Electronic device
By using the frame conductive part as a radiator in electronic devices and adjusting the phase difference of the radio frequency signal using the work-segment phase shift circuit, the problem of changing antenna radiation characteristics caused by position changes in satellite communication is solved, and communication stability and user experience are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2025/073027
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-31
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-07
AI Technical Summary
In satellite communication, the relative position changes between the electronic device and the satellite lead to changes in the antenna radiation characteristics area, and users need to adjust their grip posture or move to maintain communication connection, affecting the user experience.
The conductive part of the frame is used as the first and second radiators, and the radio frequency signals of different phase differences are fed through the power separation phase shift circuit, and the antenna pattern is adjusted to maintain the satellite communication in the better radiation characteristic area.
It realizes that when the position of electronic devices and satellites changes, the antenna always maintains good radiation characteristics, improving the stability and user experience of satellite communication.
Smart Images

Figure CN2025073027_07082025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
An electronic device
[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on January 31, 2024, with application number 202410144565.0 and application name “An Electronic Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field
[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to an electronic device. Background Art
[0003] Currently, existing terminal electronic devices use the frame as an antenna radiator. For example, in satellite communication systems, frame radiators are primarily used to form linearly polarized antennas. When using satellite communication, users need to point the antenna's area with good radiation characteristics (for example, the antenna's gain within this area is greater than or equal to AdBic, where A is the minimum gain required to meet communication requirements in the satellite communication system) toward the satellite to achieve satellite alignment (establishing a communication connection with the satellite).
[0004] However, during satellite communications, the relative position of the electronic device and the satellite changes. For example, if a low-orbit satellite moves, the satellite may move beyond the antenna's optimal radiation area. In this case, the user needs to adjust their grip or move the device to keep the satellite within the antenna's optimal radiation area to maintain tracking or establish a connection with a new satellite. Failure to do so can result in poor communication quality or even disconnection, significantly impacting the user's communication experience. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This application provides an electronic device including an antenna. The antenna's operating frequency band includes a satellite communications frequency band. The antenna utilizes a conductive portion of a frame as a first radiator and a second radiator. The antenna feeds radio frequency signals with different phase differences to the first and second radiators to enhance the user experience during satellite communications.
[0006] In a first aspect, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a floor; a frame, the frame comprising a first side, and a second side and a third side intersecting the first side at an angle, the frame further comprising a first position, a second position, a third position and a fourth position arranged in sequence, the second position and the third position being located on the first side, the first position being located on the second side, and the fourth position being located on the third side, wherein the frame has a first insulating gap, a second insulating gap, a third insulating gap and a fourth insulating gap formed at the first position, the second position, the third position and the fourth position; an antenna, the antenna comprising: a first radiator and a second radiator, the first radiator comprising a conductive portion of the frame between the first position and the second position, the second radiator comprising the conductive portion The conductive part of the frame between the third position and the fourth position, at least part of the first radiator is spaced apart from the floor, and at least part of the second radiator is spaced apart from the floor; a power division phase shift circuit, the first radiator includes a first feeding point, the second radiator includes a second feeding point, the first port of the power division phase shift circuit is coupled to the first feeding point, and the second port is coupled to the second feeding point; the power division phase shift circuit is in a first circuit state, and the phase difference between the first port and the second port is a first phase difference; the power division phase shift circuit is in a second circuit state, and the phase difference between the first port and the second port is a second phase difference, and the first phase difference and the second phase difference are different; the operating frequency band of the antenna includes the satellite communication frequency band.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the present application, an electronic device performs satellite communication through an antenna. When the relative position of the electronic device and the satellite changes, the electronic device can adjust the circuit state of the power divider and phase shift circuit so that the first radiator and the second radiator are fed with radio frequency signals with different phase differences, thereby changing the maximum radiator direction of the directional pattern generated by the antenna, so that the communication satellite is always located in the area where the antenna has better radiation characteristics, so as to maintain the communication quality of satellite communication and effectively improve the user's communication experience.
[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first radiator, the second radiator, and the power division and phase shifting circuit are related to the directional pattern of the antenna.
[0009] According to an embodiment of the present application, the first radiator, the second radiator, and the power divider and phase shift circuit can be used to generate a directional pattern of the antenna. The directional pattern generated by the first radiator and the directional pattern generated by the second radiator can together form the directional pattern of the antenna.
[0010] At the same time, since the first radiator and the second radiator are L-shaped, part of the radiator is located on the second side or the third side. Therefore, when resonance occurs, the second side, the third side and the nearby floor area all have strong currents. This part of the current can enhance the radiation in the area with a larger angle to the first direction, further improving the wide beam characteristics of the antenna.
[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, based on the power division phase shift circuit being in the first circuit state, the radiation pattern generated by the antenna is a first radiation pattern; based on the power division phase shift circuit being in the second circuit state, the radiation pattern generated by the antenna is a second radiation pattern, and the maximum radiator direction of the first radiation pattern is different from the maximum radiation direction of the second radiation pattern.
[0012] According to the embodiments of the present application, when the power divider and phase shift circuit is in different circuit states, the directional pattern generated by the first radiator and the directional pattern generated by the second radiator can have different maximum radiation directions due to the different phase differences between the RF signals fed by the first radiator and the second radiator. Therefore, the antenna can have good radiation characteristics over a wide range of angles (angles relative to the first direction (the direction from the bottom of the electronic device to the top of the electronic device, for example, the y direction)).
[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the maximum radiation direction of the first radiation pattern and the maximum radiation direction of the second radiation pattern are respectively located on both sides of the first direction, and the first direction is from the bottom of the electronic device to the top of the electronic device.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present application, in one embodiment, the maximum radiation directions of the directional pattern generated by the first radiator and the directional pattern generated by the second radiator are respectively located on both sides of the first direction, so that the directional pattern generated by the first radiator and the directional pattern generated by the second radiator have a better superposition effect, thereby expanding the beamwidth of the antenna. The two sides of the first direction can be understood as the two sides of the plane formed by the first direction and the thickness direction of the electronic device.
[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the length L1 of the first radiator and the length L2 of the second radiator satisfy: L2×90%≤L1≤L2×110%.
[0016] According to the embodiments of the present application, as the symmetry increases, the antenna can have better radiation characteristics (for example, bandwidth), so that the electronic device can have better satellite communication performance.
[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, a length L3 of the border between the second position and the third position and a length L1 of the first radiator satisfy: L1×60%≤L3≤L1×140%.
[0018] According to an embodiment of the present application, when the distance between the first radiator and the second radiator (the length L3 of the border between the second position and the third position) is within the above range, the directional pattern generated by the first radiator and the directional pattern generated by the second radiator have a better superposition effect, so that the directional pattern formed after superposition has better characteristics.
[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first feeding point and the second feeding point are located on the first side.
[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first radiator is used to generate a first resonance, the second radiator is used to generate a second resonance, the resonant frequency band of the first resonance includes the satellite communication frequency band, and the resonant frequency band of the second resonance includes the satellite communication frequency band.
[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, based on the first radiator being used to generate a first resonance and the second radiator being used to generate a second resonance, the power division phase shift circuit is in the first circuit state or the second circuit state, and the resonant frequency band of the first resonance and the resonant frequency band of the second resonance include the transmitting frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band, and / or, based on the first radiator being used to generate a third resonance and the second radiator being used to generate a fourth resonance, the power division phase shift circuit is in the third circuit state or the fourth circuit state, and the resonant frequency band of the third resonance and the resonant frequency band of the fourth resonance include the receiving frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band; wherein, when the power division phase shift circuit is in the third circuit state, the phase difference between the first port and the second port is a third phase difference, and when the power division phase shift circuit is in the fourth circuit state, the phase difference between the first port and the second port is a fourth phase difference, and the first phase difference is different from the fourth phase difference.
[0022] According to an embodiment of the present application, when the first frequency band is a transmission frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band (for example, the transmission frequency band in the Tiantong satellite system, 1980MHz-2010MHz), the power division phase shift circuit is in different circuit states (for example, the first circuit state, the second circuit state, the first circuit state and the second circuit state, the phase difference between the RF signals fed by the first radiator and the second radiator is different). Due to the different phase differences between the RF signals fed by the first radiator and the second radiator, the antenna 200 can form a directional pattern with different maximum radiation directions by the first directional pattern and the second directional pattern in the first frequency band. Therefore, in the transmission frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band, the antenna can have good radiation characteristics within a wider angle range.
[0023] When the first frequency band is a receiving frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band (for example, the receiving frequency band in the Tiantong satellite system, 2170MHz-2200MHz), the power division phase shift circuit is in different circuit states (for example, the third circuit state, the fourth circuit state, and the phase difference between the RF signals fed by the first radiator and the second radiator is different in the third circuit state and the fourth circuit state). Due to the different phase differences between the RF signals fed by the first radiator and the second radiator, the antenna can form directional patterns with different maximum radiation directions from the first directional pattern and the second directional pattern in the first frequency band. Therefore, in the transmitting frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band, the antenna can have good radiation characteristics over a wider angle range.
[0024] When an electronic device uses an antenna to transmit and receive signals with a communication satellite in different time slots, the first frequency band may include the satellite system's transmit frequency band or receive frequency band in different time slots (the radiator may be coupled to a resonant circuit with different equivalent capacitances or equivalent inductances to adjust the resonant point frequency). In the corresponding time slots, the antenna may transmit radio frequency signals to the communication satellite or receive radio frequency signals sent by the communication satellite using a directional pattern formed by the first directional pattern and the second directional pattern.
[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first radiator includes a first grounding point, the first grounding point is located on the second side, and the first grounding point is coupled to the floor; the second radiator includes a second grounding point, the second grounding point is located on the third side, and the second grounding point is coupled to the floor.
[0026] According to an embodiment of the present application, the first radiator is provided with a first ground point, and the first radiator can also generate resonance in a line CM mode. The second radiator can also generate a fourth resonance in a line CM mode. The line CM mode has high radiation efficiency and system efficiency, which can improve the radiation characteristics of the antenna at the first resonance and the second resonance (for example, radiation efficiency and system efficiency).
[0027] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the length D1 of the first radiator between the first grounding point and the first position and the length L1 of the first radiator satisfy: L1×30%≤D1≤L1×70%, and / or, the length D2 of the second radiator between the second grounding point and the fourth position and the length L2 of the second radiator satisfy: L2×30%≤D2≤L2×70%.
[0028] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the length D1 of the first radiator between the first grounding point and the first position and the length D3 of the first radiator on the second side satisfy: D3×55%≤D1≤D3×85%, and / or, the length D2 of the second radiator between the second grounding point and the fourth position and the length D4 of the second radiator on the third side satisfy: D4×55%≤D2≤D4×85%.
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present application, when the length of the first radiator between the first grounding point and the first position (the length of the second radiator between the second grounding point and the fourth position) is within the above range, the radiation characteristics of the antenna at the first resonance (second resonance) (for example, radiation efficiency and system efficiency) have a better improvement effect.
[0030] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the first radiator is used to generate a first resonance and a third resonance, and the resonance point frequency f1 of the first resonance and the third resonance point frequency f3 satisfy: f1×70%≤f3≤f1×95%, and / or, the second radiator is also used to generate a second resonance and a fourth resonance, and the resonance point frequency f2 of the second resonance and the fourth resonance point frequency f4 satisfy: f2×70%≤f4≤f2×95%.
[0031] According to an embodiment of the present application, when the resonance point frequency f1 of the first resonance and the third resonance point frequency f3 (the resonance point frequency f2 of the second resonance and the fourth resonance point frequency f4) are within the above range, the radiation characteristics of the antenna at the first resonance (second resonance) (for example, radiation efficiency and system efficiency) have a better improvement effect.
[0032] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, at the resonance point of the first resonance, the currents on the first radiator are in the same direction, and / or at the resonance point of the second resonance, the currents on the second radiator are in the same direction.
[0033] According to an embodiment of the present application, the first resonance is generated by a linear DM mode. At the resonance point of the first resonance, the current on the first radiator flows in the same direction (for example, the current flows from the first position to the second position). In one embodiment, the second resonance is generated by a linear DM mode. At the resonance point of the second resonance, the current on the second radiator flows in the same direction (for example, the current flows from the third position to the fourth position).
[0034] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, at the resonance point of the third resonance, the current on the first radiator on both sides of the first grounding point is reversed, and / or, at the resonance point of the fourth resonance, the current on the second radiator on both sides of the second grounding point is reversed.
[0035] According to the embodiment of the present application, the third resonance is generated by the line CM mode, and the fourth resonance is generated by the line CM mode. At the resonance point, the currents on the radiators on both sides of the grounding point are reversed.
[0036] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the power division and phase shifting circuit further includes a switch and a coupler; wherein the common port of the switch is electrically connected to the feed source, the first connection port of the switch is electrically connected to the first port of the coupler, and the second connection port of the switch is electrically connected to the second port of the coupler; the third port of the coupler is coupled to the first feeding point, and the fourth port of the coupler is coupled to the second feeding point.
[0037] According to an embodiment of the present application, when the common port of the switch is electrically connected to the first connection port (for example, the first circuit state in the above embodiment), the RF signal generated by the feed source is fed into the first port of the coupler, and the phase difference between the RF signals outputted from the third port and the fourth port of the coupler is a first phase difference (for example, 0°). When the common port of the switch is electrically connected to the second connection port (for example, the second circuit state in the above embodiment), the RF signal generated by the feed source is fed into the second port of the coupler, and the phase difference between the RF signals outputted from the third port and the fourth port of the coupler is a second phase difference (for example, 90°), so that the phase difference between the RF signals fed into the first radiator and the second radiator in different circuit states is different, so that the maximum radiation direction of the directional pattern of the antenna formed by the directional pattern generated by the first radiator and the directional pattern generated by the second radiator is different.
[0038] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the electronic device performs at least one of the following services in the satellite communication frequency band: receiving and / or sending short messages, making and / or answering calls, and data services.
[0039] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the satellite communication frequency band is in the range of 1.5 GHz to 4.5 GHz.
[0040] According to an embodiment of the present application, when the conductive part of the frame is used as a radiator, the resonant frequency band of the first resonance / second resonance includes at least part of the frequency band within 1.5 GHz to 4.5 GHz, and the antenna can have better radiation characteristics (for example, radiation efficiency, bandwidth, etc.). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application.
[0042] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the common mode of an antenna provided in the present application and the corresponding distribution of current and electric field.
[0043] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a differential mode of an antenna provided in the present application and the corresponding distribution of current and electric field.
[0044] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication usage scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application.
[0045] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10 provided in an embodiment of the application.
[0046] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10 provided in an embodiment of the application.
[0047] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a power division and phase shifting circuit 230 in an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the application.
[0048] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a power division and phase shifting circuit 230 in an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the application.
[0049] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a power division and phase shifting circuit 230 in an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the application.
[0050] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a power division and phase shifting circuit 230 in an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the application.
[0051] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10 provided in an embodiment of the application.
[0052] FIG. 12 is a directional diagram generated by the first radiator and the second radiator in the electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 6 .
[0053] FIG. 13 is a directional diagram of the antenna 200 formed by the first radiator and the second radiator shown in FIG. 6 .
[0054] FIG. 14 is a directional diagram of the antenna 200 formed by the first radiator and the second radiator shown in FIG. 6 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0055] The following explains the terms that may appear in the embodiments of the present application.
[0056] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein is simply a term used to describe the existence of three possible relationships between related objects. For example, "A and / or B" can represent the existence of A alone, the existence of both A and B, and the existence of B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.
[0057] When used in this application, "within the range of...", unless it is specifically stated that the end value is not included, it is assumed that both end values of the range are included. For example, in the range of 1 to 5, the two values 1 and 5 are included.
[0058] Coupling: can be understood as direct coupling and / or indirect coupling, and "coupling connection" can be understood as direct coupling connection and / or indirect coupling connection. Direct coupling can also be referred to as "electrical connection", which is understood as the physical contact and electrical conduction between components; it can also be understood as the form in which different components in the circuit structure are connected through physical lines such as printed circuit board (PCB) copper foil or wires that can transmit electrical signals; "indirect coupling" can be understood as two conductors being electrically conductive in an airless / non-contact manner. In one embodiment, indirect coupling can also be referred to as capacitive coupling, for example, signal transmission is achieved by forming an equivalent capacitance through coupling between the gap between two conductive parts.
[0059] Component / device: includes at least one of lumped component / device and distributed component / device.
[0060] Lumped component / device: This refers to all components whose size is much smaller than the wavelength relative to the circuit's operating frequency. For a signal, the component's characteristics remain constant at all times, regardless of frequency.
[0061] Distributed components / devices: Unlike lumped components, if the size of the component is similar to or larger than the wavelength relative to the circuit operating frequency, then when the signal passes through the component, the characteristics of each point of the component itself will vary due to changes in the signal. At this time, the component as a whole cannot be regarded as a single entity with fixed characteristics, but should be called a distributed component.
[0062] Capacitance: This can be understood as lumped capacitance and / or distributed capacitance. Lumped capacitance refers to capacitive components, such as capacitors; distributed capacitance (or distributed capacitance) refers to the equivalent capacitance formed by two conductive parts separated by a certain gap.
[0063] Inductance: This can be understood as lumped inductance and / or distributed inductance. Lumped inductance refers to inductive components, such as inductors; distributed inductance (or distributed inductance) refers to the equivalent inductance formed by a certain length of conductive material.
[0064] Radiator: A device in an antenna used to receive / send electromagnetic wave radiation. In some cases, the narrow meaning of "antenna" is the radiator, which converts the guided wave energy from the transmitter into radio waves, or converts radio waves into guided wave energy, used to radiate and receive radio waves. The modulated high-frequency current energy (or guided wave energy) generated by the transmitter is transmitted to the transmitting radiator via the feeder line, where it is converted into a certain polarized electromagnetic wave energy and radiated in the desired direction. The receiving radiator converts the electromagnetic wave energy of a certain polarization from a specific direction in space into modulated high-frequency current energy and transmits it to the receiver input via the feeder line.
[0065] The radiator may include a conductor with a specific shape and size, such as a linear or sheet shape, etc., and the present application does not limit the specific shape. In one embodiment, the linear radiator can be simply referred to as a linear antenna. In one embodiment, the linear radiator can be implemented by a conductive frame, and can also be called a frame antenna. In one embodiment, the linear radiator can be implemented by a bracket conductor, and can also be called a bracket antenna. In one embodiment, the wire diameter (for example, including thickness and width) of the linear radiator, or the radiator of the linear antenna is much smaller than the wavelength (for example, the wavelength of the medium) (for example, less than 1 / 16 of the wavelength), and the length can be comparable to the wavelength (for example, the wavelength of the medium) (for example, the length is about 1 / 8 of the wavelength, or 1 / 8 to 1 / 4, or 1 / 4 to 1 / 2, or longer). The main forms of linear antennas include dipole antennas, half-wave oscillator antennas, monopole antennas, loop antennas, and inverted F antennas (also known as IFA, Inverted F Antenna). For example, for a dipole antenna, each dipole antenna typically includes two radiating branches, and each branch is fed by a feeding portion from the feeding end of the radiating branch. For example, an inverted-F antenna (IFA) can be regarded as a monopole antenna with a ground path added. The IFA antenna has a feeding point and a grounding point, and is called an inverted-F antenna because its side view is an inverted-F shape. In one embodiment, the sheet radiator may include a microstrip antenna, or a patch antenna, such as a planar inverted-F antenna (also known as a PIFA, Planar Inverted F Antenna). In one embodiment, the sheet radiator may be implemented by a planar conductor (such as a conductive sheet or a conductive coating, etc.). In one embodiment, the sheet radiator may include a conductive sheet, such as a copper sheet, etc. In one embodiment, the sheet radiator may include a conductive coating, such as a silver paste, etc. The shape of the sheet radiator includes circular, rectangular, annular, etc., and the present application does not limit the specific shape. The structure of a microstrip antenna generally consists of a dielectric substrate, a radiator, and a floor, wherein the dielectric substrate is arranged between the radiator and the floor.
[0066] The radiator may also include a slot or slot formed in a conductor, for example, a closed or semi-closed slot or slot formed in a grounded conductor surface. In one embodiment, a slotted or slotted radiator may be referred to as a slot antenna or slot antenna. In one embodiment, the radial dimension (e.g., including the width) of the slot or slot of the slot antenna / slot antenna is much smaller than the wavelength (e.g., the dielectric wavelength) (e.g., less than 1 / 16 of the wavelength), and the length dimension may be comparable to the wavelength (e.g., the dielectric wavelength) (e.g., the length is approximately 1 / 8 of the wavelength, or 1 / 8 to 1 / 4, or 1 / 4 to 1 / 2, or longer). In one embodiment, a radiator with a closed slot or slot may be referred to as a closed slot antenna. In one embodiment, a radiator with a semi-closed slot or slot (e.g., a closed slot or slot with an additional opening) may be referred to as an open slot antenna. In some embodiments, the slot is elongated. In some embodiments, the slot is approximately half a wavelength (e.g., the dielectric wavelength). In some embodiments, the slot is approximately an integer multiple of the wavelength (e.g., one wavelength). In some embodiments, the slot can be fed with a transmission line spanning one or both sides, thereby exciting a radio frequency electromagnetic field in the slot and radiating electromagnetic waves into space. In one embodiment, the radiator of a slot antenna or slot antenna can be implemented as a conductive frame with both ends grounded, also known as a frame antenna. In this embodiment, the slot antenna or slot antenna can be considered to include a linear radiator spaced from the floor and grounded at both ends, thereby forming a closed or semi-enclosed slot or slot. In one embodiment, the radiator of a slot antenna or slot antenna can be implemented as a bracket conductor with both ends grounded, also known as a bracket antenna.
[0067] The feed circuit is a combination of all circuits used for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals. The feed circuit may include a transceiver and an RF front end circuit. In some cases, the "feed circuit" is understood in a narrow sense as a radio frequency chip (RFIC, Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit), and the RFIC can be considered to include an RF front end chip and a transceiver. The feed circuit has the function of converting radio waves (e.g., radio frequency signals) and electrical signals (e.g., digital signals). Generally, it is considered to be part of the radio frequency.
[0068] In some embodiments, the electronic device may also include a test socket (also referred to as an RF socket or RF test socket). This test socket can be used to insert a coaxial cable to test the characteristics of the RF front-end circuit or the antenna radiator through the cable. The RF front-end circuit can be considered as the circuit portion coupled between the test socket and the transceiver.
[0069] In some embodiments, the RF front-end circuit may be integrated into a RF front-end chip in the electronic device, or the RF front-end circuit and the transceiver may be integrated into a RF chip in the electronic device.
[0070] It should be understood that any two of the first / second / ...Nth feeding circuits in the present application can share the same transceiver, for example, transmitting signals through a radio frequency channel in a transceiver (for example, a port (pin) of a radio frequency chip); they can also share a radio frequency front-end circuit, for example, processing signals through a tuning circuit or amplifier in a radio frequency front-end.
[0071] It should also be understood that two feeding circuits in the first / second / ...Nth feeding circuit in the present application usually correspond to two radio frequency test sockets in the electronic device.
[0072] A matching circuit is a circuit used to adjust the radiation characteristics of an antenna. In one embodiment, the matching circuit is coupled between the feed circuit and the corresponding radiator. In another embodiment, the matching circuit is coupled between the test socket and the radiator. Typically, the matching circuit is a combination of circuits coupled between the radiator and the ground plane. In one embodiment, the matching circuit may include a tuning circuit and / or electronic components, and the tuning circuit may be an electronic component used to switch the coupling connection of the radiator. The matching circuit performs impedance matching and / or frequency tuning functions. Generally, it is considered to be part of the antenna.
[0073] The grounding structure / feeding structure may include a connector, such as a metal spring, through which the radiator is coupled to the floor / feeding structure is coupled to the feeding circuit. In some embodiments, the feeding structure may include a transmission line / feeding line, and the grounding structure may include a grounding wire.
[0074] End / Point: The "end / point" in the terms "first end / second end / feeding end / grounding end / feeding point / grounding point / connection point" of an antenna radiator should not be narrowly understood as an endpoint or end physically disconnected from other radiators. It can also be considered as a point or segment on a continuous radiator. In one embodiment, an "end / point" may include a connection / coupling area on an antenna radiator that couples to other conductive structures. For example, a feeding end / feeding point may be a coupling area on an antenna radiator that couples to a feeding structure or feeding circuit (e.g., an area facing a portion of the feeding circuit). In another example, a grounding end / grounding point may be a connection / coupling area on an antenna radiator that couples to a grounding structure or grounding circuit. Open End, Closed End: In some embodiments, open end and closed end refer to, for example, whether or not the antenna is grounded. A closed end is grounded, while an open end is not. In some embodiments, open end and closed end refer to, for example, other conductive bodies. A closed end is electrically connected to other conductive bodies, while an open end is not electrically connected to other conductive bodies. In one embodiment, an open end may also be referred to as a floating end, a free end, an open end, or an open circuit end. In one embodiment, the closed end may also be referred to as a ground end or a short-circuit end. It should be understood that in some embodiments, other conductors may be coupled to each other through the open end to transfer coupling energy (which may be understood as transferring current).
[0075] In some embodiments, the "closed end" can also be understood from the perspective of current distribution. The closed end or the grounded end can be understood as a point with larger current on the radiator, or as a point with smaller electric field on the radiator. In one embodiment, the current distribution characteristics of larger current / smaller electric field can be maintained by coupling electronic devices (for example, capacitors, inductors, etc.) through the closed end. In one embodiment, the current distribution characteristics of larger current / smaller electric field can be maintained by opening a gap at or near the closed end (for example, a gap filled with insulating material).
[0076] In some embodiments, the understanding of "open end" can also be viewed from the perspective of current distribution. The open end or floating end can be understood as a point with low current on the radiator, or as a point with high electric field on the radiator. In one embodiment, coupling electronic devices (for example, capacitors, inductors, etc.) through the open end can maintain the current distribution characteristics of the low current point / high electric field point.
[0077] It should be understood that coupling the radiator end at a gap (from the perspective of the radiator structure, it is similar to the radiator at the opening of the open end or the suspended end) with electronic devices (for example, capacitors, inductors, etc.) can make the radiator end a point with larger current / smaller electric field. In this case, it should be understood that the radiator end at the gap is actually a closed end or a grounded end, etc.
[0078] The “suspended radiator” mentioned in the embodiments of the present application means that the radiator is not directly connected to the feed line / feed branch and / or the ground line / ground branch, but is fed and / or grounded through indirect coupling.
[0079] It should be understood that the "suspended" in "suspended end" and "suspended radiator" does not mean that there is no structure around the radiator to support it. In one embodiment, the suspended radiator can be, for example, a radiator disposed on the inner surface of the insulating back cover.
[0080] The current same direction / reverse direction mentioned in the embodiments of the present application should be understood as the direction of the main current on the conductor on the same side is the same direction / reverse direction. For example, when stimulating a unidirectional distributed current on a conductor that is bent or ring-shaped (for example, the current path is also bent or ring-shaped), it should be understood that, for example, the main currents stimulated on the conductors on both sides of the ring conductor (for example, a conductor surrounding a gap, on the conductors on both sides of the gap) are opposite in direction, which still falls within the definition of the unidirectional distributed current in the embodiments of the present application. In one embodiment, the current same direction on a conductor can refer to the current on the conductor having no reversal point. In one embodiment, the current reverse on a conductor can refer to the current on the conductor having at least one reversal point. In one embodiment, the current same direction on two conductors can refer to the current on both conductors having no reversal point and flowing in the same direction. In one embodiment, the current reverse on two conductors can refer to the current on both conductors having no reversal point and flowing in opposite directions. The current same direction / reversal on multiple conductors can be understood accordingly.
[0081] Resonance / resonance frequency: The resonant frequency is also called the resonance frequency. The resonant frequency can have a frequency range, that is, the frequency range in which resonance occurs. The frequency corresponding to the strongest resonance point is the center frequency point frequency. The return loss characteristic of the center frequency can be less than -20dB. It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified, the antenna / radiator mentioned in this application produces a "first / second... resonance", where the first resonance should be the fundamental mode resonance generated by the antenna / radiator, or in other words, the lowest frequency resonance generated by the antenna / radiator. It should be understood that the antenna / radiator can generate one or more antenna modes according to the specific design, and each antenna mode can generate a corresponding fundamental mode resonance.
[0082] Resonant frequency band: The range of the resonant frequency is the resonant frequency band. The return loss characteristic of any frequency point in the resonant frequency band can be less than -6dB or -5dB.
[0083] Communication frequency band / operating frequency band: Regardless of the type of antenna, it always operates within a certain frequency range (bandwidth). For example, an antenna that supports the B40 frequency band operates between 2300MHz and 2400MHz, or in other words, the antenna's operating frequency band includes the B40 frequency band. The frequency range that meets the required specifications can be considered the antenna's operating frequency band.
[0084] The resonant frequency band and the operating frequency band may be the same, or may partially overlap. In one embodiment, one or more resonant frequency bands of the antenna may overlap one or more operating frequency bands of the antenna.
[0085] Electrical length: It can refer to the ratio of physical length (i.e. mechanical length or geometric length) to the wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic wave. The electrical length can satisfy the following formula:
[0086] Where L is the physical length and λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.
[0087] Wavelength: Or operating wavelength, this can be the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the resonant frequency or the center frequency of the operating frequency band supported by the antenna. For example, if the center frequency of the B1 uplink frequency band (resonant frequency 1920MHz to 1980MHz) is 1955MHz, the operating wavelength can be the wavelength calculated using 1955MHz. "Operating wavelength" is not limited to the center frequency; it can also refer to the wavelength corresponding to a non-center frequency of the resonant frequency or operating frequency band.
[0088] It should be understood that the wavelength of the radiation signal in air can be calculated as follows: (wavelength in air, or wavelength in vacuum) = speed of light / frequency, where frequency is the frequency of the radiation signal (MHz) and the speed of light can be taken as 3×108 m / s. The wavelength of the radiation signal in the medium can be calculated as follows: Wherein, ε is the relative dielectric constant of the medium. The wavelength in the embodiments of the present application generally refers to the dielectric wavelength, which can be the dielectric wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the resonant frequency, or the dielectric wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the working frequency band supported by the antenna. For example, assuming that the center frequency of the B1 uplink frequency band (resonant frequency is 1920MHz to 1980MHz) is 1955MHz, the wavelength can be the dielectric wavelength calculated using the frequency of 1955MHz. Not limited to the center frequency, "dielectric wavelength" can also refer to the dielectric wavelength corresponding to the non-center frequency of the resonant frequency or the working frequency band. For ease of understanding, the dielectric wavelength mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can be simply calculated by the relative dielectric constant of the medium filled on one or more sides of the radiator.
[0089] Antenna system efficiency (total efficiency): refers to the ratio of input power to output power at the antenna port.
[0090] Antenna radiation efficiency refers to the ratio of the power radiated by an antenna into space (i.e., the power effectively converted into electromagnetic waves) to the active power input to the antenna. Active power input to the antenna = antenna input power minus power loss; power loss primarily includes return loss and metal ohmic loss and / or dielectric loss. Radiation efficiency measures the antenna's radiation capability, and both metal loss and dielectric loss contribute to it.
[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that efficiency is generally expressed as a percentage, which has a corresponding conversion relationship with dB. The closer the efficiency is to 0 dB, the better the efficiency of the antenna.
[0092] Antenna return loss: This can be understood as the ratio of the signal power reflected back to the antenna port by the antenna circuit to the antenna port's transmitted power. The smaller the reflected signal, the larger the signal radiated from the antenna into space, and the greater the antenna's radiation efficiency. The larger the reflected signal, the smaller the signal radiated from the antenna into space, and the lower the antenna's radiation efficiency.
[0093] Antenna return loss can be expressed using the S11 parameter, a type of S parameter. S11 represents the reflection coefficient and characterizes the antenna's transmission efficiency. The S11 parameter is typically negative. A smaller S11 parameter indicates lower antenna return loss and less energy reflected back from the antenna itself, meaning more energy actually enters the antenna and higher system efficiency. A larger S11 parameter indicates greater antenna return loss and lower system efficiency.
[0094] It should be noted that in engineering, an S11 value of -6dB is generally used as a standard. When the S11 value of an antenna is less than -6dB, it can be considered that the antenna can work normally, or the antenna can be considered to have good transmission efficiency.
[0095] Antenna pattern: Also known as radiation pattern. It is a graph showing how the relative field strength (normalized modulus) of the antenna's radiation field changes with direction at a certain distance from the antenna (far field). It is usually represented by two mutually perpendicular plane patterns passing through the antenna's direction of maximum radiation.
[0096] Antenna patterns typically have multiple radiation beams. The beam with the strongest radiation intensity is called the main lobe, while the remaining beams are called side lobes. Among the side lobes, those in the opposite direction of the main lobe are also called back lobes.
[0097] Directivity: Also known as the directivity of an antenna, it refers to the ratio of the maximum power density to the average power density in the antenna pattern at a certain distance from the antenna (far field). It is a dimensionless ratio greater than or equal to 1. It can be used to indicate the energy radiation characteristics of an antenna. A larger directivity indicates that the antenna radiates more energy in a certain direction and the energy radiation is more concentrated.
[0098] Antenna Gain: This is used to measure how well an antenna radiates input power. Generally, the narrower the main lobe of an antenna pattern and the smaller the side lobes, the higher the antenna gain.
[0099] Antenna polarization direction: At a given point in space, the electric field strength E (vector) is a function of time t. As time passes, the endpoints of the vector periodically trace a trajectory in space. If this trajectory is straight and perpendicular to the ground, it is called vertical polarization. If it is horizontal to the ground, it is called horizontal polarization. If this trajectory is elliptical or circular and rotates clockwise or to the right as viewed along the propagation direction, it is called right-hand circular polarization (RHCP). If it rotates counterclockwise or to the left as viewed along the propagation direction, it is called left-hand circular polarization (LHCP).
[0100] Ground (GND): can generally refer to at least a part of any grounding layer, grounding plate, or grounding metal layer in an electronic device (such as a mobile phone), or at least a part of any combination of any of the above grounding layers, grounding plates, or grounding components, etc. "Ground" can be used for grounding components in an electronic device. In one embodiment, "ground" can be the grounding layer of a circuit board of an electronic device, or it can be the grounding plate formed by the middle frame of the electronic device, or the grounding metal layer formed by the metal film under the screen. In one embodiment, the circuit board can be a printed circuit board (PCB), such as an 8-layer, 10-layer, or 12 to 14-layer board having 8, 10, 12, 13, or 14 layers of conductive material, or an element separated and electrically insulated by a dielectric layer or insulating layer such as fiberglass, polymer, etc. In one embodiment, the circuit board includes a dielectric substrate, a grounding layer, and a routing layer, and the routing layer and the grounding layer are electrically connected through vias. In one embodiment, components such as a display, touch screen, input buttons, transmitter, processor, memory, battery, charging circuit, and system-on-chip (SoC) structures can be mounted on or connected to a circuit board, or electrically connected to a trace layer and / or ground layer in the circuit board. For example, a radio frequency source can be located on a trace layer.
[0101] Any of the above-mentioned grounding layers, grounding plates, or grounding metal layers are made of a conductive material. In one embodiment, the conductive material can be any of the following: copper, aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and alloys thereof, copper foil on an insulating substrate, aluminum foil on an insulating substrate, gold foil on an insulating substrate, silver-plated copper, silver-plated copper foil on an insulating substrate, silver foil and tin-plated copper on an insulating substrate, cloth impregnated with graphite powder, a graphite-coated substrate, a copper-plated substrate, a brass-plated substrate, and an aluminum-plated substrate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the grounding layer / grounding plate / grounding metal layer can also be made of other conductive materials.
[0102] Grounding refers to coupling to the ground / floor in any manner. In one embodiment, grounding can be achieved through physical grounding, such as physical grounding at a specific location on the frame using a portion of the midframe's structural components (or referred to as a physical ground). In one embodiment, grounding can be achieved through device grounding, such as through a series or parallel connection of a capacitor, inductor, or resistor (or referred to as a device ground).
[0103] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0104] As shown in FIG1 , electronic device 10 may include a cover 13, a display / module 15, a printed circuit board (PCB) 17, a middle frame 19, and a rear cover 21. It should be understood that in some embodiments, cover 13 may be a glass cover or may be replaced with a cover made of other materials, such as a PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) material.
[0105] The cover plate 13 may be disposed closely against the display module 15 , and may be mainly used to protect the display module 15 and prevent dust.
[0106] In one embodiment, the display module 15 may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display panel, or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel, etc., which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.
[0107] The middle frame 19 mainly supports the entire device. FIG1 shows that the PCB 17 is arranged between the middle frame 19 and the back cover 21. It should be understood that in one embodiment, the PCB 17 can also be arranged between the middle frame 19 and the display module 15. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this. The printed circuit board PCB 17 can be made of a flame-resistant material (FR-4) dielectric board, a Rogers dielectric board, a mixed dielectric board of Rogers and FR-4, and so on. Here, FR-4 is a code for a grade of flame-resistant material, and the Rogers dielectric board is a high-frequency board. Electronic components, such as radio frequency chips, are carried on the PCB 17. In one embodiment, a metal layer can be provided on the printed circuit board PCB 17. The metal layer can be used to ground the electronic components carried on the printed circuit board PCB 17, and can also be used to ground other components, such as bracket antennas, frame antennas, etc. The metal layer can be called a floor, a grounding plate, or a grounding layer. In one embodiment, the metal layer can be formed by etching metal on the surface of any layer of the dielectric board in the PCB 17. In one embodiment, the metal layer used for grounding can be provided on the side of the printed circuit board PCB 17 near the middle frame 19. In one embodiment, the edge of the printed circuit board PCB 17 can be considered the edge of its ground layer. In one embodiment, the metal middle frame 19 can also be used to ground the aforementioned components. The electronic device 10 may also have other floor / grounding plates / grounding layers, as previously described and will not be further described here.
[0108] Due to the compactness of electronic devices, a floor / grounding plate / grounding layer is typically provided within a 0-2mm internal space from the inner surface of the frame (for example, the printed circuit board, midframe, screen metal layer, battery, etc. can all be considered part of the floor). In one embodiment, a dielectric is filled between the frame and the floor, and the length and width of the rectangle enclosed by the inner surface contour of the dielectric filling can be simply considered the length and width of the floor. Alternatively, the length and width of the rectangle enclosed by the contour of all conductive parts within the frame can be considered the length and width of the floor.
[0109] The electronic device 10 may further include a battery (not shown). The battery may be disposed between the middle frame 19 and the back cover 21, or between the middle frame 19 and the display module 15, and this is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. In some embodiments, the PCB 17 is divided into a main board and a sub-board, and the battery may be disposed between the main board and the sub-board. The main board may be disposed between the middle frame 19 and the upper edge of the battery, and the sub-board may be disposed between the middle frame 19 and the lower edge of the battery.
[0110] The electronic device 10 may further include a frame 11, which may be formed of a conductive material such as metal. The frame 11 may be disposed between the display module 15 and the back cover 21 and extend circumferentially around the periphery of the electronic device 10. The frame 11 may have four sides surrounding the display module 15 to help secure the display module 15.
[0111] In one implementation, the frame 11, which primarily comprises a conductive material, can be referred to as a conductive frame or metal frame of the electronic device 10, and is suitable for use in industrial designs (IDs) with a metallic appearance. In one implementation, the outer surface of the frame 11 is primarily made of a conductive material, such as a metal material, thereby creating the appearance of a metallic frame. In these implementations, the conductive portion of the frame 11, including the outer surface, can serve as an antenna radiator for the electronic device 10 and is generally referred to as a frame antenna.
[0112] In another implementation, the outer surface of the frame 11 is primarily composed of a non-conductive material, such as plastic, creating a non-metallic frame appearance suitable for non-metallic IDs. In one implementation, the inner surface of the frame 11 may include a conductive material, such as metal. In this implementation, the conductive portion of the inner surface of the frame 11 can serve as an antenna radiator for the electronic device 10. It should be understood that the radiator (or, in other words, the conductive material on the inner surface) disposed on the inner surface of the frame 11 can be positioned adjacent to the non-conductive material of the frame 11 to minimize the volume occupied by the radiator and to be closer to the exterior of the electronic device 10, achieving better signal transmission. This can also be referred to as a frame antenna. It should be noted that the antenna radiator being positioned adjacent to the non-conductive material of the frame 11 means that the antenna radiator can be positioned closely to the inner surface of the non-conductive material, embedded within the non-conductive material, or positioned close to the inner surface of the non-conductive material, for example, with a small gap between the antenna radiator and the inner surface of the non-conductive material. It should be understood that both the conductive and non-conductive materials can be considered part of the frame 11.
[0113] It should be understood that there may be an insulating gap on the frame 11, and the conductive part of the frame between the two insulating gaps or the insulating gap and the grounding point serves as a radiator, thereby forming a frame antenna. When the frame 11 is formed of a conductive material such as metal, the insulating gap can be understood as a gap opened in the frame 11 filled with non-metallic material (insulating material). In this case, the gap is visible on the exterior surface. When the outer surface of the frame 11 is a non-conductive material, the insulating gap can be understood as a gap formed between two sections of radiators on the inner surface of the frame 11. Non-metallic material (insulating material) may be provided in the gap, or non-metallic material may not be provided, for example, it may be filled with air. In this case, the gap is not visible on the exterior surface.
[0114] The middle frame 19 may include a border 11, and the middle frame 19 including the border 11 is an integral part that can support the electronic devices in the whole machine. The cover 13 and the back cover 21 are respectively covered along the upper and lower edges of the border to form a shell or housing (housing) of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the cover 13, the back cover 21, the border 11 and / or the middle frame 19 can be collectively referred to as the shell or housing of the electronic device 10. It should be understood that "shell or housing" can be used to refer to part or all of any one of the cover 13, the back cover 21, the border 11 or the middle frame 19, or to part or all of any combination of the cover 13, the back cover 21, the border 11 or the middle frame 19.
[0115] The frame 11 can at least partially serve as an antenna radiator to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. A gap can exist between this portion of the frame serving as the radiator and the rest of the middle frame 19 to ensure a good radiation environment for the antenna radiator. In one embodiment, the middle frame 19 can have an aperture in this portion of the frame serving as the radiator to facilitate antenna radiation.
[0116] Alternatively, the frame 11 may not be considered as part of the middle frame 19. In one embodiment, the frame 11 may be connected to the middle frame 19 and formed as one piece. In another embodiment, the frame 11 may include a protrusion extending inward to be connected to the middle frame 19, for example, by means of a shrapnel, screws, welding, etc. The protrusion of the frame 11 can also be used to receive a feed signal, so that at least a portion of the frame 11 serves as a radiator of the antenna to receive / transmit radio frequency signals. There may be a gap between this part of the frame that serves as the radiator and the middle frame 19, thereby ensuring that the antenna radiator has a good radiation environment, so that the antenna has a good signal transmission function.
[0117] The back cover 21 can be made of metal, non-conductive materials such as glass or plastic, or a combination of conductive and non-conductive materials. In one embodiment, the conductive back cover 21 can replace the middle frame 19 and integrate with the frame 11 to support the electronic components within the device.
[0118] In one embodiment, the middle frame 19 and / or the conductive parts in the back cover 21 can serve as a reference ground for the electronic device 10, wherein the frame 11, PCB 17, etc. of the electronic device can be grounded through electrical connection with the middle frame.
[0119] The antenna of the electronic device 10 can also be set in the frame 11. When the frame 11 of the electronic device 10 is a non-conductive material, the antenna radiator can be located in the electronic device 10 and arranged along the frame 11. For example, the antenna radiator is set close to the frame 11 to minimize the volume occupied by the antenna radiator and be closer to the outside of the electronic device 10 to achieve better signal transmission effect. It should be noted that the antenna radiator is set close to the frame 11 means that the antenna radiator can be set close to the frame 11, or it can be set close to the frame 11, for example, there can be a certain small gap between the antenna radiator and the frame 11.
[0120] The antenna of electronic device 10 may also be disposed within the housing, such as a bracket antenna or millimeter-wave antenna (not shown in FIG1 ). The clearance for the antenna disposed within the housing can be provided by a slot / opening in any of the middle frame, and / or the frame, and / or the back cover, and / or the display screen, or by a non-conductive gap / aperture formed between any of these. The antenna clearance ensures the antenna's radiation characteristics. It should be understood that the antenna clearance can be a non-conductive area formed by any conductive component within electronic device 10, through which the antenna radiates signals to the outside world. In one embodiment, antenna 40 may be in the form of an antenna based on a flexible printed circuit (FPC), an antenna based on laser-direct-structuring (LDS), or a microstrip disk antenna (MDA). In one embodiment, the antenna may also be a transparent structure embedded within the screen of electronic device 10, such that the antenna is a transparent antenna unit embedded within the screen of electronic device 10.
[0121] FIG. 1 only schematically illustrates some components of the electronic device 10 , and the actual shapes, sizes, and structures of these components are not limited by FIG. 1 .
[0122] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the surface where the display screen of the electronic device is located can be considered as the front surface, the surface where the back cover is located can be considered as the back surface, and the surface where the frame is located can be considered as the side surface.
[0123] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, when a user holds an electronic device (usually vertically and facing the screen), the electronic device is located at a position having a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side. It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, when a user holds an electronic device (usually vertically and facing the screen), the electronic device is located at a position having a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side.
[0124] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the common-mode structure and corresponding current and electric field distribution of an antenna provided herein. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the differential-mode structure and corresponding current and electric field distribution of another antenna provided herein. The antenna radiators in Figures 2 and 3 are open at both ends, and their common-mode and differential-mode modes can be referred to as line common-mode and line differential-mode modes, respectively.
[0125] It should be understood that the "common mode" or "CM mode" in this application includes the line common mode mode and the slot common mode mode, and the "differential mode mode" or "DM mode" in this application includes the line differential mode mode and the slot differential mode mode, which can be specifically determined according to the structure of the antenna.
[0126] It should be understood that the "common-differential mode" or "CM-DM mode" in this application refers to the line common mode and line differential mode generated on the same radiator, or refers to the slot common mode and slot differential mode generated on the same radiator, which can be specifically determined according to the structure of the antenna.
[0127] 1. Common mode (CM) mode
[0128] (a) in Figure 2 shows that the radiator of the antenna 40 is open at both ends and is connected to a feeding circuit (not shown) at the middle position 41. In one embodiment, the feeding form of the antenna 40 adopts symmetrical feed. The feeding circuit can be connected to the middle position 41 of the antenna 40 through a feeding line 42. It should be understood that symmetrical feeding can be understood as one end of the feeding circuit being connected to the radiator and the other end being grounded, wherein the connection point between the feeding circuit and the radiator (feeding point) is located at the center of the radiator. The center of the radiator can be, for example, the midpoint of the geometric structure, or the midpoint of the electrical length (or an area within a certain range near the above midpoint).
[0129] The middle position 41 of the antenna 40 may be, for example, the geometric center of the antenna, or the midpoint of the electrical length of the radiator. For example, the connection between the feed line 42 and the antenna 40 covers the middle position 41 .
[0130] (b) in FIG2 shows the current and electric field distribution of the antenna 40. As shown in (b) in FIG2, the current is distributed in opposite directions on both sides of the middle position 41, for example, symmetrically; the electric field is distributed in the same direction on both sides of the middle position 41. As shown in (b) in FIG2, the current at the feed line 42 is distributed in the same direction. Based on the same direction distribution of the current at the feed line 42, the feeding shown in (a) in FIG2 can be called line CM feeding. Based on the opposite distribution of the current on both sides of the connection between the radiator and the feed line 42, the antenna mode shown in (b) in FIG2 can be called a line CM mode (also referred to as a CM mode for short, for example, for a linear antenna, the CM mode refers to a line CM mode). The current and electric field shown in (b) in FIG2 can be respectively referred to as the current and electric field of the line CM mode.
[0131] The current is stronger at the center 41 of the antenna 40 (the highest current point is near the center 41 of the antenna 40) and weaker at both ends of the antenna 40, as shown in FIG2(b). The electric field is weaker at the center 41 of the antenna 40 and stronger at both ends of the antenna 40.
[0132] 2. Line differential mode (DM) mode
[0133] As shown in Figure 3(a), the left and right ends of the two radiators of antenna 50 are open, and a feed circuit is connected at a center position 51. In one embodiment, antenna 50 uses an anti-symmetrical feed. One end of the feed circuit is connected to one of the radiators via a feed line 52, and the other end of the feed circuit is connected to the other radiator via a feed line 52. Center position 51 can be the geometric center of antenna 50 or the gap formed between the radiators.
[0134] It should be understood that the "center-antisymmetric feeding" mentioned in this application can be understood as the positive and negative poles of the feed unit being connected to two connection points near the aforementioned midpoint of the radiator. In one embodiment, the signals output by the positive and negative poles of the feed unit have the same amplitude but opposite phases, for example, a phase difference of 180°±10°.
[0135] (b) in FIG3 shows the current and electric field distribution of the antenna 50. As shown in (b) in FIG3, the current is distributed in the same direction on both sides of the middle position 51 of the antenna 50, for example, in an antisymmetric distribution; the electric field is distributed in opposite directions on both sides of the middle position 51. As shown in (b) in FIG3, the current at the feed line 52 is distributed in opposite directions. Based on the opposite distribution of the current at the feed line 52, the feeding shown in (a) in FIG3 can be called line DM feeding. Based on the current being distributed in the same direction on both sides of the connection between the radiator and the feed line 52, the antenna mode shown in (b) in FIG3 can be called a line DM mode (it can also be simply referred to as a DM mode. For example, for a linear antenna, the DM mode refers to a line DM mode). The current and electric field shown in (b) in FIG3 can be respectively referred to as the current and electric field of the line DM mode.
[0136] The current is strong at the center 51 of the antenna 50 (the current is strong near the center 51 of the antenna 50) and weak at both ends of the antenna 50, as shown in FIG3(b). The electric field is weak at the center 51 of the antenna 50 and strong at both ends of the antenna 50.
[0137] It should be understood that the antenna radiator can be understood as a metal structural member that generates radiation, and the number of the radiator can be one, as shown in FIG2 , or two, as shown in FIG3 , which can be adjusted according to actual design or production needs. For example, for the line CM mode, two radiators can be used as shown in FIG3 , with the two ends of the two radiators arranged opposite to each other and separated by a gap. A symmetrical feeding method is adopted at the two ends close to each other, for example, the same feed source signal is fed into the two ends of the two radiators close to each other, and an effect similar to the antenna structure shown in FIG2 can also be obtained. Correspondingly, for the line DM mode, one radiator can be used as shown in FIG2 , with two feeding points set in the middle of the radiator and an antisymmetric feeding method is adopted. For example, if two symmetrical feeding points on the radiator are fed with signals with the same amplitude and opposite phases, an effect similar to the antenna structure shown in FIG3 can also be obtained.
[0138] 3. Line CM-DM mode
[0139] FIG2 and FIG3 above respectively show the line CM mode and line DM mode generated by adopting different feeding methods when both ends of the radiator are open.
[0140] When the antenna uses asymmetric feeding (the feeding point is offset from the center of the radiator, including side feeding or offset feeding), or the radiator's grounding point (where it couples with the floor) is asymmetric (the grounding point is offset from the center of the radiator), the antenna can simultaneously produce a first resonance and a second resonance, corresponding to the linear CM mode and the linear DM mode, respectively. For example, the first resonance corresponds to the linear CM mode, with the current and electric field distributions shown in Figure 2(b). The second resonance corresponds to the linear DM mode, with the current and electric field distributions shown in Figure 3(b).
[0141] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a satellite communication usage scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application.
[0142] As shown in FIG4 , when a user performs satellite communication through an electronic device, it is necessary to point the area of the electronic device's antenna with better radiation characteristics toward the satellite to achieve satellite alignment (establishing a communication connection with the satellite).
[0143] During satellite communications, the relative position of the electronic device and the satellite changes. For example, if a low-orbit satellite moves, the satellite may exceed the antenna's area of good radiation characteristics (for example, the antenna has good radiation characteristics within a 30-degree angle from the top, but the satellite is located outside this area). In this case, the user needs to change the grip or move the device to keep the satellite within the antenna's area of good radiation characteristics to maintain the satellite tracking status or establish a connection with a new satellite. Otherwise, the communication quality will be poor or even dropped, which will greatly affect the user's communication experience.
[0144] This application provides an electronic device including an antenna. The antenna's operating frequency band includes a satellite communications frequency band. The antenna utilizes a conductive portion of a frame as a first radiator and a second radiator. By feeding radio frequency signals with different phase differences to the first and second radiators, the antenna can generate different maximum radiation directions, thereby enhancing the user experience during satellite communications.
[0145] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10 provided in an embodiment of the application.
[0146] As shown in FIG. 5 , the electronic device 10 includes a frame 11 , an antenna 200 , and a floor 300 .
[0147] At least a portion of the frame 11 is spaced apart from the floor 300. The frame 11 includes a first position 201, a second position 202, a third position 203, and a fourth position 204. The frame 11 defines a first insulating gap, a second insulating gap, a third insulating gap, and a fourth insulating gap at the first position 201, the second position 202, the third position 203, and the fourth position 204.
[0148] In one embodiment, the width of the first insulating gap is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm. It should be understood that the width of the gaps provided on the frame in the embodiments of the present application can be within the above ranges. For the sake of brevity, they are not detailed here. The "width of the insulating gap" should be understood as the dimension extending in the direction between two sections of conductive material (e.g., two radiators).
[0149] The frame 11 includes a first side 131, and a second side 132 and a third side 133 intersecting the first side 131 at an angle. The first position 201 is located on the second side 132. The second position 202 and the third position 203 are located on the first side 131. The fourth position 204 is located on the third side 133.
[0150] In one embodiment, the first side 131 is a short side of the electronic device 10. When the electronic device 10 is a foldable electronic device including multiple housings, the first side 131 can be understood as a short side of the electronic device 10 in a folded state.
[0151] It should be understood that the first side 131 can be the top side or the bottom side of the electronic device 10. For simplicity, the description will be given using the example where the first side 131 is the top side of the electronic device 10. The top side / bottom side of the electronic device 10 can be understood as the top / bottom side in normal use, for example, the top / bottom side of a mobile phone under a desktop or graphical user interface (GUI).
[0152] Antenna 200 includes a first radiator 210 and a second radiator 220. First radiator 210 is the conductive portion of frame 11 between first position 201 and second position 202. Second radiator 220 is the conductive portion of frame 11 between third position 203 and fourth position 204. At least a portion of first radiator 210 is spaced apart from floor 300. At least a portion of second radiator 220 is spaced apart from floor 300.
[0153] Antenna 200 also includes a power splitter and phase shifter circuit 230. The first radiator 210 includes a first feed point 211, and the second radiator 220 includes a second feed point 212. A first port of the power splitter and phase shifter circuit 230 is coupled to the first feed point 211, and a second port of the power splitter and phase shifter circuit 230 is coupled to the second feed point 212. In one embodiment, the first feed point 211 is located on the first side 131, and / or the second feed point 212 is located on the first side 131.
[0154] Among them, the power division phase shift circuit 230 can be used to distribute the power of the RF signal generated by the feed source (for example, an RF channel in the electronic device 10, used to generate the RF signal radiated by the antenna 200, or used to process the RF signal received by the antenna 200) and transmit it to the first port and the second port to achieve power division characteristics. In addition, the power division phase shift circuit 230 can also be used to adjust the phase of the RF signal at the first port (first feeding point 211) and the second port (second feeding point 212) to achieve a phase shift function. In one embodiment, the power of the RF signal at the first port (first feeding point 211) and the second port (second feeding point 212) is approximately the same (for example, due to the different circuit paths between the feed source to the first port and the second port, there is some power loss, so the power error within 15% can be considered to be approximately the same).
[0155] It should be understood that the power division phase shift circuit 230 can be understood as a circuit for achieving the above-mentioned functions. In one embodiment, the power division phase shift circuit 230 can be understood as a circuit including a power division phase shift chip, which has the above-mentioned functions. In one embodiment, the power division phase shift circuit 230 can be understood as a circuit including a power divider chip and a phase shifter chip, which has the above-mentioned functions. In one embodiment, the power division phase shift circuit 230 can be understood as a circuit composed of microstrip lines / strip lines, which has the above-mentioned functions. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the structure of the power division phase shift circuit 230, which can be determined based on actual production or design. For the sake of brevity, it will not be detailed here.
[0156] When the power divider phase shift circuit 230 is in a first circuit state, the phase difference between the RF signals at the first port (first feeding point 211) and the second port (second feeding point 212) is a first phase difference. When the power divider phase shift circuit is in a second circuit state, the phase difference between the RF signals at the first port (first feeding point 211) and the second port (second feeding point 212) is a second phase difference. The first phase difference and the second phase difference are different.
[0157] In one embodiment, the power division phase shift circuit 230 is in the third circuit state, and the phase difference between the RF signal at the first port (first feeding point 211) and the second port (second feeding point 212) is a third phase difference. The first phase difference, the second phase difference, and the third phase difference are different.
[0158] It should be understood that the power division and phase shifting circuit 230 can have at least two circuit states. In different circuit states, the phase difference of the RF signal at the first port (first feeding point 211) and the second port (second feeding point 212) is different.
[0159] The operating frequency band of the antenna 200 includes a satellite communication frequency band. Satellite communication includes at least one of receiving and / or sending short messages, making and / or receiving calls, and data services (such as surfing the Internet).
[0160] In one embodiment, the satellite communication frequency band may include part of the frequency band in the Tiantong satellite system, and may include the transmit frequency band (1980MHz-2010MHz) and the receive frequency band (2170MHz-2200MHz) in the Tiantong satellite system. In one embodiment, the satellite communication frequency band may include part of the frequency band in the Beidou satellite system, and may include the transmit frequency band (1610MHz-1626.5MHz) and the receive frequency band (2483.5MHz-2500MHz) in the Beidou satellite system. In one embodiment, the satellite communication frequency band may include part of the frequency band in the low-orbit satellite system, and may include the transmit frequency band (1668MHz-1675MHz) and the receive frequency band (1518MHz-1525MHz) in the low-orbit satellite system. Alternatively, it may also be applied to other satellite communication systems, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.
[0161] In one embodiment, when the antenna 200 operates in the Tiantong satellite system (the operating frequency band of the antenna 200 includes at least part of the frequency band of the Tiantong satellite system), the electronic device 10 can perform voice communication through the antenna 200. In one embodiment, when the antenna 200 operates in the Beidou satellite system (the operating frequency band of the antenna 200 includes at least part of the frequency band of the Beidou satellite system), the electronic device 10 can send or receive short messages and pictures through the antenna 200.
[0162] It should be understood that when the electronic device 10 performs satellite communication, it can communicate with the communication satellite through one antenna or multiple antennas in the electronic device 10.
[0163] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 performs satellite communication, it can communicate with the communication satellite via an antenna within the electronic device 10. In this case, the antenna can be loaded with different electronic components at different time slots to adjust the resonant point frequency, thereby allowing the antenna to operate in the transmitting and receiving frequency bands of the satellite system.
[0164] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 10 performs satellite communication, it may communicate with a communication satellite through multiple antennas within the electronic device 10. In this case, the operating frequency bands of some of the multiple antennas may include the transmit frequency bands of the satellite system, and the operating frequency bands of other antennas may include the receive frequency bands of the satellite system.
[0165] According to an embodiment of the present application, the first radiator 210, the second radiator 220, and the power divider and phase shifter circuit 230 are related to the directional pattern of the antenna 200. In one embodiment, the first radiator 210, the second radiator 220, and the power divider and phase shifter circuit 230 can be used to generate the directional pattern of the antenna 200. The first radiator 210 can be used to generate a first directional pattern, and the second radiator 220 can be used to generate a second directional pattern. The first directional pattern and the second directional pattern can together form the directional pattern of the antenna 200. When the power divider and phase shifter circuit 230 is in different circuit states, the first directional pattern and the second directional pattern can form directional patterns with different maximum radiation directions due to the different phase differences between the RF signals fed by the first radiator 210 and the second radiator 220. Therefore, the antenna 200 can have good radiation characteristics over a wide range of angles (angles relative to the first direction (the direction from the bottom of the electronic device 10 to the top of the electronic device 10, for example, the y direction)). In one embodiment, the maximum radiation direction of the first pattern and the maximum radiation direction of the second pattern are respectively located on both sides of a first direction (a direction from the bottom of the electronic device 10 to the top of the electronic device 10, for example, the y direction). The first pattern and the second pattern have a better superposition effect, thereby expanding the beamwidth of the antenna 200. The two sides of the first direction can be understood as the two sides of the plane formed by the first direction and the thickness direction of the electronic device 10.
[0166] At the same time, since the first radiator 210 and the second radiator 220 are L-shaped, part of the radiator is located on the second side 132 or the third side 133. Therefore, when resonance occurs, the second side 132, the third side 133 and the nearby floor area all have strong currents. This part of the current can enhance the radiation in the area with a larger angle to the first direction (the direction from the bottom of the electronic device 10 to the top of the electronic device 10, for example, the y direction), further improving the wide beam characteristics of the antenna 200.
[0167] The beamwidth can be understood as the gain of the directional pattern generated by antenna 200 being greater than or equal to a threshold value within a first angle range relative to the top direction (e.g., the y direction) of electronic device 10. The first angle is the beamwidth. When the first angle is large, for example, greater than or equal to 60°, antenna 200 can be considered to have a wide beam characteristic.
[0168] The electronic device 10 performs satellite communication through the antenna 200. When the relative position of the electronic device 10 and the satellite changes, the electronic device 10 can adjust the circuit state of the power divider and phase shift circuit 230 so that the first radiator and the second radiator are fed with radio frequency signals with different phase differences, thereby changing the maximum radiator direction of the directional pattern generated by the antenna 200, so that the communication satellite is always located in the area where the antenna has better radiation characteristics, so as to maintain the communication quality of satellite communication and effectively improve the user's communication experience.
[0169] In one embodiment, the first radiator 210 is used to generate a first resonance whose resonant frequency band includes a satellite communication frequency band. The second radiator 220 is used to generate a second resonance whose resonant frequency band includes a satellite communication frequency band.
[0170] It should be understood that the first and second resonances are generated by the linear DM mode described in the above embodiments. Since the current generated by the linear DM mode is primarily generated by the radiators (first radiator 210 and second radiator 220), the current is primarily concentrated on the radiators. Multiple current modes are not generated on the floor 300, making it easier to determine the maximum radiation direction of the directional pattern generated by the antenna 200.
[0171] For the line CM mode, the longitudinal mode and the transverse mode of the floor can be excited. Since the current on the floor is relatively dense, it is difficult to determine the maximum radiation direction of the directional pattern generated by the antenna 200.
[0172] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application (for example, the electronic device 10 shown in FIG5 ), the antenna 200 is described as being in the same operating state. The same operating state can be understood as meaning that the operating frequency band of the antenna 200 can include the first frequency band, and the resonant frequency band of the first resonance and the resonant frequency band of the second resonance can both include the first frequency band.
[0173] When the first frequency band is a transmission frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band (for example, the transmission frequency band in the Tiantong satellite system, 1980MHz-2010MHz), the power division phase shift circuit 230 is in different circuit states (for example, the first circuit state and the second circuit state, the phase difference between the RF signals fed by the first radiator 210 and the second radiator 220 is different in the first circuit state and the second circuit state). Due to the different phase differences between the RF signals fed by the first radiator 210 and the second radiator 220, the antenna 200 can form a directional pattern with different maximum radiation directions in the first frequency band using the first directional pattern and the second directional pattern. Therefore, in the transmission frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band, the antenna 200 can have good radiation characteristics over a wide angle range.
[0174] When the first frequency band is a receiving frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band (for example, the receiving frequency band in the Tiantong satellite system, 2170MHz-2200MHz), the power division phase shift circuit 230 is in different circuit states (for example, the third circuit state and the fourth circuit state, where the phase difference between the RF signals fed by the first radiator 210 and the second radiator 220 is different). Due to the different phase differences between the RF signals fed by the first radiator 210 and the second radiator 220, the antenna 200 can form directional patterns with different maximum radiation directions from the first directional pattern and the second directional pattern in the first frequency band. Therefore, in the transmitting frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band, the antenna 200 can have good radiation characteristics over a wide angle range.
[0175] When the electronic device 10 uses the antenna 200 to transmit and receive signals with a communication satellite in different time slots, the first frequency band can include the transmission frequency band or the reception frequency band of the satellite system in different time slots (the radiator can be coupled to a resonant circuit with different equivalent capacitances or equivalent inductances to adjust the resonance point frequency). In the corresponding time slots, the antenna 200 can transmit radio frequency signals to the communication satellite or receive radio frequency signals sent by the communication satellite using the directional pattern formed by the first directional pattern and the second directional pattern.
[0176] In one embodiment, the first frequency band may be at least a portion of a frequency band within a range of 1.5 GHz to 4.5 GHz.
[0177] It should be understood that when the conductive part of the frame 11 is used as a radiator, the resonant frequency band of the first resonance / second resonance includes at least part of the frequency band within 1.5 GHz to 4.5 GHz, and the antenna 200 can have better radiation characteristics (for example, radiation efficiency, bandwidth, etc.).
[0178] In one embodiment, both ends of the first radiator 210 (or the second radiator 220) are open ends, and the first radiator 210 can operate in a half-wavelength mode. The electrical length of the first radiator 210 (or the second radiator 220) is half of the first wavelength (or the second wavelength), and the first wavelength (or the second wavelength) is the wavelength corresponding to the resonance generated by the first radiator 210 (or the second radiator 220). The wavelength corresponding to the resonance can be understood as the wavelength corresponding to the resonance point of the resonance, or the wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the resonance frequency band. It should be understood that the above wavelengths are all vacuum wavelengths. Due to the certain conversion relationship between medium wavelengths and vacuum wavelengths, the above vacuum wavelengths can also be converted to medium wavelengths.
[0179] In one embodiment, the length L1 of the first radiator 210 and the length L2 of the second radiator 220 satisfy the following relationship: L2×90%≤L1≤L2×110%.
[0180] In one embodiment, the second insulating gap (second position 202 ) and the third insulating gap (third position 203 ) are symmetrical along a virtual axis of the first side 131 , and the lengths of the first sides 131 on both sides of the virtual axis are the same.
[0181] It should be understood that due to production design requirements, the edge of the frame 11 facing the floor 300 (towards the inside of the electronic device 10) is not flat. Therefore, in the application embodiment, the virtual axis of the first edge 131 can be understood as a straight line perpendicular to the center of the first edge 131.
[0182] In one embodiment, the first insulating gap (first position 201 ) and the fourth insulating gap (fourth position 204 ) are symmetrical along a virtual axis of the first side 131 .
[0183] It should be understood that as the symmetry increases, the antenna 200 can have better radiation characteristics (eg, bandwidth), so that the electronic device 10 can have better satellite communication performance.
[0184] In one embodiment, the length L3 of the frame 11 between the second position 202 and the third position 203 and the length L1 of the first radiator 210 satisfy the following relationship: L1×60%≤L3≤L1×140%.
[0185] In one embodiment, the electrical length of the frame 11 between the second position 202 and the third position 203 can be greater than or equal to three-fifths of the first wavelength and less than or equal to seven-fifths of the first wavelength, where the first wavelength is the wavelength corresponding to the first resonance or the second resonance.
[0186] It should be understood that the first wavelength, which corresponds to the first resonance or the second resonance, can be understood as the vacuum wavelength corresponding to the resonance point of the first resonance (or the second resonance), or the vacuum wavelength corresponding to the center frequency of the resonant frequency band of the first resonance (or the second resonance). Due to the certain conversion relationship between vacuum wavelength and medium wavelength, the above values can also be determined by the corresponding wavelengths. For the sake of brevity, they are not further detailed here.
[0187] It should be understood that when the distance between the first radiator 210 and the second radiator 220 (the length L3 of the border 11 between the second position 202 and the third position 203) is within the above range, the first directional pattern generated by the first radiator 210 and the second directional pattern generated by the second radiator 220 have a better superposition effect, so that the directional pattern formed after superposition has better characteristics.
[0188] In one embodiment, first radiator 210 includes a first grounding point 221, and second radiator 220 includes a second grounding point 222, as shown in Figure 6. First and second grounding points 221, 222 are coupled to floor 300 to achieve grounding of the radiators. In one embodiment, first grounding point 221 is located on second side 132, and / or second grounding point 222 is located on third side 133.
[0189] The radiator at the first grounding point 221 and the second grounding point 222 can be electrically connected to the floor 300 via a spring, an inductor, or a connecting rib. Electrical connection to the floor 300 via connecting ribs can be understood as at least a portion of the frame 11 being integral with the floor 300. For simplicity, any reference to coupling with the floor in the embodiments of this application should be understood accordingly.
[0190] It should be understood that the first radiator 210 has a first ground point 221, and the first radiator 210 can also generate a third resonance. The third resonance can be generated by the linear CM mode described in the above embodiment. Similarly, the second radiator 220 can also generate a fourth resonance. The fourth resonance can be generated by the linear CM mode described in the above embodiment. Because the third and fourth resonances are generated by the linear CM mode, the linear CM mode has higher radiation efficiency and system efficiency, which can improve the radiation characteristics (e.g., radiation efficiency and system efficiency) of the antenna 200 at the first and second resonances.
[0191] In one embodiment, the resonance point frequency f1 of the first resonance is greater than the third resonance point frequency f3. In one embodiment, the resonance point frequency f2 of the second resonance is greater than the fourth resonance point frequency f4.
[0192] In one embodiment, the first resonance frequency f1 and the third resonance frequency f3 satisfy: f1×70%≤f3≤f1×95%. In one embodiment, the second resonance frequency f2 and the fourth resonance frequency f4 satisfy: f2×70%≤f4≤f2×95%.
[0193] It should be understood that when the resonance point frequency f1 of the first resonance and the third resonance point frequency f3 (the resonance point frequency f2 of the second resonance and the fourth resonance point frequency f4) are within the above range, the radiation characteristics (for example, radiation efficiency and system efficiency) of the antenna 200 at the first resonance (second resonance) have a better improvement effect.
[0194] In one embodiment, the first resonance is generated by a linear DM mode. At the resonance point of the first resonance, the current on the first radiator 210 flows in the same direction (e.g., the current flows from the first position 201 to the second position 202). In one embodiment, the second resonance is generated by a linear DM mode. At the resonance point of the second resonance, the current on the second radiator 220 flows in the same direction (e.g., the current flows from the third position 203 to the fourth position 204).
[0195] In one embodiment, the length D1 of the first radiator 210 between the first ground point 221 and the first position 201 and the length L1 of the first radiator 210 satisfy the following relationship: L1×30%≤D1≤L1×70%. In one embodiment, the length D2 of the second radiator 220 between the second ground point 222 and the fourth position 204 and the length L2 of the second radiator satisfy the following relationship: L2×30%≤D2≤L2×70%.
[0196] It should be understood that the length D1 of the first radiator 210 between the first grounding point 221 and the first position 201 can be understood as the length of the first radiator 210 between the midpoint of the end surface of the metal member (e.g., a metal spring for grounding) connected to the first radiator 210 at the first grounding point 221 and the first position 201. For the sake of simplicity, similar parts in the embodiments of the present application can be understood accordingly.
[0197] In one embodiment, the width of the end surface of the metal member (e.g., a metal spring for grounding) connected to the first radiator 210 (second radiator 220) at the first grounding point 221 (second grounding point 222) is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. For the sake of simplicity, similar parts in the embodiments of the present application can be understood accordingly.
[0198] In one embodiment, a length D1 of the first radiator 210 between the first ground point 221 and the first position 201 and a length D3 of the first radiator 210 on the second side 132 satisfy the following: D3×55%≤D1≤D3×85%. In one embodiment, a length D2 of the second radiator 220 between the second ground point 222 and the fourth position 204 and a length D4 of the second radiator 220 on the third side 133 satisfy the following: D4×55%≤D2≤D4×85%.
[0199] Among them, in the antenna 200 shown in FIG. 6, the connection region between the portion of the first radiator 210 on the first side 131 and the portion on the second side 132 is in a polygonal line shape. Therefore, in this case, the length D3 of the first radiator 210 on the second side 132 can be understood as the length of the conductor between the first position 201 and the connection region. In one embodiment, the connection region between the portion of the first radiator 210 on the first side 131 and the portion on the second side 132 is in an arc shape. Therefore, in this case, the length D3 of the first radiator 210 on the second side 132 can be understood as the length extending in the extending direction of the second side 132. For the sake of simplicity of discussion, similar parts in the embodiments of the present application can be understood accordingly.
[0200] It should be understood that the position of the grounding point can be used to adjust the radiation characteristics (e.g., radiation efficiency) of the resonance generated by the line CM mode. For example, when the first grounding point 221 is close to the connection region (D3×85% < D1) of the first side 131 and the second side 132, the currents on both sides of the first grounding point 221 are orthogonal, so that the currents cancel each other out, and a pit appears in the radiation efficiency, reducing the radiation characteristics of the antenna 200. When the first grounding point 221 is close to the first position 201 (D1 < D3×55%), the line CM mode will be weakened, thus reducing the radiation characteristics of the antenna 200.
[0201] In one embodiment, the power divider and phase shifter circuit 230 includes a power divider 301, a phase shifter 302, and a phase shifter 303, as shown in (a) of FIG. 7. The feeder 231 is electrically connected to the first port of the power divider 301. The second port of the power divider 301 is electrically connected to the first port of the phase shifter 302. The third port of the power divider 301 is electrically connected to the first port of the phase shifter 303. The second port of the phase shifter 302 is coupled to the first feeding point of the first radiator 210. The second port of the phase shifter 303 is coupled to the second feeding point of the second radiator 220.
[0202] It should be understood that during the transmission of the antenna 200, the power divider 301 can be used to distribute the power of the radio frequency signal generated by the feeder 231 to the second port and the third port (e.g., the power ratio of the radio frequency signals at the second port and the third port is 1:1). The phase shifter 302 and the phase shifter 303 are used to determine the phases of the radio frequency signals transmitted to the first feeding point of the first radiator 210 and the second feeding point of the second radiator 220. Among them, the phase shifter 302 and the phase shifter 303 can adjust the phases of the transmitted radio frequency signals, so that the phase differences of the radio frequency signals at the first feeding point of the first radiator 210 and the second feeding point of the second radiator 220 are different under different circuit states (e.g., the phases of the radio frequency signals transmitted by the phase shifter are different).
[0203] In one embodiment, the power divider and phase shift circuit 230 includes only the phase shifter 303 but not the phase shifter 302 . The first port of the power divider 301 is coupled to the first feeding point of the first radiator 210 without passing through the phase shifter, as shown in FIG. 7( b ).
[0204] It should be understood that when the power division phase shifting circuit 230 only includes the phase shifter 303 and does not include the phase shifter 302, the phase shifter 303 can be used to achieve different phase differences between the RF signal at the first feeding point of the first radiator 210 and the RF signal at the second feeding point of the second radiator 220 under different circuit states (for example, the phase of the transmitted RF signal adjusted by the phase shifter 303 is different).
[0205] In one embodiment, phase shifter 303 may include a switch 311 and a switch 312, as shown in FIG7(c). The common port of switch 311 is electrically connected to the first port of power divider 301. The first connection port of switch 311 is electrically connected to the first connection port of switch 312. The second connection port of switch 311 is electrically connected to the second connection port of switch 312. The common port of switch 312 is coupled to the second feed point of second radiator 220.
[0206] The length of the transmission line between the first connection port of the switch 311 and the first connection port of the switch 312 is different from the length of the transmission line between the second connection port of the switch 311 and the second connection port of the switch 312 .
[0207] Since the length of the transmission line between the first connection ports of the two switches is different from the length of the transmission line between the second connection ports of the two switches, when in different circuit states (for example, the common port of switch 311 is electrically connected to the first connection port of electrically connected switch 311, and the common port of switch 312 is electrically connected to the first connection port of electrically connected switch 312, or the common port of switch 311 is electrically connected to the second connection port of electrically connected switch 311, and the common port of switch 312 is electrically connected to the second connection port of electrically connected switch 312), the phase of the RF signal at the common port of switch 312 (the second feeding point of the second radiator 220) is different.
[0208] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the phase shifter can be understood as a device for adjusting the phase of the radio frequency signal transmitted by the circuit, and in different circuit states, the amount of change in the phase of the transmitted radio frequency signal can be different. For the sake of simplicity of discussion, only the above-mentioned embodiment is used as an example for illustration in the application embodiment. In actual production or design, other implementation methods may also be included. For example, the transmission line between switch 311 and switch 312 can be replaced with an electronic component (for example, a capacitor or an inductor), as shown in (d) in Figure 7. Alternatively, the power division phase shifting circuit 230 only includes the phase shifter 302, but does not include the phase shifter 303. For the sake of simplicity of discussion, they will not be described one by one.
[0209] In one embodiment, the switch 311 and the switch 312 may be single pole double throw (SPDT).
[0210] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the switch can be a single-pole four throw (SPFT), a single-pole multiple throw (SPXT), a double-pole double throw (DPDT), or a multi-pole multiple throw (XPXT) according to actual production or design selection. The embodiments of the present application do not impose any restrictions on this. It is only necessary to ensure that the number of connection ports of the switch is greater than the number of electronic components or RF channels that need to be connected. For the sake of brevity, they are not listed one by one.
[0211] In one embodiment, the power splitter and phase shifter circuit 230 includes a switch 321 and a coupler 322, as shown in FIG8 . The common port of the switch 321 is electrically connected to the feed source 231. The first connection port of the switch 321 is electrically connected to the first port of the coupler 322, and the second connection port of the switch 321 is electrically connected to the second port of the coupler 322. The third port of the coupler 322 is coupled to the first feed point of the first radiator 210. The fourth port of the coupler 322 is coupled to the second feed point of the second radiator 220.
[0212] It should be understood that when the common port of the switch 321 is electrically connected to the first connection port (for example, the first circuit state in the above embodiment), the RF signal generated by the feed source 231 is fed into the first port of the coupler 322, and the phase difference between the RF signals outputted from the third port and the fourth port of the coupler 322 is a first phase difference (for example, 0°). When the common port of the switch 321 is electrically connected to the second connection port (for example, the second circuit state in the above embodiment), the RF signal generated by the feed source 231 is fed into the second port of the coupler 322, and the phase difference between the RF signals outputted from the third port and the fourth port of the coupler 322 is a second phase difference (for example, 90°), so that the phase difference between the RF signals fed into the first radiator 210 and the second radiator 220 in different circuit states is different, so that the maximum radiation direction of the directional pattern of the antenna 200 formed by the first directional pattern and the second directional pattern is different.
[0213] In one embodiment, antenna 200 may further include a third radiator 330 and a fourth radiator 340, as shown in FIG9 . The third port of power divider and phase shift circuit 230 is coupled to the third feed point of third radiator 330, and the fourth port is coupled to the fourth feed point of fourth radiator 340. In one embodiment, portions of the frame may serve as third radiator 330 and fourth radiator 340.
[0214] The power division and phase shift circuit 230 of the first radiator 210 , the second radiator 220 , the third radiator 330 , and the fourth radiator 340 can be used to generate a directional pattern of the antenna 200 .
[0215] The first radiator 210 can be used to generate a first directional pattern, the second radiator 220 can be used to generate a second directional pattern, the third radiator 330 can be used to generate a third directional pattern, and the fourth radiator 340 can be used to generate a fourth directional pattern. The first directional pattern, the second directional pattern, the third directional pattern, and the fourth directional pattern can collectively form the directional pattern of the antenna 200. When the power divider and phase shift circuit 230 is in different circuit states, due to the different phase differences between the RF signals fed by the first radiator 210, the second radiator 220, the third radiator 330, and the fourth radiator 340, the first directional pattern, the second directional pattern, the third directional pattern, and the fourth directional pattern can form directional patterns with different maximum radiation directions. Therefore, the antenna 200 can have good radiation characteristics over a wider range of angles (angles relative to the first direction (the direction from the bottom of the electronic device 10 to the top of the electronic device 10, for example, the y direction)).
[0216] In one embodiment, the power division and phase shifting circuit 230 includes a switch 331 and a Butler matrix 332. The switch 332 is electrically connected between the Butler matrix 332 and the feed source 231. The switch 331 can be used to select the input port of the Butler matrix 332 to which the RF signal generated by the feed source 231 is fed. The output port of the Butler matrix 332 is coupled to the first radiator 210, the second radiator 220, the third radiator 330, and the fourth radiator 340.
[0217] It should be understood that when the common port of the switch 331 is electrically connected to different connection ports (for example, different circuit states in the above embodiment), the RF signal generated by the feed source 231 is fed into different input ports of the Butler matrix 332, and the phase difference between the RF signals output at the output port of the Butler matrix 332 is different, so that the maximum radiation directions of the directional patterns of the antenna 200 formed by the first directional pattern, the second directional pattern, the third directional pattern, and the fourth directional pattern are different.
[0218] It should be understood that in the above embodiments, only some structures of the power division phase shift circuit 230 are used as examples for illustration. In actual production or design, the power division phase shift circuit 230 can also have different structures, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this. In one embodiment, the power division phase shift circuit 230 can be used as part of the feed circuit.
[0219] In one embodiment, the electronic device 10 may include a feed source 231 and a feed source 232 , as shown in FIG10 .
[0220] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, only two feed sources are used as an example for illustration. In actual production or design, multiple feed sources may also be included, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.
[0221] In one embodiment, the feed source 231 and the feed source 232 can be used to simultaneously transmit radio frequency signals through the first radiator 210 and the second radiator 220, or to simultaneously receive radio frequency signals to improve the communication performance of the electronic device 10, as shown in (a) of Figure 10.
[0222] In one embodiment, the feed source 231 and the feed source 232 can be used to simultaneously transmit radio frequency signals through the first radiator 210, the second radiator 220, the third radiator 330, and the fourth radiator 340, or to simultaneously receive radio frequency signals to improve the communication performance of the electronic device 10, as shown in (b) in Figure 10.
[0223] In one embodiment, since satellite communication and some non-satellite communication services (e.g., cellular communication) are not performed simultaneously, when electronic device 10 is performing satellite communication, first radiator 210 and second radiator 220 can be used to determine the directional pattern for satellite communication. When electronic device 10 is not performing satellite communication, portions of first radiator 210 and second radiator 220 can be reused as radiators of the cellular communication antenna.
[0224] In one embodiment, the first radiator 210 between the first position 201 and the first ground point 221 can form a first sub-antenna, as shown in Figure 11. In one embodiment, the first radiator 210 between the second position 202 and the first ground point 221 can form a second sub-antenna. In one embodiment, the second radiator 220 between the third position 203 and the second ground point 222 can form a third sub-antenna. In one embodiment, the second radiator 220 between the fourth position 204 and the second ground point 222 can form a fourth sub-antenna.
[0225] In one embodiment, the first sub-antenna, the second sub-antenna, the third sub-antenna, and the fourth sub-antenna may form an IFA or a left-handed antenna structure, wherein the left-handed antenna may be, for example, an antenna conforming to a composite right and left-hand (CRLH) transmission line structure.
[0226] In one embodiment, the first sub-antenna, the second sub-antenna, the third sub-antenna, and the fourth sub-antenna may operate in a quarter-wavelength mode.
[0227] In one embodiment, the operating frequency band of the first sub-antenna may include at least part of the frequency band in the intermediate frequency (1710MHz-2170MHz), and / or, at least part of the frequency band in the high frequency ((2300MHz-2690MHz)), and / or, at least part of the frequency band in sub 6G, for example, the n77 frequency band).
[0228] In one embodiment, the operating frequency band of the second sub-antenna may include the L1 frequency band in GPS, and / or at least part of the frequency band in sub 6G, for example, the n79 frequency band.
[0229] In one embodiment, the L1 frequency band in GPS may include 1575.42 MHz ± 1.023 MHz. In one embodiment, sub 6G may include the n77 frequency band and the n79 frequency band. The n77 frequency band may include 3300 MHz to 4200 MHz. The n79 frequency band may include 4400 MHz to 5000 MHz.
[0230] In one embodiment, the operating frequency band of the third sub-antenna may include at least part of the frequency band in the intermediate frequency (1710MHz-2170MHz), and / or, at least part of the frequency band in the high frequency ((2300MHz-2690MHz)), and / or, at least part of the frequency band in sub 6G, for example, n77 band, n79 band).
[0231] In one embodiment, the operating frequency band of the fourth sub-antenna may include 2.4 GHz of WiFi, and / or at least part of the frequency bands in sub 6G, for example, n77 frequency band and n79 frequency band.
[0232] It should be understood that for the sake of simplicity of discussion, only the working frequency bands of the first sub-antenna, the second sub-antenna, the third sub-antenna and the fourth sub-antenna include the above-mentioned frequency bands as an example for illustration. In actual production or design, other non-satellite communication frequency bands may also be included, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.
[0233] Figures 12 to 14 illustrate the directional patterns of antenna 200 in electronic device 10 shown in Figure 6. Figure 12 illustrates the directional pattern generated by the first and second radiators in electronic device 10 shown in Figure 6. Figure 13 illustrates the directional pattern of antenna 200 formed by the first and second radiators shown in Figure 6. Figure 14 illustrates the directional pattern of antenna 200 formed by the first and second radiators shown in Figure 6.
[0234] It should be understood that the directional patterns shown in Figures 12 to 14 are directional patterns in the xoy plane. In the directional patterns shown in Figures 12 to 14, the vertical axis is the gain (dBic) and the horizontal axis is the angle Phi with the x direction (the extension direction of the first side). (The angle with the x-axis in the xoy plane) The top direction of the electronic device (the direction from the bottom of the electronic device 10 to the top of the electronic device 10 ) is located at Phi=90°.
[0235] As shown in FIG12 , the maximum radiation direction of the first directional pattern generated by the first radiator is located near Phi=40°, and the maximum radiation direction of the second directional pattern generated by the second radiator is located near Phi=100°.
[0236] As shown in Figure 13, when the first feeding point and the second feeding point are fed with radio frequency signals of the same phase (phase difference is zero), the first radiation pattern generated by the first radiator and the second radiation pattern generated by the second radiator can jointly form the radiation pattern of the antenna with the maximum radiation direction toward the top direction of the electronic device (the maximum radiation direction is near Phi = 90°).
[0237] As shown in Figure 14, when the first feeding point and the second feeding point are fed with RF signals with different phases (for example, the phase difference of the RF signals is the first phase difference and the second phase difference), the maximum radiation direction of the antenna's directional pattern formed by the first radiation pattern generated by the first radiator and the second radiation pattern generated by the second radiator can be deflected toward both sides of the top direction of the electronic device (the maximum radiation direction is near Phi = 90°).
[0238] With the gain greater than or equal to -5dBic as the limit, the antenna has good radiation characteristics within 80° to the top direction of the electronic device (the maximum radiation direction is located near Phi=90°), and the electronic device has good communication performance.
[0239] Therefore, when an electronic device performs satellite communication through an antenna, the electronic device can adjust the maximum radiation direction of the antenna's directional pattern through a power division and phase shifting circuit to maintain the communication quality of the satellite communication and effectively improve the user's communication experience.
[0240] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.
Claims
1. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: floor; A frame, the frame comprising a first side, and a second side and a third side intersecting the first side at an angle, the frame further comprising a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position arranged in sequence, the second position and the third position being located on the first side, the first position being located on the second side, and the fourth position being located on the third side, wherein the frame has a first insulating gap, a second insulating gap, a third insulating gap, and a fourth insulating gap formed at the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position; An antenna, comprising: a first radiator and a second radiator, wherein the first radiator includes a conductive portion of the frame between the first position and the second position, and the second radiator includes a conductive portion of the frame between the third position and the fourth position, at least a portion of the first radiator is spaced apart from the floor, and at least a portion of the second radiator is spaced apart from the floor; A power splitter and phase shift circuit, wherein the first radiator includes a first feeding point, the second radiator includes a second feeding point, a first port of the power splitter and phase shift circuit is coupled to the first feeding point, and a second port of the power splitter and phase shift circuit is coupled to the second feeding point; The power division phase shift circuit is in a first circuit state, and the phase difference between the first port and the second port is a first phase difference; the power division phase shift circuit is in a second circuit state, and the phase difference between the first port and the second port is a second phase difference, and the first phase difference and the second phase difference are different; The working frequency band of the antenna includes a satellite communication frequency band.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The first radiator, the second radiator and the power division and phase shifting circuit are related to the directional pattern of the antenna.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Based on the power division and phase shifting circuit being in the first circuit state, the directional pattern generated by the antenna is a first directional pattern; Based on the power division and phase shifting circuit being in the second circuit state, the directional pattern generated by the antenna is a second directional pattern, and the maximum radiator direction of the first directional pattern is different from the maximum radiation direction of the second directional pattern.
4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The maximum radiation direction of the first directional pattern and the maximum radiation direction of the second directional pattern are respectively located on both sides of a first direction, and the first direction points from the bottom of the electronic device to the top of the electronic device.
5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The length L1 of the first radiator and the length L2 of the second radiator satisfy the following: L2×90%≤L1≤L2×110%.
6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A length L3 of the frame between the second position and the third position and a length L1 of the first radiator satisfy the following: L1×60%≤L3≤L1×140%.
7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first feeding point and the second feeding point are located on the first side.
8. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first radiator is used to generate a first resonance, and the second radiator is used to generate a second resonance. The resonance frequency band of the first resonance includes the satellite communication frequency band, and the resonance frequency band of the second resonance includes the satellite communication frequency band.
9. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first radiator is used to generate a first resonance, the second radiator is used to generate a second resonance, the power division and phase shifting circuit is in the first circuit state or the second circuit state, the resonant frequency band of the first resonance and the resonant frequency band of the second resonance include a transmission frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band, and / or Based on the first radiator being used to generate a third resonance and the second radiator being used to generate a fourth resonance, the power division and phase shifting circuit is in a third circuit state or a fourth circuit state, and the resonant frequency band of the third resonance and the resonant frequency band of the fourth resonance include a receiving frequency band in the satellite communication frequency band; In which, the power division phase shift circuit is in the third circuit state, the phase difference between the first port and the second port is the third phase difference, the power division phase shift circuit is in the fourth circuit state, the phase difference between the first port and the second port is the fourth phase difference, and the third phase difference and the fourth phase difference are different.
10. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The first radiator includes a first grounding point, the first grounding point is located at the second side, and the first grounding point is coupled to the floor; The second radiator includes a second grounding point, the second grounding point is located on the third side, and the second grounding point is coupled to the floor.
11. The electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that The length D1 of the first radiator between the first ground point and the first position and the length L1 of the first radiator satisfy: L1×30%≤D1≤L1×70%, and / or, A length D2 of the second radiator between the second grounding point and the fourth position and a length L2 of the second radiator satisfy the following: L2×30%≤D2≤L2×70%.
12. The electronic device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The length D1 of the first radiator between the first ground point and the first position and the length D3 of the first radiator at the second side satisfy: D3×55%≤D1≤D3×85%, and / or, A length D2 of the second radiator between the second grounding point and the fourth position and a length D4 of the second radiator on the third side satisfy the following: D4×55%≤D2≤D4×85%.
13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The first radiator is used to generate a first resonance and a third resonance, and the resonance point frequency f1 of the first resonance and the resonance point frequency f3 of the third resonance satisfy: f1×70%≤f3≤f1×95%, and / or, The second radiator is used to generate a second resonance and a fourth resonance, and the resonance point frequency f2 of the second resonance and the resonance point frequency f4 of the fourth resonance satisfy: f2×70%≤f4≤f2×95%.
14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: At the resonance point of the first resonance, the currents on the first radiator are in the same direction, and / or, At the resonance point of the second resonance, the currents on the second radiator are in the same direction.
15. The electronic device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: At the resonance point of the third resonance, the currents on the first radiators on both sides of the first grounding point are reversed, and / or At the resonance point of the fourth resonance, the currents on the second radiators on both sides of the second grounding point are reversed.
16. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that: The power division phase shift circuit also includes a switch and a coupler; The common port of the switch is electrically connected to the feed source, the first connection port of the switch is electrically connected to the first port of the coupler, and the second connection port of the switch is electrically connected to the second port of the coupler; The third port of the coupler is coupled to the first feeding point, and the fourth port of the coupler is coupled to the second feeding point.
17. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that: The electronic device performs at least one of the following services in the satellite communication frequency band: receiving and / or sending short messages, making and / or answering calls, and data services.
18. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that: The satellite communication frequency band is in the range of 1.5 GHz to 4.5 GHz.
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