Antenna device

Abstract

The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of communications. Provided is an antenna device. The antenna device of the present disclosure comprises an antenna array. The antenna array comprises at least one sub-array, which comprises a plurality of oscillators arranged side by side in a second direction, wherein a first metasurface is arranged on at least one side of the antenna array in a first direction; and the first metasurface is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna array, and increase the radiation angle of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna array.

Description

Antenna equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure belongs to the field of communication technology, and particularly relates to an antenna device. Background Art

[0002] With the large-scale deployment of 5G wireless communication networks, mobile communications are ushering in a new era of prosperity. One of the key features of 5G wireless communication systems is their support for large capacity. A key technology for achieving this capacity is massive MIMO, which requires large-scale antenna arrays. As the size of antennas increases, the construction cost of base station systems also increases.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art and provide an antenna device

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an antenna device, which includes an antenna array, wherein the antenna array includes at least one sub-array, and the sub-array includes a plurality of vibrators arranged side by side along a second direction; wherein a first metasurface is provided on at least one side of the antenna array along the first direction; the first metasurface is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna array and expand the radiation angle of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna array.

[0006] The first metasurface is provided on both sides of the antenna array along the first direction.

[0007] In which, the antenna array also includes a first dielectric substrate and a reflective layer, the first dielectric substrate has a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other along its thickness direction; the radiation structure of the vibrator is arranged on the first surface side of the first dielectric substrate, and the reflective layer is arranged on the second surface side of the first dielectric substrate.

[0008] Wherein, the first metasurface is arranged on a surface of the reflective layer close to the first dielectric substrate.

[0009] Wherein, the reflective layer has a first side and a second side that are oppositely arranged along the first direction;

[0010] When the first metasurface is provided on the first side of the reflective layer, the side where the first metasurface is connected to the reflective layer is a first connecting side, and the distance between the first connecting side and the first side is a first distance, and the first distance is 1-10 mm;

[0011] When the first super surface is provided on the second side of the reflective layer, the side where the first super surface is connected to the reflective layer is a first connecting side, and the distance between the first connecting side and the second side is a second distance, and the second distance is 1-10 mm.

[0012] The distance between the first metasurface and the sub-array closest thereto is a third distance, and the third distance is in the range of 1-10 mm.

[0013] A second metasurface is provided on a side of the reflective layer facing away from the first dielectric substrate, and the second metasurface is configured to partially reflect the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the first metasurface.

[0014] The first metasurface and the second metasurface located on the same side of the antenna array are arranged in mirror symmetry.

[0015] The first metasurface includes at least one group of metasurface units, and each group includes a plurality of metasurface units arranged side by side and at intervals along the second direction.

[0016] In which, the supersurface unit includes a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer arranged in a stacked manner, a first electrode layer is arranged on the side of the first substrate layer close to the second substrate layer, a second electrode layer is arranged on the side of the first substrate layer away from the second substrate layer, and a third electrode layer is arranged on the side of the second substrate layer away from the first substrate layer; the first electrode layer includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode arranged crosswise.

[0017] Wherein, the material of the first substrate layer includes glass or PCB, and / or the material of the second substrate layer includes glass or PCB.

[0018] The ratio of the number of metasurface units in each group to the number of oscillators in the subarray is 2:1-3:1.

[0019] The first metasurface includes multiple groups of metasurface units, which are arranged side by side along the third direction. The more groups of metasurface units there are, the farther the distance between the first metasurface and the sub-array closest to it is.

[0020] The subarray further comprises a first feed network and a second feed network, the dipole comprises two feed ports with different polarization directions, and the first feed network and the second feed network are electrically connected to the two feed ports of the dipole package, respectively. 15. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the antenna array further comprises isolation structures disposed on both sides of the subarray along the first direction.

[0021] The isolation structures between the adjacent sub-arrays arranged along the first direction are shared.

[0022] The isolation structure includes an isolation component along the second direction, a first gap is provided between two adjacent vibrators in the sub-array, and the isolation component is provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the first gap.

[0023] It also includes a radome, in which the antenna array and the first metasurface are placed.

[0024] The antenna array and the first metasurface are connected to form an antenna structure, and the antenna cover is conformal to the antenna structure.

[0025] The distance between the antenna cover and the antenna structure is 3-5 mm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a three-sector architecture in the prior art.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of an exemplary antenna device.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front view of the antenna device shown in FIG. 2 .

[0029] FIG. 4 is a side view of the antenna device shown in FIG. 2 .

[0030] FIG. 5 is a top view of the antenna device shown in FIG. 2 .

[0031] FIG6 shows the radiation pattern result of the antenna device shown in FIG2 in the plane of Θ=96° with an operating frequency of 2.515 GHz.

[0032] FIG7 shows the radiation pattern results of the antenna device shown in FIG2 in the plane of Θ=96° when the operating frequency is 2.595 GHz.

[0033] FIG8 shows the radiation pattern results of the antenna device shown in FIG2 in the plane of Θ=96° when the operating frequency is 2.675 GHz.

[0034] FIG9 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to a first example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG10 is a front view of the antenna device shown in FIG9 .

[0036] FIG. 11 is a side view of the antenna device shown in FIG. 9 .

[0037] FIG. 12 is a top view of the antenna device shown in FIG. 9 .

[0038] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view of a metasurface unit according to a disclosed embodiment.

[0039] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the first electrode layer of the metasurface unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the distance between the antenna array and the first metasurface in the first example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG16 shows the radiation pattern result of the antenna device shown in FIG9 in the Θ=96° plane with an operating frequency of 2.515 GHz.

[0042] FIG17 shows the radiation pattern results of the antenna device shown in FIG9 in the plane of Θ=96° when the operating frequency is 2.595 GHz.

[0043] FIG18 shows the radiation pattern results of the antenna device shown in FIG9 in the plane of Θ=96° when the operating frequency is 2.675 GHz.

[0044] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the first metasurface according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG20 shows the transmission amplitude simulation results of the first metasurface corresponding to different incident angles.

[0046] Figure 21 shows the transmission phase simulation results of the first metasurface corresponding to different incident angles.

[0047] FIG22 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to a second example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the distance between the antenna array and the first metasurface in the second example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG24 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to a third example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG25 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to a fourth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG26 is a three-dimensional diagram of another antenna device according to a fourth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG27 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to a fifth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG28 shows the radiation pattern results of the antenna device shown in FIG27 in the Θ=96° plane when the operating frequency is 2.595 GHz and Δθ=166°, and whether the first metasurface is loaded or not.

[0054] FIG29 shows the radiation pattern results of the antenna device shown in FIG27 with or without the first metasurface loaded on the Θ=96° plane when the operating frequency is 2.595 GHz and Δθ=-166°.

[0055] FIG30 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to a sixth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG31 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to a ninth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG32 is a top view of the antenna device shown in FIG31 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure should have the usual meanings understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which this disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "one", "an" or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the existence of at least one. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-sector architecture in the prior art. As shown in Figure 1, the three-sector architecture includes three sectors, i.e., three antennas at one site. The single-beam coverage range of each antenna is 120°. For large scanning angles, the sidelobe height will rise, which does not meet the usage requirement of a 180° coverage range. Even if the influence of the sidelobe is ignored, the gain of the ±90° coverage is low, which does not meet the application requirements.

[0061] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of an exemplary antenna device; Figure 3 is a front view of the antenna device shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side view of the antenna device shown in Figure 2; and Figure 5 is a top view of the antenna device shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2-5, the antenna device includes at least one antenna array 1, which includes at least one sub-array 11. Each sub-array 11 includes a plurality of oscillators 111 arranged sequentially along a second direction X. Figure 2 uses an example of an antenna device including an antenna array 1, wherein the antenna array 1 includes eight sub-arrays 11 arranged side by side along a first direction Z, each sub-array 11 including four oscillators 111. Of course, the antenna array 1 also includes structures such as a radome 114, which are not listed here.

[0062] It should be noted that in Figure 2, each oscillator 111 has two feeding ports, and the polarization directions of the microwave signals transmitted by the two feeding ports are different. For example, the polarization directions of the microwave signals transmitted by the two feeding ports are ±45°. It can be understood that since each oscillator 111 is a dual-polarization oscillator 111, the feeding ports with different polarization directions share the same radiation structure. Therefore, the four oscillators 111 in each subarray 11 are equivalent to eight oscillators, that is, the antenna device includes 64 oscillators. Accordingly, each subarray 11 also includes two feeding networks, which respectively feed the two feeding ports of the oscillator 111. For example, each subarray 11 includes two one-to-four feeding networks.

[0063] In Figure 2, the dimensions of each oscillator 111 range from 0.4 to 0.5λ in the Z direction and from 0.5 to 0.8λ in the X direction, with an operating frequency range of 2.515 GHz to 2.675 GHz as an example. By applying a constant phase difference Δθ between antenna modules in different columns, radiation beam scanning can be achieved. When Δθ = 0°, the radiation beam points to Θ = 96° and Φ = 0° (normal). When Δθ takes different positive and negative values, the beam points at different angles Φ with the Y axis, while maintaining an angle Θ of 96° with the X axis. For a two-sector solution, to achieve 180° coverage with a single beam, the beam pointing Φ must be as close to ±90° as possible, ensuring the highest possible array gain when Φ = ±90°. This ensures optimal coverage. At the same time, the gains of the side lobes other than the main lobe cannot exceed the ±90° array gain.

[0064] The simulation results for the radiation pattern of the antenna device shown in Figure 2, in the Θ = 96° plane, are shown in Figures 6-8. The operating frequencies in Figures 6-8 are 2.515 GHz, 2.595 GHz, and 2.675 GHz, respectively. Θ is the angle with the X-axis (second direction X). The results are summarized in Table 1. The normal gain of this antenna device within its operating frequency band is 19.83-20.36 dBi. When Δθ = 170°, the 2.515 GHz and 2.595 GHz radiation beams are pointed at -72° and -68°, respectively. The -90° gain is 9.65 dBi and 8.72 dBi, respectively. However, for the 2.675 GHz radiation beam, regardless of any positive Δθ value (e.g., 170°), the sidelobe gain is always higher than the -90° gain. A similar situation occurs when Δθ = -170°: the 2.515 GHz and 2.595 GHz radiation beams are pointed at 71° and 68°, respectively. The 90° gain is 8.80 and 8.64 dBi, respectively. The 2.675 GHz radiation beam also exhibits high sidelobe gain. Therefore, this antenna device cannot meet the application requirements of a two-sector solution.

[0065] Table 1:

[0066] Figure 9 is a three-dimensional diagram of the first example antenna device of an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 is a front view of the antenna device shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a side view of the antenna device shown in Figure 9; Figure 12 is a top view of the antenna device shown in Figure 9; as shown in Figures 9-12, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to improve the coverage range of the antenna, a first super surface 2 is provided on at least one side of the antenna array 1 along the first direction Z, and the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna array 1 are transmitted through the first super surface 2, and the radiation angle of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna array 1 is expanded.

[0067] It should be noted that by designing the specific structure of the metasurface unit 21 on the first metasurface 2, the side beam passing through the first metasurface 2 can be offset toward a larger directional angle, achieving a single-beam 180° coverage range, while having little impact on the normal beam, thus well meeting the application requirements of the two-sector solution. In some examples, the first metasurface 2 is provided on both sides of the antenna array 1 along the first direction Z, so that the beam radiated by the antenna array 1 is offset toward a larger directional angle, increasing the ±90° gain and achieving a single-beam 180° coverage range.

[0068] In some examples, the angle between the plane where the first metasurface 2 is located and the plane where the antenna array 1 is located is approximately 90°, that is, the two are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular. In the embodiments disclosed herein, only the plane where the first metasurface 2 is located and the plane where the antenna array 1 is located are perpendicular to each other as an example. However, it should be noted that when the plane where the first metasurface 2 is located is not perpendicular to the plane where the antenna array 1 is located, the first metasurface 2 can only be tilted in a direction away from the antenna array 1, which can expand the radiation angle of a single beam.

[0069] In some examples, the first metasurface 2 in the disclosed embodiments includes at least one group of metasurface units 21, each group including a plurality of metasurface units 21 arranged side by side along the second direction X. When the first metasurface 2 includes multiple groups of metasurface units 21, the multiple groups of metasurface units 21 are arranged side by side along the third direction Y; the third direction Y is the extension direction of the extension surface of the first metasurface 2.

[0070] Among them, Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the supersurface unit 21 of the disclosed embodiment; Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the first electrode layer 213 of the supersurface unit 21 of the disclosed embodiment; as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the supersurface unit 21 in the disclosed embodiment includes a first substrate layer 211 and a second substrate layer 212 arranged in a stacked manner, a first electrode layer 213 is arranged on a side of the first substrate layer 211 close to the second substrate layer 212, a second electrode layer 214 is arranged on a side of the first substrate layer 211 away from the second substrate layer 212, and a third electrode layer 215 is arranged on a side of the second substrate layer 212 away from the first substrate layer 211; wherein the first electrode layer 213 includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode arranged crosswise, for example: the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode are arranged vertically. The second electrode layer 214 and the third electrode layer 215 sandwich the first electrode layer 213 between the two to form a highly transparent metasurface. For different incident angles (0-40°), the transmission amplitude is not less than 0.83, and the transmission phase is 91-104°. The periodically arranged metasurface units 21 and the air layer can form a gradient surface with a phase difference of about 100°. Loading the gradient surface onto the antenna array 1 can increase the ±90° gain to meet the application requirements of large angle and large coverage.

[0071] Furthermore, the first substrate layer 211 and the second substrate layer 212 may be made of rigid substrates such as glass and PCB, which will be described in detail with reference to specific examples.

[0072] The above only takes the example of the super surface unit 21 being formed by two layers of substrate and three layers of conductive layer, but in actual products, the super surface unit 21 can also be composed of a single layer of conductive layer and a single layer of substrate. However, it should be understood that no matter what structure the super surface unit 21 adopts, it must satisfy the requirement that it can constitute a highly transparent super surface.

[0073] In some examples, the ratio of the number of a group of metasurface units 21 in the first metasurface unit 2 to the number of vibrators 111 in the sub-array 11 is approximately 2:1-3:1.

[0074] In some examples, when the antenna device includes multiple antenna arrays 1, the spacing between adjacent antenna arrays 1 is equal. For any antenna array 1, the spacing between the oscillators 111 is equal. This facilitates calculation of the radiation angle of each oscillator 111 and facilitates antenna shaping.

[0075] In some examples, isolation structures 113 are provided on both sides of the sub-array 11 along the first direction Z. Each isolation structure 113 includes at least one isolation component 1131. A first gap is defined between adjacent transducers 111 in each sub-array 11, and the isolation components 1131 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the first gaps. Furthermore, the isolation components 1131 can employ a patch structure, with their extended surface being parallel or substantially parallel to the extended surface of the first metasurface 2.

[0076] Furthermore, the isolation structures 113 between the adjacent sub-arrays 11 in the first direction Z are shared. In this way, the size of the antenna device can be reduced.

[0077] The antenna device in the embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to specific examples.

[0078] The first example: As shown in Figures 9-14, the antenna device includes an antenna array 1, and a first metasurface 2 is provided on both sides of the antenna array 1 that are relatively arranged along a first direction Z.

[0079] The antenna array 1 includes eight subarrays 11 arranged side by side along a first direction Z. Each subarray 11 includes four oscillators 111. Each oscillator 111 has two feeding ports, and the polarization directions of the microwave signals transmitted by the two feeding ports are different. For example, the polarization directions of the microwave signals transmitted by the two feeding ports are ±45°. It can be understood that since each oscillator 111 is a dual-polarization oscillator 111, the four oscillators 111 in each subarray 11 are equivalent to eight oscillators 111, that is, the antenna device includes 64 oscillators 111. Accordingly, each subarray 11 includes two feeding networks, namely a first feeding network 112a and a second feeding network 112b. Both feeding networks can adopt a one-to-four power splitter and each includes a first feeding port and four second feeding ports. The four second feeding ports are connected to the feeding ports of the oscillators 111 in a one-to-one correspondence. The size range of each vibrator 111 is: 0.4-0.5λ in the Y direction, 0.5-0.8λ in the Z direction, and the operating frequency band is 2.515 GHz-2.675 GHz.

[0080] The metasurface units 21 on each side include a group of metasurface units 21. In this example, each group includes 10 metasurface units 21 arranged side by side along the second direction X. The metasurface units 21 each include a first substrate layer 211 and a second substrate layer 212 arranged in a stacked manner. A first electrode layer 213 is provided on the side of the first substrate layer 211 close to the second substrate layer 212, a second electrode layer 214 is provided on the side of the first substrate layer 211 facing away from the second substrate layer 212, and a third electrode layer 215 is provided on the side of the second substrate layer 212 facing away from the first substrate layer 211. The first electrode layer 213 includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode arranged in a cross-arranged manner. The first substrate layer 211 of each metasurface unit 21 in the first metasurface 2 is a one-piece structure, and the second substrate layer 212 is a one-piece structure.

[0081] In this example, the reason why the metasurface unit 21 adopts the above structure mainly needs to consider the following points: (1) Because the vibrator 111 in the antenna device is a dual-polarization vibrator 111, the pattern of the metasurface unit 21 should be symmetrical as much as possible. The symmetrical pattern will make the first metasurface 2 insensitive to polarization and easy to use; (2) The transmission metasurface unit 21 is selected rather than the reflection metasurface unit 21 because the reflection metasurface unit 21 will reflect electromagnetic waves and have a greater impact on the radiation of the antenna array 1 itself, while the transmission metasurface unit 21 can achieve high transmittance as long as it is properly designed, and the impact can be ignored; (3) Multilayer is selected The reason why the metasurface unit 21 is constructed of a substrate layer and a conductive layer rather than a single substrate layer and a conductive layer is that the transmission phase range that can be achieved by a single substrate layer and a conductive layer is very limited, only a few dozen degrees, and the design of multiple substrate layers and conductive layers can broaden the transmission phase selection range; (4) For the metasurface unit 21, changing the side length of the rectangular pattern can achieve different transmission phases, and adjusting the width of the cross pattern can achieve different transmittance selections; (5) The patterns on the outside of the two substrate layers are not limited to rectangles, but can also be circular or other symmetrical patterns, and the cross pattern between the two substrate layers can also be changed into a cross pattern with arrows.

[0082] In some examples, FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the distance between the antenna array 1 and the first metasurface 2 in the first example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG15 , the antenna array 1 includes not only the sub-array 11 but also a first dielectric substrate 100 and a reflective layer 115. The first dielectric substrate 100 has a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite each other along its thickness. The radiating structure 1111 of the oscillator 111 is disposed on the first surface side of the first dielectric substrate 100, and the reflective layer 115 is disposed on the second surface side of the first dielectric substrate 100. Furthermore, the first metasurface 2 is disposed on the surface of the reflective layer 115 close to the first dielectric substrate 100.

[0083] 15 , the reflective layer 115 includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite each other along the first aspect. The side where the first metasurface 2 located on the first side of the reflective layer 115 connects to the reflective layer 115 is a first connecting side. The distance between the first connecting side and the first side is a first distance S1. The first distance S1 is in the range of 1-10 mm. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first distance S1 is 5 mm as an example. Similarly, the side where the first metasurface 2 located on the second side of the reflective layer 115 connects to the reflective layer 115 is a second connecting side. The distance between the second connecting side and the second side is a second distance S2. The second distance S2 is in the range of 1-10 mm. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second distance S2 is 5 mm as an example.

[0084] Furthermore, the distance between the first metasurface 2 and the sub-array 11 closest thereto is a third distance S3, and the third distance S4 is in the range of 1-10 mm. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the third distance S3 is 5 mm as an example.

[0085] In this example, the first substrate layer 211 and the second substrate layer 212 are both made of glass with a dielectric constant of 4.6 and a loss tangent of 0.003. The side lengths of the first substrate layer 211 and the second substrate layer 212 are both in the range of 25-35 mm, and the thickness can be 0.5-1.5 mm. The materials of the first electrode layer 213, the second electrode layer 214 and the third electrode layer 215 are all made of copper with a thickness of 17-35 μm. The second electrode layer 214 and the third electrode layer 215 are rectangular patches with a side length of 0.8-0.95 times the substrate size. The first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode in the first electrode layer 213 form a cross metal sheet with a width of 2-10 mm.

[0086] Furthermore, the first dielectric substrate can be made of FR4, PCB, glass-based and other dielectric materials.

[0087] The antenna device in this example is simulated. Figure 16 shows the radiation pattern of the antenna device in Figure 9 at a plane of Θ = 96° when the operating frequency is 2.515 GHz. Figure 17 shows the radiation pattern of the antenna device in Figure 9 at a plane of Θ = 96° when the operating frequency is 2.595 GHz. Figure 18 shows the radiation pattern of the antenna device in Figure 9 at a plane of Θ = 96° when the operating frequency is 2.675 GHz. As shown in Figures 16-18, the results are sorted. The results are shown in Table 2. The antenna device has a normal gain of 19.86-20.04 dBi within its operating frequency band. When Δθ = 166°, the radiation beam pointing angle at 2.515, 2.595, and 2.675 GHz is -71°, resulting in a -90° gain of 10.27-10.44 dBi. When Δθ = -166°, the radiation beam pointing angle at 2.515, 2.595, and 2.675 GHz is 70°, resulting in a 90° gain of 9.08-11.49 dBi. Therefore, within the 2.515-2.675 GHz operating frequency band, the normal gain is ≥19.86 dBi, the ±90° gain is ≥9.08 dBi, and the ±90° gain roll-off is ≤10.79 dB. These meet the ±90° gain roll-off requirement of ≤10 dB±1 dB (tolerance) for both sectors, achieving low-cost, wide coverage.

[0088] Table 2:

[0089] FIG19 is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the first metasurface 2 of the embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG20 is a simulation result of the transmission amplitude of the first metasurface 2 corresponding to different incident angles; FIG21 is a simulation result of the transmission phase of the first metasurface 2 corresponding to different incident angles; As shown in FIG19-21, for the antenna device in this example, when the electromagnetic wave transmits through the first metasurface 2, the first metasurface 2 is a high-transmittance surface. For different incident angles (0-40°), the transmission amplitude is ≥0.83, and the transmission phase is 91-104°. At this time, the first metasurface 2 forms a gradient surface with the air medium above it. The electromagnetic wave forms a phase gradient of about 100° when passing through the air and the metasurface. The existence of the gradient surface causes the direction of the electromagnetic wave passing through the surface to be deflected, deflecting the side beam to a larger pointing angle, thereby increasing the ±90° gain. At the same time, because only a very small part of the normal beam passes through the metasurface, it basically does not affect the normal gain, which well meets the application requirements of the two-sector solution.

[0090] Second Example: FIG22 is a three-dimensional diagram of the antenna device of the second example of the embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG23 is a schematic diagram of the distance between the antenna array 1 and the first metasurface 2 in the second example of the embodiment of the present disclosure; As shown in FIG22 and 23, the structure of the antenna device of this example is roughly the same as that of the first example, with the only difference being that the first metasurface 2 located on the first side of the reflective layer 115 is flush with the first side, that is, the first metasurface 2 located on the first side of the reflective layer 115 has its first connection edge connected to the reflective layer 115 also being the first side of the reflective layer 115; the first metasurface 2 located on the second side of the reflective layer 115 is flush with the second side, and its second connection edge connected to the reflective layer 115 is also the second side of the reflective layer 115. In this way, the size of the antenna device can be further reduced.

[0091] The antenna device in this example is simulated. The radiation pattern results of the Θ = 96° plane of the antenna device in the second example are summarized in Table 3. In the operating frequency band of 2.515-2.675 GHz, the normal gain of this antenna device is ≥19.74 dBi, the ±90° gain is ≥9.51 dBi, and the ±90° gain roll-off is ≤10.23 dB. It also meets the wide coverage requirements of the two-sector solution. At the same time, the ±90° gain and its roll-off are better than those of the antenna device in the first example, with better coverage and a smaller overall size of the antenna device.

[0092] Table 3:

[0093] Third Example: Figure 24 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to the third example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 24 , this example has a substantially identical structure to the antenna device according to the first example, differing only in that this example includes not only the first metasurface 2 but also the second metasurface 3. Specifically, the reflective layer 115 includes a third surface and a fourth surface disposed opposite each other along its thickness direction. The third surface is closer to the first dielectric substrate 100 than the fourth surface. The first metasurface 2 is disposed on the side of the third surface and extends away from the fourth surface. The second metasurface 3 is located on the side of the fourth surface and extends away from the third surface. The second metasurface 3 is capable of partially reflecting electromagnetic waves transmitted by the first metasurface 2, thereby reducing microwave signal loss.

[0094] In some examples, a second metasurface 3 is provided on both the first side and the second side of the reflective layer 115. The second metasurface 3 can have the same structure as the first metasurface 2, that is, it can also include a group of metasurface units 21. In this example, each group includes 10 metasurface units 21 arranged side by side along the second direction X. The metasurface units 21 each include a first substrate layer 211 and a second substrate layer 212 arranged in a stacked manner. A first electrode layer 213 is provided on a side of the first substrate layer 211 close to the second substrate layer 212, a second electrode layer 214 is provided on a side of the first substrate layer 211 facing away from the second substrate layer 212, and a third electrode layer 215 is provided on a side of the second substrate layer 212 facing away from the first substrate layer 211; wherein the first electrode layer 213 includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode arranged crosswise.

[0095] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first metasurface 2 and the second metasurface 3 located on the first side of the reflective layer 115 are mirror-imaged, and the first metasurface 2 and the second metasurface 3 located on the second side of the reflective layer 115 are mirror-imaged.

[0096] Simulations of the antenna devices in this example reveal the radiation pattern results for the third example antenna device in the Θ = 96° plane, as summarized in Table 4. Within the 2.515-2.675 GHz operating frequency band, this antenna device achieves normal gain ≥ 19.82 dBi, ±90° gain ≥ 9.33 dBi, and ±90° gain roll-off ≤ 10.49 dB, meeting the wide coverage requirements of a two-sector solution. Compared to the first example, the ±90° gain roll-off is slightly better, resulting in improved coverage, but the overall antenna profile is elevated.

[0097] Table 4:

[0098] Fourth example: FIG25 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device of the fourth example of the embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG26 is a three-dimensional diagram of another antenna device of the fourth example of the embodiment of the present disclosure; As shown in FIG25 and FIG26, the structure of the antenna device of this example is roughly the same as that of the antenna device in the first example, with the only difference being that, in the antenna device of this example, the first metasurface 2 may include multiple groups of metasurface units 21. FIG25 and FIG26 respectively take the first metasurface 2 including two groups of metasurface units 21 and three groups of metasurface units 21 as examples. The use of two and three groups of metasurface units 21 with periodic loading will make the first metasurface 2 more effective, with stronger electromagnetic wave deflection capability, smaller ±90° gain roll-off, and better coverage. It should also be noted that for the first metasurface 2 with multiple groups of metasurface units 21, the distance between the first metasurface 2 and the nearest sub-array 11 also needs to be appropriately increased to reduce the impact on the normal gain and small-angle pointing effect. For example, for the first metasurface 2 including two groups of metasurface units 21, the distance between it and the nearest sub-array 11 is 20 mm; for the first metasurface 2 including three groups of metasurface units 21, the distance between it and the nearest sub-array 11 is 30 mm.

[0099] Fifth Example: Figure 27 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to the fifth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 27 , this example has a substantially identical structure to the antenna device according to the first example, differing only in that the antenna device in this example includes four antenna arrays 1 arranged side by side along the second direction X, with each antenna array 1 having a first metasurface 2 disposed on both sides along the first direction Z. In other words, the antenna device in the fifth example includes 256 oscillators 111.

[0100] In some examples, to achieve a preset downtilt of 6° for the entire 256-element 111 antenna device, in addition to the original scanning phase difference Δθ, each antenna array 1 also needs to have a longitudinal phase difference superimposed between antenna arrays 1. The simulation results for the fifth example antenna device are summarized in Table 5. Within the operating frequency band of 2.515-2.675 GHz, this antenna device has a normal gain ≥ 25.74 dBi, a ±90° gain ≥ 15.29 dBi, and a ±90° gain roll-off ≤ 10.45 dB, meeting the 256-element 111 dual-sector service beam indicator requirements (normal gain ≥ 25.5 dBi ± 1 dBi (tolerance), ±90° gain ≥ 15.5 dBi ± 1 dBi (tolerance)).

[0101] Table 5:

[0102] Figures 28 and 29 show the radiation results of the directional pattern in the Θ=96° plane of the antenna device shown in Figure 27 with and without the first metasurface 2 loaded, with the working frequency being 2.595 GHz respectively. Figures 28 and 29 can further verify the working principle of the first metasurface 2 mentioned above. After loading the first metasurface 2, the radiation beam passing through the first metasurface 2 is deflected toward a larger pointing angle, thereby increasing the ±90° gain and achieving better coverage.

[0103] Example 6: Figure 30 is a three-dimensional diagram of an antenna device according to the sixth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 30 , this example has a substantially identical structure to the antenna device according to the third example, differing only in that the antenna device in this example includes four antenna arrays 1 arranged side by side along the second direction X. Each antenna array 1 is provided with a first metasurface 2 on both sides along the first direction Z and is also loaded with a second metasurface 3. In other words, the antenna device in the fifth example includes 256 oscillators 111.

[0104] The antenna devices in this example were simulated. The radiation pattern results for the sixth example, in the Θ = 96° plane, are summarized in Table 6. Within the 2.515-2.675 GHz operating frequency band, the normal gain is ≥ 25.74 dBi, the ±90° gain is ≥ 15.29 dBi, and the ±90° gain roll-off is ≤ 10.45 dB. Compared to the fifth example, the mirrored arrangement of first and second metasurfaces 2 and 3 provides superior performance at mid- and high-frequency points, but also suffers from the drawback of raising the profile of antenna array 1.

[0105] Table 6:

[0106] The seventh example: The antenna device structure of this example is roughly the same as that of the sixth example, with the only difference being that the size of each vibrator 111 along the first direction Z in this example is reduced by 0.02λ, which can further improve the ±90° gain roll-off.

[0107] The antenna device in this example is simulated. The radiation pattern results of the Θ=96° plane of the antenna device in the sixth example are summarized in Table 7. In the operating frequency band of 2.515-2.675 GHz, the normal gain is ≥25.48 dBi, the ±90° gain is ≥15.39 dBi, and the ±90° gain roll-off is ≤10.12 dB.

[0108] Table 7:

[0109] The eighth example: The antenna device structure of this example is roughly the same as that of the first example. The only difference is that the material of the first substrate layer 211 and the second substrate layer 212 in the first supersurface 2 in this example is PCB substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.38, a loss tangent of 0.0065, and a thickness of 1-2 mm; the thickness of the first electrode layer 213, the second electrode layer 214 and the third electrode layer 215 can be 17-35 μm; the second electrode layer 214 and the third electrode layer 215 are rectangular patches with a side length of 0.8-0.95 times the size of the substrate.

[0110] Simulations of the antenna devices in this example show radiation patterns in the θ = 96° plane for the eighth example, as summarized in Figure 8. Within the 2.515-2.675 GHz operating frequency band, the normal gain is ≥ 19.64 dBi, the ±90° gain is ≥ 9.52 dBi, and the ±90° gain roll-off is ≤ 10.12 dB. The ±90° gain and roll-off are superior to those of the antenna device in the first example.

[0111] Table 8:

[0112] Similarly, the first metasurface 2 located on the first side of the reflective layer 115 is flush with the first side, that is, the first metasurface 2 located on the first side of the reflective layer 115, and its first connection edge connected to the reflective layer 115 is also the first side of the reflective layer 115; the first metasurface 2 located on the second side of the reflective layer 115 is flush with the second side, and its second connection edge connected to the reflective layer 115 is also the second side of the reflective layer 115. When the first metasurface 2 adopts the above-mentioned material and size, it can also play the role of smaller size and better coverage effect.

[0113] The antenna device in this example is simulated, and the radiation pattern results of the antenna device in the Θ=96° plane are summarized in Table 9. In the operating frequency band of 2.515-2.675 GHz, the normal gain is ≥19.56 dBi, the ±90° gain is ≥9.95 dBi, and the ±90° gain roll-off is ≤9.93 dB.

[0114] Table 9:

[0115] Ninth example: Figure 31 is a three-dimensional diagram of the antenna device of the ninth example of an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 32 is a top view of the antenna device shown in Figure 31; as shown in Figures 31 and 32, the structure of the antenna device of this example is roughly the same as that of the first example, with the only difference being that the antenna device includes a radome 114, which is conformal to the antenna array 1 and the first metasurface 2 in the antenna device, and the antenna array 1 and the first metasurface 2 are connected to form an antenna structure, and the gap between the radome 114 and the antenna structure can be 3-5 mm at each position.

[0116] Simulations of the antenna device in this example reveal the radiation pattern results for the antenna device in the Θ = 96° plane, as summarized in Table 10. Within the 2.515-2.675 GHz operating frequency band, the normal gain is ≥ 19.62 dBi, the ±90° gain is ≥ 9.81 dBi, and the ±90° gain roll-off is ≤ 10.25 dB. Compared to the eighth example, the addition of conformal radome 114 slightly impacts the ±90° gain and roll-off (approximately 0.3 dB).

[0117] Table 10:

[0118] In some examples, the antenna device also includes a transceiver unit, a radio frequency transceiver, a signal amplifier, a power amplifier, and a filtering unit. The antenna in the communication device can be used as a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna. The transceiver unit may include a baseband and a receiving end. The baseband provides signals of at least one frequency band, such as 2G signals, 3G signals, 4G signals, 5G signals, etc., and transmits the signals of at least one frequency band to the radio frequency transceiver. After the antenna in the communication system receives the signal, it can be processed by the filtering unit, power amplifier, signal amplifier, and radio frequency transceiver and then transmitted to the receiving end in the transceiver unit. The receiving end may be, for example, a smart gateway.

[0119] Furthermore, a radio frequency transceiver is connected to the transceiver unit and is used to modulate the signals sent by the transceiver unit or to demodulate the signals received by the antenna and transmit them back to the transceiver unit. Specifically, the radio frequency transceiver may include a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a modulation circuit, and a demodulation circuit. After the transmitting circuit receives various types of signals provided by the baseband, the modulation circuit can modulate these various types of signals provided by the baseband and then transmit them to the antenna. The antenna receives the signal and transmits it to the receiving circuit of the radio frequency transceiver. The receiving circuit transmits the signal to the demodulation circuit, which demodulates the signal and transmits it to the receiving end.

[0120] Furthermore, the RF transceiver is connected to a signal amplifier and a power amplifier, which are then connected to a filtering unit, which is connected to at least one antenna. When the communication system transmits signals, the signal amplifier is used to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal output by the RF transceiver before transmitting it to the filtering unit. The power amplifier is used to amplify the power of the signal output by the RF transceiver before transmitting it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit may specifically include a duplexer and a filtering circuit. The filtering unit combines the signals output by the signal amplifier and the power amplifier, filters out noise, and then transmits them to the antenna, which radiates the signal. When the communication system receives signals, the antenna receives the signal and transmits it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit filters out noise from the signal received by the antenna and transmits it to the signal amplifier and power amplifier. The signal amplifier amplifies the signal received by the antenna to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The power amplifier amplifies the power of the signal received by the antenna. The signal received by the antenna is processed by the power amplifier and the signal amplifier before being transmitted to the RF transceiver, which then transmits it to the transceiver unit.

[0121] In some examples, the signal amplifier may include various types of signal amplifiers, such as a low noise amplifier, which is not limited herein.

[0122] In some examples, the antenna device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a power management unit, which is connected to a power amplifier and provides the power amplifier with a voltage for amplifying a signal.

[0123] It will be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of the present invention, and such modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna device, comprising an antenna array, the antenna array including at least one sub-array, the sub-array including a plurality of oscillators arranged side by side in a second direction; wherein, A first metasurface is arranged on at least one side of the antenna array along a first direction; the first metasurface is configured to transmit the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna array and expand the radiation angle of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the antenna array.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, The first metasurface is arranged on both sides of the antenna array along the first direction.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, The antenna array also includes a first dielectric substrate and a reflective layer, wherein the first dielectric substrate has a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other along a thickness direction thereof; the radiation structure of the vibrator is arranged on the first surface side of the first dielectric substrate, and the reflective layer is arranged on the second surface side of the first dielectric substrate.

4. The antenna device according to claim 3, wherein, The first super surface is arranged on a surface of the reflective layer close to the first dielectric substrate.

5. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein, The reflective layer has a first side edge and a second side edge which are arranged opposite to each other along the first direction; When the first super surface is disposed on the first side of the reflective layer, the side where the first super surface is connected to the reflective layer is a first connecting side, and the distance between the first connecting side and the first side is a first distance, and the first distance is 1-10 mm; When the first super surface is disposed on the second side of the reflective layer, the side where the first super surface is connected to the reflective layer is a first connecting side, and the distance between the first connecting side and the second side is a second distance, and the second distance is 1-10 mm.

6. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein, The distance between the first metasurface and the sub-array closest thereto is a third distance, and the third distance is in the range of 1-10 mm.

7. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein, A second metasurface is provided on a side of the reflective layer facing away from the first dielectric substrate, and the second metasurface is configured to reflect the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the first metasurface.

8. The antenna device according to claim 7, wherein, The first metasurface and the second metasurface located on the same side of the antenna array are arranged in mirror symmetry.

9. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first metasurface includes at least one group of metasurface units, each group includes a plurality of metasurface units arranged side by side and at intervals along the second direction.

10. The antenna device according to claim 9, wherein, The supersurface unit includes a first substrate layer and a second substrate layer arranged in a stacked manner, a first electrode layer is arranged on a side of the first substrate layer close to the second substrate layer, a second electrode layer is arranged on a side of the first substrate layer away from the second substrate layer, and a third electrode layer is arranged on a side of the second substrate layer away from the first substrate layer; the first electrode layer includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode arranged crosswise.

11. The antenna device according to claim 10, wherein, The material of the first substrate layer includes glass or PCB, and / or the material of the second substrate layer includes glass or PCB.

12. The antenna device according to claim 9, wherein, The ratio of the number of metasurface units in each group to the number of oscillators in the subarray is 2:1-3:

1.

13. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first metasurface includes multiple groups of metasurface units, which are arranged side by side along the third direction. The more groups of metasurface units there are, the farther the distance between the first metasurface and the sub-array closest to it is.

14. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The subarray further includes a first feeding network and a second feeding network. The oscillator includes two feeding ports with different polarization directions. The first feeding network and the second feeding network are electrically connected to the two feeding ports of the oscillator package respectively.

15. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The antenna array further includes isolation structures disposed on both sides of the sub-array along the first direction.

16. The antenna device according to claim 15, wherein, The isolation structures between the sub-arrays adjacent to each other along the first direction are shared.

17. The antenna device according to claim 15, wherein, The isolation structure includes isolation components along the second direction, and there is a first gap between two adjacent oscillators in the sub-array, and the isolation components are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the first gaps.

18. The antenna device according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, It further includes a radome, and the antenna array and the first metasurface are disposed inside the radome.

19. The antenna device according to claim 18, wherein, The antenna array and the first metasurface are connected to form an antenna structure, and the radome is conformal with the antenna structure.

20. The antenna device according to claim 19, wherein, The distance between the radome and the antenna structure is 3-5 mm.

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