Differential feed structure, antenna, and communication device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communication, and provide a differential feed structure, an antenna, and a communication device. The device comprises two sub-differential feed structures and multiple coupling feed structures, as well as a first metal plate, a first dielectric plate, a second dielectric plate, a second metal plate and a third dielectric plate, arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The two sub-differential feed structures comprise a first sub-differential feed structure and a second sub-differential feed structure, each coupling feed structure being connected to the first sub-differential feed structure or the second sub-differential feed structure. The first metal plate comprises a first through hole adapted to the two sub-differential feed structures, the two sub-differential feed structures being disposed in the first through hole and forming a gap with the first metal plate. A groove is formed at a position of the second dielectric plate corresponding to the two sub-differential feed structures, multiple metallized via holes being formed in the two sides of the groove, and metal columns being disposed in the metallized via holes and used to connect the first metal plate and the second metal plate.

Description

Differential feeding structure, antenna and communication equipment

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on November 30, 2023, with application number 202311633769.2 and invention name “Differential feeding structure, antenna and communication equipment”. The entire contents of the application are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a differential feeding structure, an antenna, and a communication device. Background Art

[0004] In the field of communication technology, a dielectric board with low cost and good flame retardancy is usually used as the dielectric substrate of the antenna (such as an FR4 dielectric substrate). For example, in CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) terminal antennas, an FR4 dielectric substrate is also commonly used, and the feeding network is usually set on the FR4 dielectric substrate.

[0005] With the evolution and development of 5G technology, the wireless frequency of communication equipment has gradually increased, and the loss of the dielectric substrate has also continued to increase with the increase in frequency, seriously affecting the gain of the antenna and thus affecting the performance of the communication equipment.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a differential feeding structure, an antenna, and a communication device.

[0008] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a differential feeding structure is provided, comprising two sub-differential feeding structures, a plurality of coupling feeding structures, and a first metal plate, a first dielectric plate, a second dielectric plate, a second metal plate, and a third dielectric plate, arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The two sub-differential feeding structures include a first sub-differential feeding structure and a second sub-differential feeding structure, and each coupling feeding structure is connected to the first sub-differential feeding structure or the second sub-differential feeding structure. The first metal plate includes a first through-hole adapted for the two sub-differential feeding structures, and the two sub-differential feeding structures are disposed within the first through-hole, forming a gap with the first metal plate. The second dielectric plate has grooves provided at positions corresponding to the two sub-differential feeding structures, with a plurality of metallized vias provided on both sides of the grooves. Metal posts are provided in the metallized vias for connecting the first metal plate to the second metal plate.

[0009] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an antenna is provided, characterized in that it includes a shell, the differential feeding structure described in the first aspect, two RF interfaces, and a radiation patch arranged on a fifth dielectric board arranged in the shell, and the fifth dielectric board is arranged parallel to above the differential feeding structure; the differential feeding structure is connected to the RF interface.

[0010] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising the differential feeding structure described in the first aspect or the antenna described in the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application 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 recorded in this application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0012] FIG1 shows an exploded view of a differential feeding structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0013] FIG2 shows a top view of a first metal plate and two sub-differential feeding networks provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] FIG3 shows a partially enlarged top view of a differential feeding structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] FIG4 shows a partial enlarged view of a differential feeding structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] FIG5 shows an exploded view of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] FIG7 shows a comparison diagram of antenna gains of a differential feeding network provided in an embodiment of the present application and a conventional feeding network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] FIG1 shows an exploded view of a differential feeding structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG1 , the differential feeding structure includes two sub-differential feeding structures, a plurality of coupled feeding structures 13, and a first metal plate 2, a first dielectric plate 3, a second dielectric plate 4, a second metal plate 5, and a third dielectric plate 6 arranged in sequence from top to bottom.

[0021] The two sub-differential feeding structures may include a first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and a second sub-differential feeding structure 12, and each coupling feeding structure is connected to the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 or the second sub-differential feeding structure 12, and is used to couple and feed the antenna radiator (e.g., a radiation patch).

[0022] The first metal plate 2 includes a first through-hole compatible with the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12. The first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 are disposed within the first through-hole and form a gap with the first metal plate. FIG2 shows a top view of a first metal plate and two sub-differential feeding networks provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG2, the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 are disposed within the first through-hole of the first metal plate 2 compatible with the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12. In some possible implementations, the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 can be fixed to the first dielectric plate 3 using any relevant technology. The first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 respectively form a gap 21 with the metal plate 2. It should be noted that FIG2 does not fully illustrate the first through hole, but only illustrates the gap 21. It is understood that the first through hole includes the gap 21 and the area covered by the differential feeding structure.

[0023] The second dielectric plate 4 is provided with grooves at positions corresponding to the first sub-differential feed structure 11 and the second sub-differential feed structure 12. The width of the grooves can be greater than the corresponding width of the sub-differential feed structures. Multiple metallized vias 41 are provided on both sides of the grooves. Metal pillars are provided in the metallized vias 41 to connect the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 5. The depth of the grooves can be determined through simulation optimization and is not limited in this application. As shown in Figure 1, second through holes 31 are provided on the first dielectric plate 3 at positions corresponding to the metallized vias. The metal pillars in each metallized via are connected to the second metal plate 5 and to the first metal plate 2 through the corresponding second through holes 31 of the first dielectric plate 3. In some possible implementations, the metal pillars in each metallized via 41 can be connected to the first metal plate 2 and the second metal plate 5 respectively by welding.

[0024] Using the above technical approach, the first metal plate is connected to the second metal plate through a metal column, and radiation loss is suppressed by metallized vias and loading two layers of metal coating. On this basis, a groove is provided on the second dielectric plate at a position corresponding to the differential feeding structure. The differential feeding structure for radiating the radio frequency signal is provided above the groove, forming a gap between the structure and the first metal plate. Through the above-mentioned air microstrip method, the impact of the dielectric plate loss on the performance of the differential feeding network is reduced. On the basis of the high isolation of the differential feeding, the antenna loss is further reduced, the antenna gain is increased, and the performance of the communication equipment is thereby improved.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first dielectric plate 3, the second dielectric plate 4, and the third dielectric plate 6 can all adopt FR4 dielectric substrates. By providing a groove on the second dielectric plate 4 and arranging metallized vias on both sides of the groove, the second metal plate 5, the first metal plate 2, the metal pillars in the metallized vias 41, and the sub-differential feeding structure are equivalent to an air microstrip (also called a microstrip transmission line). On the basis of adopting low-cost dielectric plates, the impact of dielectric plate loss on the performance of the differential feeding network is reduced. On the basis of high isolation of differential feeding, the antenna loss is further reduced by using air microstrips, the antenna gain is improved, and the performance of the communication equipment is thereby improved.

[0026] FIG3 shows a partially enlarged top view of a differential feeding structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the width of the groove 42 provided on the second dielectric plate 4 is greater than the width of the sub-differential feeding structure (e.g., the first sub-differential feeding structure 11). Metallized vias 41 are provided on both sides of the groove 42, and the distance between adjacent metallized vias can be the same.

[0027] Taking the differential feeding structure of 5G CPE as an example, the first metal plate 2, the first dielectric plate 3, the second dielectric plate 4, the second metal plate 5 and the third dielectric plate 6 can be a square of 50 mm * 50 mm. Accordingly, the thickness of the first dielectric plate 3 can be 0.1 mm, the thickness of the second dielectric plate 4 can be 0.7 mm, and the thickness of the dielectric plate 22 can be 0.1 mm. Accordingly, the distance 43 between the metallized via 41 on the second dielectric plate 4 and the air microstrip formed by the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 (or the second sub-differential feeding structure 12) at the groove 42 of the second dielectric plate 4 can be 0.3 mm, and the distance 44 between adjacent metallized vias 41 can be 0.8 mm.

[0028] It should be specifically noted that, in order to illustrate the positional relationship among the metallized vias 41 on the second dielectric plate 4, the first metal plate 2, the first sub-differential feeding structure 11, and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 in the top view, the corresponding positions of the metallized vias 41 are shown in both FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Those skilled in the art can understand that this is a schematic diagram after considering the first metal plate 2 as transparent. In actual situations, the metallized vias 41 are invisible in the top view due to the occlusion of the first metal plate 2.

[0029] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the shapes of the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 can be in the shape of "冂", and the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 are centrosymmetric about the center of the first metal plate 2. Those skilled in the art can understand that the shapes of the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 can also be set to other shapes according to the needs of simulation and design. Those skilled in the art can also add, delete, or move one or more feeding branches based on the needs of simulation and design on the basis of the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 in FIG. 2. This application does not limit this.

[0030] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, each coupling feeding structure 13 can be disposed on a corresponding fourth dielectric plate 7. Each fourth dielectric plate 7 is provided with a first connecting portion 71 for fixing the fourth dielectric plate 7. The fixing of the fourth dielectric plate 7 can be achieved through various possible implementation manners. In some possible implementation manners, the first connecting portion 71 can be meshed and fixed with an engaging portion (not shown in the figure) provided on the second dielectric plate 4 through the gap 21 between the first metal plate 2 and the sub-differential feeding structure and the corresponding third through hole 32 on the first dielectric plate 3, or can be further meshed and fixed with the engaging portion 61 of the third dielectric plate 6 through the corresponding through hole (not shown in the figure) provided on the second dielectric plate through the corresponding through hole on the second metal plate 5.

[0031] Those skilled in the art can understand that the number of coupling feeding structures can be flexibly set based on the needs of simulation and design. In some embodiments, the number of coupling feeding structures 13 is N, where N / 2 coupling feeding structures 13 are perpendicularly connected to the first sub-differential feeding structure 11, and the other N / 2 coupling feeding structures 13 are perpendicularly connected to the second sub-differential feeding structure 12, where N is an even number. In some possible implementation manners, the number of coupling feeding structures 13 can be 4, where 2 coupling feeding structures 13 are perpendicularly connected to the first sub-differential feeding structure 11, and the other 2 coupling feeding structures 13 are perpendicularly connected to the second sub-differential feeding structure 12.

[0032] In some embodiments, the coupling feed structure 13 is F-shaped, and the coupling feed structure 13 is vertically connected to the first sub-differential feed structure 11 or the second sub-differential feed structure 12 through the bottom of the F-shape. Using the above-mentioned technical approach, the F-shape is formed by etching a horizontal straight slot on the Γ-shaped coupling feed structure. The horizontal straight slot can be used to adjust the impedance matching of the coupling feed structure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the size of the coupling feed structure, the position of the horizontal straight slot, and the width can all be obtained through simulation optimization, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fourth dielectric plate 7 is provided with a recessed portion at a position corresponding to the groove of the second dielectric plate 4. FIG4 shows a partially enlarged view of a differential feeding structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG4, after the fourth dielectric plate 7 is fixed, the bottom of the F-shaped coupling feeding structure 13 and the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 (or the second sub-differential feeding structure 12) can be welded together via welding points 131. The fourth dielectric plate 7 is provided with a recessed portion 72 above the groove of the second dielectric plate 4 (i.e., above the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 or the second sub-differential feeding structure 12). The provision of the recessed portion 72 can reduce obstruction of the air microstrip, further improving the performance of the differential feeding structure.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fourth dielectric plate 7 can be flexibly configured to include a recessed portion 72 depending on whether it is disposed above the groove of the second dielectric plate 4 (i.e., above the first sub-differential feeding structure 11 or the second sub-differential feeding structure 12). As shown in FIG1 , two fourth dielectric plates 7 are provided with recessed portions 72, while the other two fourth dielectric plates 7 may not be provided with recessed portions. Multiple recessed portions 72 may also be provided on the same fourth dielectric plate 7 as needed, and this application does not impose any restrictions thereon. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the width and depth of the recessed portion can be determined based on optimization simulation.

[0035] The above-mentioned technical method is adopted to feed power through differential feeding, and an air microstrip is formed on the second dielectric plate, and metallized vias are set on both sides of the microstrip. On the basis of high isolation of differential feeding, the air microstrip is further used to reduce antenna loss and increase antenna gain, thereby improving the performance of communication equipment.

[0036] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the antenna includes a shell (not shown in the figure), and a differential feeding structure shown in any embodiment of the above-mentioned first aspect arranged in the shell, two RF interfaces 10 and a radiation patch 8 arranged on a fifth dielectric plate 9. The fifth dielectric plate 9 can be arranged parallel to the top of the differential feeding structure, and the differential feeding structure is connected to the RF interface 10.

[0037] The fifth dielectric plate can be arranged parallel to the top of the differential feeding structure in a variety of possible ways. For example, the fifth dielectric plate can be embedded in the shell or fixed to the inner wall of the shell. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, each coupling feeding structure 13 can be arranged on a corresponding fourth dielectric plate 7. Each fourth dielectric plate 7 for setting the coupling feeding structure 13 may include a second connecting portion 73 for connecting and fixing with the third connecting portion 91 on the fifth dielectric plate 9, so that the fifth dielectric plate 9 is arranged parallel to the top of the differential feeding network. In some possible implementations, the second connecting portion 73 and the third connecting portion 91 can be fixed by welding.

[0038] Using the above-mentioned technical approach, the radiating patch 8 and the metal floor (i.e., the first metal plate 2) are placed separately, with an air dielectric formed in between. This not only avoids the problem of high loss when using thick dielectric plates, but also achieves miniaturization of the antenna to a certain extent. Taking 5G CPE as an example, the overall height of the antenna can be 10mm. At the same time, differential feeding is used to feed the antenna. By providing a groove on the second dielectric plate 4 and arranging metalized vias on both sides of the groove, the second metal plate 5, the first metal plate 2, the metal posts in the metalized vias 41, and the sub-differential feeding structure are equivalent to an air microstrip. On the basis of the high isolation of differential feeding, the air microstrip is used to reduce antenna loss, improve antenna gain, reduce the impact of dielectric plate loss on the performance of the differential feeding network, reduce the cross-polarization level, and effectively improve the radiation gain of the antenna.

[0039] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5 , the differential feeding interface may include a first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and a second sub-differential feeding structure 12. The first sub-differential feeding structure 11 and the second sub-differential feeding structure 12 are respectively connected to the inner core of an RF interface through RF through holes 62 on the first dielectric plate 3, the second dielectric plate 4, the second metal plate 5, and the third dielectric plate 6 (the through holes on the first dielectric plate 3, the second dielectric plate 4, and the second metal plate 5 are not shown in FIG5 ). The second metal plate 5 is connected to the outer skins of the two RF interfaces through the RF through holes 62 on the third dielectric plate 6, thereby achieving ±45° polarization of the antenna.

[0040] The shape of the radiation patch can be varied, for example, it can be a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, donut, circle, ellipse or semicircle. In some embodiments, it can also be a composite shape, for example, it can be a rectangular radiation patch with a cross groove etched in the length and width directions of the center of the rectangle. Those skilled in the art can understand that the shape and size of the radiation patch and the shape and size of the etching groove can be flexibly set based on simulation optimization, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0041] Using the above-mentioned technical approach, the radiating patch 8 and the metal floor (i.e., the first metal plate 2) are placed separately, with an air dielectric between them. This not only avoids the high losses associated with thick dielectric plates, but also achieves a certain degree of antenna miniaturization. Furthermore, differential feeding is used to feed the antenna. Based on the high isolation of differential feeding, the air microstrip reduces antenna loss and increases antenna gain, minimizing the impact of dielectric plate loss on the performance of the differential feed network and reducing cross-polarization, effectively improving the antenna's radiation gain.

[0042] In some embodiments, a communication device is provided, comprising the differential feeding network of any embodiment of the first aspect or the antenna of any embodiment of the second aspect. The communication device provided in the embodiments of the present application differentially feeds a radiating patch via the differential feeding network. Based on the high isolation of the differential feeding, an air microstrip is formed on a second dielectric plate, and metalized vias are provided on both sides of the microstrip. Based on the high isolation of the differential feeding, the air microstrip is used to reduce antenna loss and increase antenna gain, thereby improving the performance of the communication device.

[0043] FIG7 shows a comparison diagram of the antenna gain of the differential feeding network provided in an embodiment of the present application and the conventional feeding network. As shown in FIG7 , the antenna gain of the differential feeding network provided in the present application is significantly improved in each antenna frequency band compared to the antenna gain of the conventional feeding network (such as a conventional air microstrip transmission line).

[0044] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and devices can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, or can be electrical, mechanical or other forms of connection.

[0045] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of the present application.

[0046] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0047] 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 person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and such modifications or substitutions should be included in 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 differential feeding structure, wherein: It includes two sub-differential feeding structures, multiple coupling feeding structures, and a first metal plate, a first dielectric plate, a second dielectric plate, a second metal plate, and a third dielectric plate arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The two sub-differential feeding structures include a first sub-differential feeding structure and a second sub-differential feeding structure, and each of the coupling feeding structures is connected to the first sub-differential feeding structure or the second sub-differential feeding structure; The first metal plate includes first through holes adapted to the two sub-differential feeding structures. The two sub-differential feeding structures are arranged in the first through holes and form a gap with the first metal plate; The second dielectric plate is provided with grooves at positions corresponding to the two sub-differential feeding structures, and a plurality of metallized vias are arranged on both sides of the grooves. Metal columns are arranged in the metallized vias to connect the first metal plate and the second metal plate.

2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein: The number of the coupling feeding structures is N, where N / 2 of the coupling feeding structures are vertically connected to the first sub-differential feeding structure, and the other N / 2 coupling feeding structures are vertically connected to the second sub-differential feeding structure, and N is an even number.

3. The structure according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the coupling feeding structures is arranged on a corresponding fourth dielectric plate, and each of the fourth dielectric plates is provided with a first connecting portion for fixing the fourth dielectric plate.

4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein: The number N of the coupling feeding structures is four, and the shape of the coupling feeding structures is F-shaped.

5. The structure according to claim 3, wherein: The fourth dielectric plate is provided with a recessed portion at a position corresponding to the groove.

6. The structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The shape of the sub-differential feeding structure is a "冂" shape, and the two sub-differential feeding structures are centrosymmetric about the center of the first metal plate.

7. An antenna, wherein: It includes a housing, the differential feeding structure according to any one of claims 1-6 arranged in the housing, two radio frequency interfaces, and a radiation patch arranged on a fifth dielectric plate. The fifth dielectric plate is arranged parallel to the differential feeding structure above; The differential feeding structure is connected to the radio frequency interface.

8. The antenna according to claim 7, wherein: Each of the coupling feeding structures is arranged on a corresponding fourth dielectric plate, and each of the fourth dielectric plates further includes a second connecting portion for connecting and fixing with a third connecting portion on the fifth dielectric plate, so that the fifth dielectric plate is arranged parallel to the differential feeding structure above.

9. The antenna according to claim 7, wherein: The differential feeding structure includes two sub-differential feeding structures. The two sub-differential feeding structures are respectively connected to the inner core of one of the radio frequency interfaces through corresponding radio frequency through holes on the first dielectric plate, the second dielectric plate, the second metal plate, and the third dielectric plate. The second metal plate of the differential feeding structure is connected to the outer skin of the radio frequency interface through a radio frequency through hole on the third dielectric plate.

10. The antenna according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: A cross groove is etched on the radiation patch.

11. A communication device, wherein: It includes the differential feeding structure according to any one of claims 1-6 or the antenna according to any one of claims 7-10.

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