antenna 100 shown in Figure 12. Among them, the circularly polarized antenna 100 can be applied to satellite communication scenarios in the KU band, so Figure 13 shows a gain diagram at 12 GHz. As can be seen from Figure 13, the circularly polarized antenna 100 provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes two beams, and the maximum realized gain (Realized Gain) is approximately 4.68 dBi. Exemplarily, the two beams are deflected 30° relative to the normal direction, that is, the angle between the two beams is 60°. For example, the normal direction is the vertical direction in Figure 13, one of the beams is deflected 30° to the left relative to the normal direction, and the other beam is deflected 30° to the right relative to the normal direction, so that the angle between the two beams is 60°.

[0137] Figure 14 shows the input impedance bandwidth diagram of the circularly polarized antenna 100 shown in Figure 12, that is, the S11 curve diagram of the circularly polarized antenna 100 shown in Figure 12. The horizontal axis in Figure 14 is frequency and the vertical axis is gain. As can be seen from Figure 14, the circularly polarized antenna 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure has S11≤-10dB at 10.55~16GHz, an absolute bandwidth of 5.45GHz, and a relative bandwidth ratio of about 41%, which has a good impedance bandwidth. Compared with the circularly polarized antenna 100 shown in Figure 3, the bandwidth of the antenna shown in Figure 12 is wider. In actual application, the impedance matching can be achieved by setting the width of the first signal line 33 and the second signal line 34 and the width of the feeder.

[0138] The axial ratio of the circularly polarized antenna 100 is an important parameter for determining circular polarization performance. When designing the circularly polarized antenna 100, it is generally necessary to control the axial ratio to below 3 dB. FIG15 shows a curve showing the axial ratio of the circularly polarized antenna 100 shown in FIG12 as a function of frequency. In FIG15 , the horizontal axis represents frequency, and the vertical axis represents gain. As shown in FIG15 , the circularly polarized antenna 100 of the embodiment of the present disclosure has an axial ratio of less than 3 dB at 11.15 to 12.6 GHz, and has better circular polarization performance than the circularly polarized antenna 100 shown in FIG3 .

[0139] As shown in Figures 13 to 15 , by providing a branch line coupler 104, with both output ports of the branch line coupler 104 connected to antenna units, the circularly polarized antenna 100 can form two beams. If one beam is lost, the other beam can still operate, improving communication reliability. Furthermore, the impedance bandwidth of the circularly polarized antenna 100 is expanded, and the axial ratio performance of the circularly polarized antenna is optimized.

[0140] FIG16 exemplarily shows a front view of another circularly polarized antenna 100. As shown in FIG16 , the multiple antenna units may include three antenna units, including a first antenna unit 101, a second antenna unit 102, and a third antenna unit 103. The branch line coupler 104 includes a first input port IN1, a second input port IN2, a third input port IN3, a first output port OUT1, a second output port OUT2, and a third output port OUT3. The first output port OUT1 is electrically connected to the input end 32a of the first antenna unit 101, the second output port OUT2 is electrically connected to the input end 32a of the second antenna unit 102, and the third output port OUT3 is electrically connected to the input end 32a of the third antenna unit 103.

[0141] The circularly polarized antenna 100 including three antenna units means that the circularly polarized antenna 100 includes at least three antenna units. The circularly polarized antenna 100 may also include four antenna units, five antenna units, six antenna units, etc.

[0142] The branch line coupler 104 receives RF signals through the first input port IN1, the second input port IN2, and the third input port IN3, and outputs RF signals through the first output port OUT1, the second output port OUT2, and the third output port OUT3. The phases of the signals output from the first output port OUT1, the second output port OUT2, and the third output port OUT3 are 90° apart.

[0143] Exemplarily, the branch line coupler 104 is a three-input, three-output Butler matrix. Of course, the disclosed embodiment does not limit the type of the branch line coupler 104, as long as the phases of the signals output from the first output port OUT1, the second output port OUT2, and the third output port OUT3 of the branch line coupler 104 are respectively 90° apart.

[0144] Continuing with reference to Figure 16, the first antenna unit 101, the second antenna unit 102, and the third antenna unit 103 can be arranged at intervals along the first direction X. When the circularly polarized antenna 100 is operating, the branch line coupler 104 outputs a first RF signal to the first antenna unit 101 through the first output port OUT1, outputs a second RF signal to the second antenna unit 102 through the second output port OUT2, and outputs a third RF signal to the third antenna unit 103 through the third output port OUT3. The phases of the first RF signal, the second RF signal, and the third RF signal differ by 90°, respectively. The first antenna unit 101, the second antenna unit 102, and the third antenna unit 103 simultaneously radiate electromagnetic waves. The branch line coupler 104 is electrically connected to the three antenna units to enhance signal strength.

[0145] Figure 17 illustrates the structure of another circularly polarized antenna 100. As shown in Figure 17, a filter 106 can be connected between the output port of the branch line coupler 104 and the input terminal 32a of the antenna unit. Filter 106 can filter signals within a specific frequency and / or phase range while the circularly polarized antenna 100 receives or transmits electromagnetic waves, thereby performing signal selection and interference suppression, improving system performance and reliability. This public embodiment does not limit the structure of filter 106; as long as it can filter out signals with certain phases to resolve phase mixing issues, it will suffice.

[0146] The filter 106 solves the phase mixing problem by filtering the signal within a specific frequency and / or phase range. For example, the filter solves the phase mixing problem by filtering the signal with a partial phase.

[0147] The filter 106 can be provided on the same layer as the radiation patch 31 , the first signal line 33 , the second signal line 34 and the power divider, thereby reducing the number of film layers of the circularly polarized antenna 100 and reducing the thickness of the circularly polarized antenna 100 along the third direction Z.

[0148] Exemplarily, the radiation patch 31, the first signal line 33, the second signal line 34, the power divider, and the filter 106 are all located on the first conductive layer 3. For example, after the first conductive layer 3 is formed on the first side surface of the dielectric layer 2 by magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, electroplating, etc., the first conductive layer 3 is patterned to form the radiation patch 31, the power divider, the first signal line 33, the second signal line 34, and the filter 106.

[0149] 12 and 16 , in the circularly polarized antenna 100 , two adjacent radiation patches 31 are spaced apart. For example, the spacing between the centers of two adjacent radiation patches 31 is half the spatial wavelength.

[0150] Exemplarily, when the radiation patch 31 is circular, the interval between two adjacent radiation patches 31 is the distance between the centers of the two adjacent radiation patches 31 .

[0151] Exemplarily, when the radiation patch 31 is a polygon such as a rectangle, the spacing between two adjacent radiation patches 31 is the distance between the geometric centers of the two adjacent radiation patches 31 .

[0152] The spacing of the two radiating patches 31 does not mean that the two adjacent radiating patches 31 are disconnected, but rather that there is a gap between the main structures of the two adjacent radiating patches 31. The two adjacent radiating patches 31 can be disconnected or connected by a connecting line.

[0153] When a circularly polarized antenna 100 includes multiple antenna elements, there is significant spatial coupling between the multiple antenna elements. For example, when the circularly polarized antenna 100 has the structures shown in Figures 12, 16, and 17, there is significant spatial coupling between the different antenna elements in the circularly polarized antenna 100, meaning that the isolation between two adjacent antenna elements is low. To address this issue, an isolation structure can be provided between the radiating patches 31 of two adjacent antenna elements to improve the isolation between the two adjacent antenna elements.

[0154] Figure 18 illustrates the structure of another circularly polarized antenna 100. As shown in Figure 18, multiple conductive posts 105 can be provided between two adjacent radiating patches 31, with the axial direction of the conductive posts 105 perpendicular to the ground layer 1. The provision of multiple conductive posts 105 increases the isolation between different antenna elements.

[0155] The fact that the axis of the conductive pillar 105 is perpendicular to the ground layer 1 does not mean that the axis is strictly perpendicular to the ground layer 1 , but rather that the axis of the conductive pillar 105 extends substantially along the thickness direction of the dielectric layer 2 .

[0156] Exemplarily, the plurality of conductive pillars 105 are arranged in an array to form a plurality of conductive pillar columns. The plurality of conductive pillars 105 in the same conductive pillar column are arranged at intervals along the direction of extension of the gap between two adjacent radiation patches 31 (e.g., the second direction Y). The plurality of conductive pillar columns are arranged at intervals along the first direction X.

[0157] The conductive pillars 105 in different conductive pillar columns may be staggered along the second direction Y by a certain distance.

[0158] The orthographic projection of the radiating patch 31 on the array of conductive pillars 105 is positioned within the array of conductive pillars to improve isolation between different antenna elements. For example, the upper ends of the array of conductive pillars protrude from the radiating patch 31 along the second direction Y, and the lower ends of the array of conductive pillars also protrude from the radiating patch 31 along the second direction Y.

[0159] The first end of the conductive column 105 may be located between two adjacent radiation patches 31 , and the second end of the conductive column 105 may be spaced apart from the ground layer 1 , that is, the conductive column 105 is not connected to the ground layer 1 .

[0160] Along the third direction Z, the first end of the conductive pillar 105 may be flush with the radiation patch 31 , may protrude from the radiation patch 31 , or may be lower than the radiation patch 31 .

[0161] At least a portion of the conductive pillar 105 may be located within the dielectric layer 2 to reduce the thickness of the circularly polarized antenna 100 along the third direction Z. For example, the dielectric layer 2 may be provided with a plurality of openings, and the conductive pillar 105 may be disposed within the openings.

[0162] For example, the dielectric layer 2 is a glass dielectric layer 2 , a plurality of openings are opened in the glass dielectric layer 2 by etching, and then metal material is deposited in the openings to form the conductive pillars 105 .

[0163] Figure 19 exemplarily illustrates the structure of another circularly polarized antenna 100. As shown in Figure 19, a neutralization line 107 may be provided between two adjacent radiating patches 31. One end of the neutralization line 107 is electrically connected to one radiating patch 31, and the other end of the neutralization line 107 is electrically connected to the other radiating patch 31.

[0164] The neutralization line 107 can be provided on the same layer as the radiation patch 31 , the first signal line 33 , the second signal line 34 , the power divider, and the branch line coupler 106 to reduce the number of film layers of the circularly polarized antenna 100 and reduce the thickness of the circularly polarized antenna 100 along the third direction Z.

[0165] Exemplarily, the radiation patch 31, the first signal line 33, the second signal line 34, the power divider, the branch line coupler 106 and the neutralization line 107 are all located in the first conductive layer 3, that is, the radiation patch 31, the first signal line 33, the second signal line 34, the power divider, the branch line coupler 106 and the neutralization line 107 are formed in a single patterning process.

[0166] Of course, the neutralization line 107 can also be connected between the two radiating patches 31 by welding. For example, the neutralization line 107 is a zero-ohm resistor, one end of which is welded to one radiating patch 31, and the other end of which is welded to the other radiating patch 31.

[0167] In addition, the circularly polarized antenna 100 may be provided with both the conductive column 105 and the neutralization line 107 to increase the isolation between two adjacent radiation patches 31 .

[0168] Figure 20 exemplifies the structure of a ground layer 1. As shown in Figure 20 , the ground layer 1 can be provided with a defective ground structure 11. This provision of defective ground structure 11 increases isolation between different antenna units. Figure 20 illustrates one type of defective ground structure 11. In practical applications, defective ground structure 11 can also have other different structures. The present disclosure does not limit the specific structure of defective ground structure 11.

[0169] In addition, the circularly polarized antenna may be provided with the conductive column 105 , the neutralization line 107 and the defective ground structure 11 at the same time, or only with the conductive column 105 and the defective ground structure 11 , or only with the neutralization line 107 and the defective ground structure 11 .

[0170] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an array antenna, which includes multiple circularly polarized antennas 100 arranged in an array. The array arrangement of the multiple circularly polarized antennas 100 improves the gain of the array antenna. The communication terminal provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the aforementioned circularly polarized antenna 100, an array antenna, or both. For example, the communication terminal includes two antennas, one of which is a circularly polarized antenna and the other is an array antenna.

[0171] The number of circularly polarized antennas 100 in the array antenna can be four, eight, sixteen, etc. The embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the number of circularly polarized antennas 100, as long as multiple circularly polarized antennas 100 form an antenna array.

[0172] For the convenience of description, the following takes an array antenna including four circularly polarized antennas 100 as an example to similarly illustrate the composition and arrangement of the array antenna.

[0173] Figure 21 exemplarily shows the structure of an array antenna, and Figure 22 exemplarily shows the structure of an array antenna. Figures 21 and 22 show the arrangement of four circularly polarized antennas 100 when the array antenna includes four circularly polarized antennas.

[0174] As shown in Figure 21, the four circularly polarized antennas 100 can be arranged at intervals along the first direction X, that is, the eight radiating patches 31 are arranged in a 1*8 array. Among them, 1*8 means that the antenna array includes a row of radiating patches 31, and each row of radiating patches 31 includes eight radiating patches 31, that is, the number before the * represents the number of rows, and the number after the * represents the number of radiating patches 31 contained in each row of radiating patches 31. When working, the phase of the RF signal fed between two adjacent input ports of the branch line coupler 104 can differ by -180°. For example, along the direction from left to right in the figure, with the phase of the first input port as the reference, the phase of the second input port is 180° later than the phase of the first input port, the phase of the third input port is 180° later than the phase of the second input port, and so on.

[0175] Figure 23 is a 3D radiation pattern of the array antenna shown in Figure 20. As shown in Figure 23, compared with a single circularly polarized antenna 100, after multiple circularly polarized antennas 100 are formed into an array, the gain of the array antenna is improved.

[0176] Of course, the four circularly polarized antennas 100 can also be arranged in a 2*2 array, that is, the array antenna includes two rows of antenna elements, and each row of antenna elements includes two antenna elements. As shown in Figure 22, when the four circularly polarized antennas 100 are arranged in a 2*2 array, they can also be staggered at a certain distance. For example, multiple antenna elements are arranged in an array to form multiple antenna element rows, and the multiple antenna elements in each antenna element row are arranged at intervals along the first direction X, and two adjacent antenna elements in the same antenna element row are staggered at a certain distance along the second direction Y.

[0177] Exemplarily, multiple antenna units are arranged in an array to form a first antenna unit column and a second antenna unit column. The orthographic projection of the radiation patch 31 in the first antenna unit column in the second direction Y is the first projection, and the orthographic projection of the radiation patch 31 in the second antenna unit column in the second direction Y is the second projection. The second projection is located between two adjacent first projections.

[0178] Two adjacent antenna units in the same antenna unit row are staggered along the second direction Y by a certain distance, so that the multiple radiation patches 31 in the array antenna are arranged more compactly, making the size of the array antenna smaller.

[0179] Figure 24 and Figure 25 illustrate another schematic diagram of the structure of an array antenna. Each circle in the figure represents a radiating patch 31 in a circularly polarized antenna 100. For simplicity, structures such as the power splitter module 32, branch line coupler 106, ground layer 1, and dielectric layer 2 are not shown. Figures 24 and 25 illustrate the arrangement of circularly polarized antennas 100 using an array antenna comprising eight circularly polarized antennas 100 as an example.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 24 , the eight circularly polarized antennas 100 include sixteen radiation patches 31 , and the sixteen radiation patches 31 may be arranged in a 4*4 array.

[0181] As shown in FIG25 , sixteen radiation patches 31 are arranged in a 4*4 array to form a plurality of radiation patch columns. Each radiation patch column includes four radiation patches 31 arranged along the second direction Y, and two adjacent radiation patch columns are staggered along the second direction Y by a certain distance.

[0182] Similarly, when the array antenna includes sixteen circularly polarized antennas 100, the array antenna can include thirty-two radiating patches 31. The thirty-two radiating patches 31 can be arranged in an 8*4 array, i.e., forming eight rows of radiating patches 31, with each row of radiating patches 31 including four radiating patches 31, as shown in FIG26. As shown in FIG27, adjacent rows of radiating patches can be staggered along the second direction Y by a certain distance.

[0183] As shown in FIG28 , the array antenna may also include thirty-two circularly polarized antennas 100, each of which includes sixty-four radiating patches 31 arranged in an 8x8 pattern. As shown in FIG29 , adjacent rows of radiating patches may be staggered a certain distance along the second direction Y.

[0184] Of course, the number of radiation patches 31 in the array antenna is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG30 , the radiation patches 31 may also be arranged in an 8*n array, where n is an even number greater than 8.

[0185] Figures 31 to 34 illustrate exemplary alternative arrangements of the radiating patches 31. As shown in Figure 31 , the radiating patches 31 within the array antenna can be arranged in a triangular pattern. As shown in Figure 32 , the radiating patches 31 within the array antenna can be arranged in a diamond pattern. As shown in Figure 33 , the radiating patches 31 within the array antenna can be arranged in a trapezoidal pattern. As shown in Figure 34 , the radiating patches 31 within the array antenna can be arranged in a hexagonal pattern.

[0186] Because branch line coupler 104 can only form a fixed phase difference, the array antenna can only achieve fixed beam pointing. To address this, the array antenna may further include a phase shifter 108 configured to adjust the phase of the RF signal. This allows for continuous adjustment of the RF signal phase, thereby achieving beam pointing in different directions.

[0187] Phase shifter 108 can be a liquid crystal phase shifter. A liquid crystal phase shifter is a programmable optical phased array that uses liquid crystal as the electro-optical material. When a periodic voltage is applied to the electrodes of the liquid crystal phase shifter, the electro-optical properties of the liquid crystal cause the liquid crystal in the electrode region to form a periodic phase distribution. This periodic phase distribution modulates the phase of the signal transmitted in the array, achieving the function of phase adjustment. Liquid crystal phase shifters use voltage to control phase changes and have no mechanical rotating parts, resulting in a small size and low power consumption. The disclosed embodiments do not limit the type of phase shifter 108, as long as it can adjust the phase of the RF signal.

[0188] Exemplarily, the liquid crystal phase shifter includes a first substrate, a first electrode layer, a liquid crystal layer, a second electrode layer, and a second substrate in sequence along the second direction Y. During operation, an electric field is formed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, which drives the liquid crystal layer to move, thereby adjusting the phase of the radio frequency signal.

[0189] The liquid crystal phase shifter can be integrated with the circularly polarized antenna 100, further reducing the size of the array antenna. For example, the dielectric layer 2 can serve as one of the first substrate or the second substrate of the liquid crystal phase shifter.

[0190] Of course, the liquid crystal phase shifter can also be used as a separate device, and the liquid crystal phase shifter is electrically connected to the circularly polarized antenna 100 through a connecting wire.

[0191] FIG35 exemplarily shows a structural diagram of another array antenna. As shown in FIG35 , the phase shifter 108 can be connected to the input port of the circularly polarized antenna 100 , that is, the input port of the branch line coupler 104 .

[0192] Figure 36 shows the beam pointing patterns corresponding to different phase shifts for the array antenna shown in Figure 35, with the horizontal axis representing Theta and the vertical axis representing gain. As shown in Figure 36, beam pointing patterns can be altered by changing the phase difference between different input ports using phase shifter 108. For example, the dual-beam array antenna shown in Figure 35 can achieve ±45° phase scanning, where +45° deviates 45° in one direction relative to the normal, and -45° deviates 45° in the opposite direction relative to the normal.

[0193] Figure 37 illustrates an exemplary structure of another array antenna. As shown in Figure 37, the phase shifter 108 can be connected between the output of the circularly polarized antenna 100 and the input 32a of the antenna unit, that is, between the output of the branch line coupler 104 and the input 32a of the power splitter module 32. This allows the phase shifter 108 to compensate for the phase of the signal at the output of the branch line coupler 104, enabling a wider range of beam steering options.

[0194] Figure 38 exemplifies the structure of another array antenna. As shown in Figure 38 , a phase shifter 108 is provided between the output port of the circularly polarized antenna 100 and the input end 32a of the antenna unit. A phase shifter 108 is also provided between the output port of the circularly polarized antenna 100 and the input end 32a of the antenna unit.

[0195] Exemplarily, multiple antenna units are arranged at intervals along the first direction X, and may include odd-numbered antenna units and even-numbered antenna units in order from left to right. The phase shifter 108 controls the left beam scanning by adjusting the phase fed to the odd-numbered antenna units, and the phase shifter 108 controls the right beam scanning by adjusting the phase fed to the even-numbered antenna units, thereby realizing the function of independent scanning of the left and right beams.

[0196] Figure 39 illustrates an exemplary structural diagram of another array antenna. As shown in Figure 39 , the array antenna further includes a power regulator 109, which is configured to amplify or attenuate electrical signals. The power regulator 109 can be connected to the input port of the circularly polarized antenna 100, as shown in Figure 40 . The power regulator 109 can also be connected between the output port of the circularly polarized antenna 100 and the input terminal 32a of the antenna unit, or simultaneously connected between the input port of the circularly polarized antenna 100 and the output port of the circularly polarized antenna 100 and the input terminal 32a of the antenna unit.

[0197] The power regulator 109 can be an amplifier or an attenuator. The power regulator 109 regulates the amplitude of the current signal fed into the antenna unit. The current signal fed into each antenna unit can be a Taylor distribution or a Chebyshev distribution to reduce side lobes. The current signal fed into each antenna unit can also be a gradually increasing or decreasing current signal.

[0198] In addition, the power regulator 109 can also compensate for the energy loss caused by the current signal passing through the phase shifter 108 and the branch line coupler 104 .

[0199] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A circularly polarized antenna, characterized in that: It includes a radiation patch, a ground layer, a dielectric layer and a power division module; the radiation patch and the ground layer are arranged opposite to each other, and the dielectric layer is located between the radiation patch and the ground layer; The power division module includes an input end and two output ends, and the phases of the output signals of the two output ends differ by 90°; the radiation patch includes a first feeding point and a second feeding point, the first feeding point is electrically connected to one of the output ends, and the second feeding point is electrically connected to the other output end; A virtual line connecting the first feeding point and the center of the radiation patch is a first line, a virtual line connecting the second feeding point and the center of the radiation patch is a second line, and an angle between the first line and the second line is less than 90°.

2. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power division module includes a power divider, a first signal line and a second signal line, the power divider includes a first output end and a second output end, the first signal line electrically connects the first output end and the first feeding point, the second signal line electrically connects the second output end and the second feeding point, and the first signal line and the second signal line have different lengths.

3. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The circularly polarized antenna further includes a first conductive layer connected to a side of the dielectric layer away from the ground layer, and the radiation patch, the power divider, the first signal line, and the second signal line are located in the first conductive layer.

4. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first conductive layer has two parallel and spaced virtual straight lines, the radiation patch is connected to both of the two virtual straight lines, and the radiation patch, the first signal line, the second signal line and the power divider are located between the two virtual straight lines.

5. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first signal line includes a first feeding segment electrically connected to the first feeding point, the second signal line includes a second feeding segment electrically connected to the second feeding point, and the first feeding segment and the second feeding segment are arranged in parallel and at intervals.

6. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first output terminal and the second output terminal output signals with the same phase.

7. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: A length difference between the first signal line and the second signal line is 2.8-3.8 mm, and / or a distance between the first feeding point and the second feeding point is 4.9-5.9 mm.

8. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation patch is circular, polygonal or irregular in shape.

9. The circularly polarized antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: An electrically connected radiation patch and a power division module constitute an antenna unit, and the circularly polarized antenna includes at least two antenna units; The circularly polarized antenna further comprises a branch line coupler, which comprises a plurality of input ports and at least two output ports, the phases of output signals of two adjacent output ports differ by 90°, and each output port is connected to the antenna unit.

10. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 9, characterized in that: Two adjacent radiation patches are arranged at intervals, and the distance between the centers of two adjacent radiation patches is half of the spatial wavelength.

11. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that: A plurality of conductive columns are provided between two adjacent radiation patches, and the axial direction of the conductive columns is perpendicular to the ground layer; And / or, a neutralization line is provided between two adjacent radiation patches, one end of the neutralization line is electrically connected to one radiation patch, and the other end of the neutralization line is electrically connected to the other radiation patch; And / or, the ground layer is provided with a defective ground structure.

12. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 11, characterized in that: The dielectric layer is provided with a plurality of openings, and the conductive pillars are arranged in the openings.

13. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 10, characterized in that: The circularly polarized antenna includes at least three antenna units, and the branch line coupler includes at least three output ports.

14. The circularly polarized antenna according to claim 13, characterized in that: A filter is connected between the output port and the input end.

15. An array antenna, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of circularly polarized antennas as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the plurality of circularly polarized antennas are arranged in an array.

16. The array antenna according to claim 15, characterized in that: The multiple circularly polarized antennas include multiple circularly polarized antenna rows, the multiple circularly polarized antennas in the circularly polarized antenna row are arranged at intervals along a first direction, and two adjacent circularly polarized antenna columns in the circularly polarized antenna row are staggered at a preset distance along a second direction, and the first direction intersects the second direction.

17. The array antenna according to claim 15, characterized in that: The array antenna further comprises a phase shifter, wherein the phase shifter is connected to the input port of the circular polarization antenna, and / or the phase shifter is connected between the output port of the circular polarization antenna and the input end of the antenna unit.

18. The array antenna according to claim 17, characterized in that: The phase shifter is a liquid crystal phase shifter, and the dielectric layer serves as a substrate of the liquid crystal phase shifter.

19. The array antenna according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that: The array antenna also includes a power regulator, which is configured to amplify or attenuate an electrical signal; the power regulator is connected to the input port of the circularly polarized antenna, and / or the power regulator is connected between the output port of the circularly polarized antenna and the input end of the antenna unit.

20. A communication terminal, characterized in that: Comprising the array antenna as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19.

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