Feed network, antenna module, and electronic device

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of antennas. Provided are a feed network, an antenna module, and an electronic device, which are used to improve the performance of grating lobe suppression by a leaky-wave antenna-based slot antenna array during beam scanning. A leaky-wave antenna comprises N one-dimensional slot arrays arranged in an array, wherein each one-dimensional slot array comprises M slot units arranged in a first direction, and each slot unit is connected to one switching device, with N and M being integers, where N≥2, and M≥2; and the switching device can control the slot units to turn on or off, so as to regulate and control the concentration direction of energy, thereby realizing beam scanning at a fixed frequency. The feed network comprises N output ends, wherein the N output ends are in a one-to-one correspondence with and are electrically connected to the N one-dimensional slot arrays; and signals output from at least two of the N output terminals have different phases. The constructive interference of the two signals having different phases in a non-target direction is reduced, and the destructive interference thereof is increased, thereby realizing grating lobe suppression.

Description

A power supply network, antenna module and electronic device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202510068431.X, filed on January 15, 2025, entitled “A Feeding Network, Antenna Module and Electronic Equipment”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, and more particularly to a feed network, antenna module, and electronic device. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid development of communication technology, fixed-beam antennas are no longer sufficient to meet system requirements. Phased array antennas, with their advantage of flexible beam scanning, are widely used in multi-target detection, multi-target imaging, and multi-target communication. However, in some cases, phased array beam scanning generates grating lobes. Grating lobes can interfere with the normal operation of the main lobe. When the antenna is detecting a target, obstacles in the direction of the grating lobe can reflect the grating lobe signal, causing the system to perceive the obstacle as being in the direction of the main lobe, thus leading to misjudgment. Therefore, how to suppress grating lobes is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a feed network, antenna module, and electronic device that improves the problem of suppressing grating lobes in beam scanning of slot antenna arrays based on leaky wave antennas.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] A first aspect of this application provides a feeding network for feeding a leaky wave antenna. The leaky wave antenna includes N one-dimensional slot arrays arranged in an array. Each one-dimensional slot array includes M switching devices and M slot elements arranged along a first direction. Each switching device is connected to a slot element, meaning the M switching devices and M slot elements are connected in a one-to-one correspondence. N and M are integers satisfying N≥2 and M≥2. In such a leaky wave antenna, M×N slot elements can form an antenna array, concentrating the energy radiated by all slot elements in the same direction, thereby achieving better radiation characteristics. This energy concentration direction is the main lobe direction, i.e., the target direction. The M×N switching devices can control the M×N slot elements to be in an active or inactive state, thereby regulating the energy concentration direction. Continuously changing the main lobe direction enables beam scanning of the leaky wave antenna at a fixed frequency. The feeding network includes N output terminals. Each of the N output terminals corresponds to and is electrically connected to one of the N one-dimensional slot arrays. Among the N output terminals, at least two output terminals output signals with different phases.

[0007] In the feeding network provided in this embodiment, N output terminals correspond one-to-one with and are electrically connected to N one-dimensional slot arrays in the leaky wave antenna. Because at least two of the N output terminals output signals with different phases, at least two one-dimensional slot arrays in the leaky wave antenna have different phase distributions. These two one-dimensional slot arrays with different phase distributions are, for example, a first slot array and a second slot array. The phase distribution patterns of the M slot elements in the first slot array and the M slot elements in the second slot array are different. Therefore, the constructive interference and destructive interference of the beams of the first and second slot arrays in the non-target direction are reduced. This improves the problem of suppressing grating lobes in beam scanning of the slot antenna array based on the leaky wave antenna.

[0008] In some embodiments, the power supply network includes at least one phase shifter. At least one of the N output terminals is connected to a phase shifter. A phase shifter is a device capable of adjusting the phase of a wave; by adjusting the state of the phase shifter, the phase of the signal can be adjusted. Thus, the signal output from the output terminal connected to the phase shifter may have a different phase than the signal output from the output terminal not connected to the phase shifter.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one phase shifter includes at least one first phase shifter. The feed network also includes a feed terminal and a first-stage power divider network. The first-stage power divider network is connected to the feed terminal. The first-stage power divider network has N first network channels, each of which has one end electrically connected to the one-dimensional slot array as an output terminal, and at least one first network channel has a first phase shifter connected in series. In this way, the first-stage power divider network can receive signals from the feed terminal and output the signals to the one-dimensional slot array through the first network channels. The first network channel with the first phase shifter connected in series can achieve a signal phase difference from the output signal of the first network channel without the first phase shifter connected in series.

[0010] In some embodiments, the feed network includes N-1 first phase shifters, with at least two first phase shifters having different phases. One first phase shifter is connected in series with each of the N-1 first network channels. Thus, the N-1 first phase shifters can change the phase of the output of the N-1 first network channels. When at least two first phase shifters have different phases, the output signals of at least two first network channels have different phases. When all N-1 first phase shifters have different phases and none are zero, the output signals of the N first network channels have different phases. In this case, the beams of the N one-dimensional slot arrays exhibit reduced constructive interference and increased destructive interference in non-target directions, which is more beneficial for grating lobe suppression.

[0011] In some embodiments, the feed network includes N first phase shifters; at least two of the first phase shifters have different phases; and in each of the N first network channels, a first phase shifter is connected in series. In this way, the N first phase shifters can change the phase of the output of the N first network channels. When the phases of at least two first phase shifters are different, the signal phases output by at least two first network channels are different. The phases of all N first phase shifters can be different, thus making the signal phases output by the N first network channels different. In this case, the beams of the N one-dimensional slot arrays exhibit reduced constructive interference and increased destructive interference in the non-target direction, which is more conducive to grating lobe suppression.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first-stage power divider network includes multiple 1-to-2 power dividers, each with two first network channels. In this way, the power divider can split the energy of the signal input at the feed end into multiple output signals of equal energy, while maintaining the original signal properties and avoiding mutual interference between the signals of the different first network channels. The 1-to-2 power divider has a relatively simple structure and low cost.

[0013] In some embodiments, the power supply network further includes a second-stage power divider network. At least one phase shifter includes at least one second phase shifter. The second-stage power divider network is connected between the power supply terminal and the first-stage power divider network. The second-stage power divider network has multiple second network channels, each second network channel being electrically connected to at least two first network channels. A second phase shifter is connected in series on at least one second network channel. Thus, the power supply network includes two-stage power divider networks: a first-stage power divider network and a second-stage power divider network. A signal input from the power supply terminal first passes through the second phase shifter on the second network channel of the second-stage power divider network, generating a first phase shift. Then, it passes through the first phase shifter on the first network channel of the first-stage power divider network, generating a second phase shift. Since the phase shifts generated by the phase shifters can be superimposed, having a second phase shifter connected in series on at least one second network channel allows the phase of the output signal of the first network channel connected to that second network channel to be different from the phase of the output signal of the first network channel connected to other second network channels.

[0014] In some embodiments, the power supply network includes a plurality of first phase shifters and a plurality of second phase shifters. The first power divider network includes a plurality of first power dividers, each first-stage power divider having two first network channels. At least one first network channel in each first power divider has a first phase shifter connected in series. The second-stage power divider network includes a plurality of second power dividers, each second power divider having two second network channels; at least one second network channel in each second power divider has a second phase shifter connected in series. In this way, the phase shifts generated by the plurality of first and second phase shifters can be superimposed, resulting in different phases of the output signals from the plurality of first network channels. In some examples, the phases of the N first phase shifters can all be different, thus resulting in different phases of the output signals from the N first network channels. In this case, the beams of the N one-dimensional slot arrays exhibit reduced constructive interference and increased destructive interference in the non-target direction, which is more beneficial for grating lobe suppression.

[0015] In some embodiments, the power supply network further includes a third-stage power divider network. At least one phase shifter includes at least one third phase shifter. The third-stage power divider network is electrically connected between the power supply terminal and the second-stage power divider network. The third-stage power divider network has multiple third network channels, each third network channel being electrically connected to at least two second network channels. At least one third network channel has a third phase shifter connected in series. Thus,

[0016] In some embodiments, the first network channel includes a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. The first channel and the second channel are adjacent to each other, and the second channel and the third channel are adjacent to each other. The first channel outputs a first signal; the phase of the first signal is a first phase. The second channel outputs a second signal; the phase of the second signal is the second phase. The third channel outputs a third signal; the phase of the third signal is the third phase. The first, second, and third phases are not equal. This means that the first, second, and third channels are adjacent, but their output signals have different phases. The different phase distributions of the three adjacent one-dimensional slot arrays connected to the first, second, and third channels result in reduced constructive interference and increased destructive interference in the non-target directions, thus better suppressing grating lobes.

[0017] In some embodiments, In this way, the phase difference between the output signals of the first and second channels is equal to the phase difference between the output signals of the second and third channels. That is, the phase difference between any two adjacent channels is equal, which simplifies the design of the phase control system, reduces system complexity, and lowers costs.

[0018] A second aspect of this application provides an antenna module including a leaky antenna and any of the feeding networks provided in the first aspect of this application, wherein the feeding network and the leaky antenna are electrically connected. This enables beam scanning of the leaky antenna at a fixed frequency and suppresses grating lobes.

[0019] In some embodiments, the gain pattern of the antenna module includes a main lobe and multiple grating lobes. The main lobe has a first gain G1, and the grating lobes have a second gain G2. The first gain G1 and the second gain G2 satisfy G1-G2>0dB. That is, the antenna module provided in this application embodiment has a significant effect on grating lobe suppression.

[0020] In some embodiments, the antenna module further includes a first housing, within which the feed network and the leaky antenna are located. In this way, the feed network and the leaky antenna can be encapsulated within the first housing for use as a single unit.

[0021] A third aspect of this application provides an electronic device comprising a controller, a second housing, and any one of the antenna modules provided in the second aspect of this application. This electronic device has the same technical effects as the antenna modules provided in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of an antenna module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a power supply circuit provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another antenna module provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein the antenna array is a leaky wave antenna;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another antenna module provided in an embodiment of this application, wherein each slot element is connected to a diode;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a power supply network provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another power supply network provided in an embodiment of this application. The power supply network includes N-1 phase shifters.

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another power supply network provided in an embodiment of this application. The power supply network includes N phase shifters.

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of another power supply network provided in an embodiment of this application. The power supply network includes a second phase shifter.

[0030] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of another power supply network provided in an embodiment of this application. The power supply network includes a first phase shifter.

[0031] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another power supply network provided in an embodiment of this application. The power supply network includes a first phase shifter and a second phase shifter.

[0032] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another power supply network provided in an embodiment of this application. The power supply network includes a first phase shifter, a second phase shifter, and a third phase shifter.

[0033] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a power supply network with eight output terminals provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another power supply network with eight output terminals provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 13 is a switching state diagram of an antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 14 is a switching state diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 15 is a switching state diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 16 is a switching state diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 17 is a switching state diagram of another antenna array provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0042] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation in which the components are schematically placed in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation in which the components are placed in the accompanying drawings.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application, components are indicated by arrowed guide lines, and parts are indicated by guide lines only.

[0044] This application provides an electronic device. The electronic device can also be called a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., or a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user, or an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0045] Currently, electronic devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Electronic devices can also be vehicle devices, such as vehicle units, vehicle modules, vehicle chips, on-board units (OBUs), or telematics boxes (T-BOXs).

[0046] In some embodiments, the electronic device further includes an antenna module. The antenna module may include a feed network and an antenna array, which are electrically connected. The feed network powers the antenna array, which radiates or receives signals. The antenna array includes multiple antenna elements, each capable of radiating or receiving signals independently. The signals radiated (received) by different antenna elements in the antenna array can be spatially synthesized into a highly directional, high-gain, rotatable beam, thereby enabling multi-target communication, multi-target detection, or multi-target imaging.

[0047] Multi-target communication refers to communicating with multiple targets simultaneously. In satellite communication, multi-target communication technology can be used to communicate with multiple ground stations simultaneously, improving the coverage and capacity of the communication network. In the Internet of Things (IoT), multi-target communication technology can be used to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, enabling applications such as smart homes and smart cities.

[0048] Multi-target detection refers to the simultaneous detection or tracking of multiple targets. In the field of autonomous driving, multi-target detection technology can be used to simultaneously detect and track multiple targets, providing information for decision-making and obstacle avoidance. In traffic management, multi-target detection technology can be used to monitor vehicles and pedestrians on the road in real time, improving traffic management and safety levels.

[0049] Multi-target imaging refers to communicating with multiple targets simultaneously. In medical imaging, multi-target imaging technology can be used to observe multiple organs or tissues at the same time, helping doctors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's health condition. In industrial inspection, multi-target imaging technology can be used to simultaneously inspect multiple products on a production line, improving production efficiency and quality control.

[0050] To achieve rotatable beamforming, or beam scanning, the signals transmitted to or from the antenna array elements need to be weighted (i.e., the signal amplitude and phase are adjusted) so that these signals undergo constructive interference in certain spatial directions and destructive interference in others, achieving spatial selectivity. If the weighting process is implemented in the digital domain, it is digital domain beamforming; if it is implemented in the analog domain, it is analog domain beamforming; and if weighting processes exist in both the digital and analog domains, it is hybrid beamforming. Analog domain beamforming involves inserting a phase shifter into the feed network to achieve beamforming in the analog domain.

[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1A, the antenna module 10 may include a feed network 20 and an antenna array 30. The antenna array 30 consists of a plurality of antenna elements 31. Each antenna element 31 is followed by a feed circuit 21. All feed circuits 21 constitute the feed network 20. For example, as shown in FIG1B, the feed circuit 21 may include an attenuator 211 and a power amplifier 213, which can adjust the amplitude of the signal. For example, the feed circuit 21 may include a phase shifter 212, which can adjust the phase of the signal. By controlling the phase shift of the phase shifter 212, the relative feed phase between the individual antenna elements 31 can be changed, thereby changing the phase distribution of the signal radiated or received by the antenna array 30, so that the beam scans in space according to a certain pattern.

[0052] However, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B, each antenna element 31 in the antenna module 10 requires an independent phase shifter. On the one hand, as the size of the antenna array 30 increases and the number of antenna elements 31 increases, the number of phase shifters 212 also needs to increase accordingly. The phase shifters 212 have high power consumption, which has a significant impact on the performance of the antenna module 10, limiting its application scenarios and increasing its production cost. On the other hand, in the millimeter-wave band, the insertion loss and phase error of the phase shifters 212 are at a high level, and the application of too many phase shifters 212 will affect the performance of the antenna module 10 in the millimeter-wave band.

[0053] To overcome the aforementioned impact of the increased number of phase shifters 212 on the antenna module 10, the form of the antenna array 30 can be optimized. For example, the antenna array 30 can be a slot antenna array based on a leaky wave antenna (referred to as a "leaky wave antenna"). In this case, the antenna element 31 can be a radiating slot, implemented by periodically opening slots in the waveguide.

[0054] As shown in Figure 2, for example, antenna module 10 includes a feed network 20 and an antenna array 30. Antenna array 30 includes N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 arranged in an array. Each one-dimensional slot array 32 includes M slot elements 33 arranged along a first direction y. In antenna module 10, a signal is output from the feed source, passes through the feed network 20, and is input from one end of antenna array 30, propagating along the first direction y in antenna array 30 to form a guided wave. The relative feed phase difference between slot elements 33 is provided by the propagation phase of the guided wave. Because the waveguide has low transmission loss, the slot antenna array based on a leaky wave antenna exhibits good high-frequency performance. The omission of the phase shifter and its control circuitry also reduces the production cost of antenna module 10.

[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the N one-dimensional slit arrays 32 include a first slit array 321, a second slit array 322, a third slit array 323, a fourth slit array 324, a fifth slit array 325, a sixth slit array 326, a seventh slit array 3271, an eighth slit array 3272, a ninth slit array 3273, and a tenth slit array 3274.

[0056] This application does not limit the number of waveguides included in the antenna module 10. For example, the antenna module 10 may include one waveguide on which N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 are formed. Alternatively, the antenna module 10 may include multiple waveguides on which the N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 are formed. For instance, the first slot array 321 may be formed on a single waveguide. The second slot array 322 and the third slot array 323 may be formed on the same waveguide. The fourth slot array 324, the fifth slot array 325, and the sixth slot array 326 may be formed on the same waveguide.

[0057] This application does not limit the array arrangement of the N one-dimensional slit arrays 32. For example, the seventh slit array 3271 and the eighth slit array 3272 are arranged along the first direction y. For example, the seventh slit array 3271 and the ninth slit array 3273 are arranged along the second direction x. For example, the seventh slit array 3271, the eighth slit array 3272, the ninth slit array 3273, and the tenth slit array 3274 are all arranged along both the first direction y and the second direction x.

[0058] For ease of explanation, an xyz coordinate axis is established in Figure 2. The x-direction points towards the direction of the one-dimensional slot array 32, the y-direction points towards the direction of the slot elements 33, and the z-direction is perpendicular to the xy plane. The y-direction is called the first direction y, the x-direction is called the second direction x, and the z-direction is called the third direction z. The coordinate system definitions in subsequent figures are similar and will not be repeated.

[0059] However, when the antenna array 30 is a leaky-wave antenna, the beam scanning of the antenna module 10 depends on frequency adjustments. This beam direction-frequency-dependent beam scanning is unsuitable for scenarios involving multi-frequency communication and multi-target detection.

[0060] To achieve fixed-frequency scanning, the slot element 33 can be combined with a varactor diode. By changing the capacitance of the varactor diode, the phase value of each antenna element 31 can be changed. For example, as shown in Figure 3, taking a one-dimensional slot array 32 as an example, the slot element 33 and diode 214 are electrically connected. Diode 214 is a varactor diode. During beam scanning, by adjusting the capacitance of diode 214, the phase of the slot element 33 can be adjusted, thereby achieving fixed-frequency beam scanning.

[0061] However, the capacitance of a varactor diode is directly related to the voltage supplied by its control circuit. To achieve a large scanning angle range, the control circuit typically needs to provide a large variable voltage range, usually exceeding 20V. This poses a significant challenge to the control circuit.

[0062] To overcome the high voltage range requirements of varactor diodes on the control circuit, varactor diodes can be replaced with ordinary diodes, and the antenna unit 31 can be turned on or off simply by using a high or low level to achieve beam scanning.

[0063] As an example, continuing as shown in Figure 3, the slot element 33 and diode 214 are electrically connected. Diode 214 is a common diode with only two states: on and off. Control and switching can be achieved through two voltage values: high and low. During beam scanning, the required phase for each slot element 33 is calculated based on the scanning target angle. And the actual phase propagated in the waveguide for each slot element 33 Calculate the required phase and actual transmission phase The difference when When the angle is greater than 90°, it indicates that the slot element 33 cannot effectively radiate the main beam, meaning the slot element 33 is turned off (slot element 33 is in a non-operating state). Conversely, when... When the angle is less than 90°, it indicates that the slit element 33 can effectively radiate the main beam, that is, the slit element 33 is turned on (the slit element 33 is in working state).

[0064] Compared to varactor diodes, ordinary diodes are less expensive. Secondly, ordinary diodes only have two states, high and low, resulting in a faster response time than varactor diodes. Furthermore, ordinary diodes are less sensitive to temperature changes and exhibit greater stability.

[0065] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, the ordinary diode functions as a switch. Therefore, using a switching device instead of an ordinary diode can produce the same beneficial effects.

[0066] At this point, the pattern function of the one-dimensional slot array 32 can be expressed as:

[0067] Where f(θ) is the radiation pattern function for each slot element 33. i is the number of the slot element 33. M is the number of slot elements 33 in the one-dimensional slot array 32. e is the natural constant. j is the imaginary unit. k = 2π / λ is the wave constant, and λ is the operating frequency of the antenna module 10. d is the spacing between two adjacent slot elements 33, also known as the element spacing. θ is the scanning angle, and kdsinθ is the spacing phase difference. The phase shift provided for the feed network. When the slot element 33 adjusts the phase only by the transmission of the signal in the waveguide, the scanning angle θ of the one-dimensional slot array 32 is determined by the element spacing d between two adjacent slot elements 33.

[0068] As can be seen from this radiation pattern function, the phase shift provided by the feed network... When the phase difference kdsinθ provided by the element spacing d exactly cancels out, that is... When m is a natural number, the electric fields of all slot elements 33 can be effectively superimposed, thereby completing beam convergence in the target direction.

[0069] However, when d > λ / 2, the beam of the one-dimensional slot array 32 may also converge in a non-target direction. That is, when d > λ / 2, there may be multiple scanning angles θ that can satisfy... For example, when the scan range θ∈[-90°,90°] and the element spacing d=λ, kd=2π. If the target direction is set to θ=0°, it can make To counteract kdsinθ. However, At that time, in the directions θ = 90° and θ = -90°, it is also possible to make This is valid. Therefore, the beam of antenna module 10 will converge in three directions: 0°, 90°, and -90°. That is, the beam of antenna module 10 will generate a main lobe in the target direction of 0°, and grating lobes in the non-target directions of 90° and -90°.

[0070] In this context, a grating lobe refers to a radiating lobe with a similar intensity to the main lobe, formed in other directions due to the in-phase superposition of field strengths. The grating lobe consumes radiated energy, reducing antenna gain. Furthermore, the grating lobe can interfere with the normal operation of the main lobe. For example, when an array antenna is detecting an obstacle in the direction of the grating lobe, the grating lobe signal will be reflected. The system will then interpret this as the obstacle appearing in the direction of the main lobe, leading to a misjudgment.

[0071] Furthermore, when the phase shift of the M one-dimensional slot arrays 32 is provided by the feed network When all phases are the same, the phase distribution patterns of the M one-dimensional slot arrays 32 are also the same. At this time, all one-dimensional slot arrays 32 will generate energy convergence in the same non-target direction, that is, all one-dimensional slot arrays 32 will generate grating lobes at the same angle.

[0072] However, since the element spacing in the one-dimensional slot array 32 is a fixed value, and in this embodiment, the conduction or disconnection of the slot element 33 is controlled by the diode 214 (switching device), the spacing between the slot elements 33 in the working state is usually large, making it very easy to satisfy d > λ / 2. Therefore, to solve the grating lobe problem, the phase distribution of the one-dimensional slot array 32 can be disrupted, causing the M one-dimensional slot arrays 32 to undergo constructive interference in different non-target directions, thereby differentiating the intensity of the grating lobe from that of the main lobe and achieving grating lobe suppression.

[0073] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a feeding network 20, as shown in FIG4, for feeding an antenna array 30, which is a leaky wave antenna. The feeding network 20 includes N output terminals O, for example, eight in FIG4. Each output terminal O is connected to a one-dimensional slot array 32, and the eight output terminals O correspond one-to-one with and are electrically connected to eight one-dimensional slot arrays 32. Among the N output terminals O, at least two output terminals output signals with different phases.

[0074] At this time, the phase shift provided by the feed network for at least two one-dimensional slot arrays 32 in the antenna array 30 is... They are different. These two one-dimensional slot arrays 32 are, for example, a first slot array 321 and a second slot array 322. When the phase shift provided by the feed network... At the same time, the phase distribution patterns of the eight slot elements of the first slot array 321 and the eight slot elements of the second slot array 322 are also different. Therefore, the angle at which the grating lobes are generated on the first slot array 321 is also different from the angle at which the grating lobes are generated on the second slot array 322. The constructive interference of the beams of the first slot array 321 and the second slot array 322 in the non-target direction is reduced and the destructive interference is increased, thereby achieving grating lobe suppression of the leaky wave antenna with fixed frequency scanning.

[0075] To ensure that the signals output from at least two of the output terminals have different phases, a phase shifter can be connected to at least one of the N output terminals O. That is, the power supply network includes at least one phase shifter, which is connected to at least one of the eight output terminals.

[0076] As an example, continuing as shown in Figure 4, the power supply network 20 includes a phase shifter 212. Output terminals O include a first output terminal O1 and a second output terminal O2. The phase shifter 212 is connected to the first output terminal O1. The phase of the signal output from the first output terminal O1 is different from the phase of the signal output from the second output terminal O2. The first output terminal O1 is electrically connected to the first slot array 321, and the second output terminal O2 is electrically connected to the second slot array 322. The phase distributions of the first slot array 321 and the second slot array 322 are different.

[0077] To achieve power feeding, as shown in Figure 4, the power feeding network 20 also includes a power feed terminal F and a power divider network 22. The power feed terminal F is electrically connected to the feed source and is used to receive signals from the feed source. The power feed terminal F is electrically connected to the power divider network 22 and is used to input signals to the power divider network 22. The power divider network 22 is electrically connected to the antenna array 30 and is used to input signals to the antenna array 30.

[0078] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5, the power divider network 22 includes a first-stage power divider network 221, and at least one phase shifter 212 includes at least one first phase shifter O1. The first-stage power divider network 221 is connected to the feed terminal F. The first-stage power divider network 221 has N first network channels, and one end of each first network channel electrically connected to the one-dimensional slot array 32 serves as an output terminal O. At least one first network channel has a first phase shifter O1 connected in series. In this way, the first-stage power divider network 221 can receive signals from the feed terminal F and output the signals to the one-dimensional slot array 32. The output terminal O connected in series with the first phase shifter O1 can achieve a signal phase difference from the signals output by other output terminals O through the first phase shifter O1.

[0079] Understandably, when the signals output from the N output terminals O are all in different phases, the phase distributions of the N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 are also different. Consequently, the constructive interference and destructive interference of the beams of the N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 in the non-target direction decrease. In this case, the suppression effect on the grating lobe is more significant.

[0080] To ensure that the signals output from the N output terminals O all have different phases, in some embodiments, the feed network includes N-1 first phase shifters, with at least two of the first phase shifters having different phases. In the N first network channels, one first phase shifter is connected in series on each of the N-1 first network channels. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the antenna array includes three one-dimensional slot arrays 32, and the feed network includes two first phase shifters 01. By adjusting the phases of the two first phase shifters 01 to be different, the phase distributions of the three one-dimensional slot arrays 32 can be made different.

[0081] In other embodiments, the feed network includes N first phase shifters; at least two of the first phase shifters have different phases; and in the N first network channels, each first network channel has a first phase shifter connected in series. For example, as shown in FIG5, the antenna array includes three one-dimensional slot arrays 32, and the feed network includes three first phase shifters 01. By adjusting the phases of the three first phase shifters 01 to be different, the phase distributions of the three one-dimensional slot arrays 32 can be made different.

[0082] Using N-1 first phase shifters to achieve different phase distributions for N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 requires the fewest number of components, thus saving costs. Furthermore, using N first phase shifters to achieve different phase distributions for N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 allows for adaptation to more phase shifter state allocation schemes, providing greater flexibility.

[0083] In this context, the state of a phase shifter refers to the amount by which the phase shifter adjusts the phase offset of the input signal; this offset is also called the phase shift. For example, if the phase shifter adjusts the phase offset of the input signal by 10°, then the phase shift of the phase shifter is 10°. If two or more phase shifters have the same phase shift, then these phase shifters are said to have the same state, or it can be said that these phase shifters have a single phase shifter state.

[0084] In some embodiments, continuing as shown in FIG6, the first network channel includes a first channel 41, a second channel 42, and a third channel 43. One end of the first channel 41 is a first output terminal O1, one end of the second channel 42 is a second output terminal O2, and one end of the third channel 43 is a third output terminal O3. The first output terminal O1 and the second output terminal O2 are adjacent to each other, and the second output terminal O2 and the third output terminal O3 are adjacent to each other.

[0085] Under the action of the first phase shifter, the first output terminal O1 outputs a first signal; the phase of the first signal is the first phase. The second output terminal O2 outputs a second signal; the phase of the second signal is the second phase. The third output terminal O3 outputs a third signal; the phase of the third signal is the third phase. The first phase, the second phase, and the third phase are not equal.

[0086] In some embodiments, The phase difference between the output signals from the first output terminal O1 and the second output terminal O2 is equal to the phase difference between the output signals from the second output terminal O2 and the third output terminal O3. That is, the phase difference between any two adjacent channels is equal. This simplifies the design of the phase control system, reduces system complexity, and lowers costs. It is understandable that this phase difference is not zero.

[0087] To achieve the function of a power divider network, the energy of the signal input at the feed end is divided into multiple output signals of equal energy, while maintaining the properties of the original signal. A power divider network can consist of multiple power dividers. This application does not limit the connection method or the number of power dividers in the power divider network.

[0088] For example, taking an eight-output power divider network as an example, the power divider network may include a 1-to-8 power divider, or it may be composed of seven 1-to-2 power dividers connected in series and / or in parallel, as shown in Figure 4.

[0089] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4, the first-stage power divider network 221 includes a plurality of first power dividers, each first power divider having two first network channels. In some examples, at least one first network channel of the first power divider is connected in series with a first phase shifter.

[0090] For example, the first power divider can be a 1-to-2 power divider. The structure of a 1-to-2 power divider is relatively simple and the cost is low.

[0091] To connect the multiple 1-to-2 power dividers in the first-stage power divider network 221 together, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG7, the power divider network 22 further includes a second-stage power divider network 222. At least one phase shifter includes at least one second phase shifter O2. The second-stage power divider network 222 is connected between the feed terminal F and the first-stage power divider network 221. The second-stage power divider network 222 has multiple second network channels, each of which is electrically connected to a first power divider. Multiple branches of the first power divider serve as first network channels, and one end of the first network channel electrically connected to the one-dimensional slot array 32 serves as an output terminal. The output terminal includes a first output terminal O1, a second output terminal O2, a third output terminal O3, and a fourth output terminal O4. At least one second network channel has a second phase shifter O2 connected in series.

[0092] At this time, the second phase shifter O2 can make the signals output by the third output terminal O3 and the fourth output terminal O4 have different phases from the signals output by the first output terminal O1 and the second output terminal O2.

[0093] In some embodiments, continuing as shown in FIG4, the second-stage power divider network 222 includes a plurality of second power dividers, each second power divider having two second network channels. At least one second network channel of the second power divider is connected in series with a second phase shifter.

[0094] In some embodiments, at least one phase shifter includes at least one second phase shifter 02 and at least one first phase shifter. In this case, the signal first passes through the second phase shifter on the second network channel of the second-stage power divider network, generating a first phase shift. Then, it passes through the first phase shifter on the first network channel of the first-stage power divider network, generating a second phase shift. The two phase shifts can be superimposed. This allows for different phase distributions of N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 using fewer phase shifter states.

[0095] For example, as shown in Figure 8, at least one phase shifter includes three first phase shifters 01. The phase shifts of the three first phase shifters 01 are all different to achieve different phase distributions of the four one-dimensional slot arrays 32. In this case, the three phase shifters include three different phase shifter states.

[0096] For example, as shown in Figure 9, at least one phase shifter includes a second phase shifter 02 and two first phase shifters 01. The two first phase shifters 01 have the same phase shift, but different phase shift from the second phase shifter 02. In this case, the three phase shifters include two phase shifter states, which can also achieve different phase distributions for the four one-dimensional slot arrays 32.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG10, the second-stage power divider network 222 includes a plurality of 1-to-2 power dividers, each of which has two second network channels. At least one phase shifter may include a plurality of first phase shifters 01 and a plurality of second phase shifters 02. By using a plurality of first phase shifters 01 and a plurality of second phase shifters 02, the phase distributions of the N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 are made different.

[0098] To connect multiple 1-to-2 power dividers in the second-stage power divider network 222, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG10, the power divider network 22 further includes a third-stage power divider network 223. At least one phase shifter includes at least one third phase shifter 03. The third-stage power divider network 223 is electrically connected between the feed terminal F and the second-stage power divider network 22. The third-stage power divider network 223 has multiple third network channels, each of which is electrically connected to at least two second network channels. A third phase shifter 03 is connected in series on at least one third network channel.

[0099] When the antenna module 10 includes a multi-stage power divider network 22, as shown in Figure 10, the antenna module 10 includes a first-stage power divider network 221, a second-stage power divider network 222, and a third-stage power divider network 223. The antenna module 10 can be implemented with N one-dimensional slot arrays 32 having different phase distributions, which can result in various phase shifter configuration schemes.

[0100] For example, taking the antenna array in Figure 10 as an example, taking the setting of N-1 phase shifters as an example, and taking the signals output from adjacent output terminals with equal phase differences as an example, the phase difference is 0. Taking this as an example, we design a phase shifter configuration scheme. The antenna array in Figure 10 includes eight one-dimensional slot arrays 32, each of which includes eight slot elements. The feed network includes eight output terminals O. The feed network includes seven phase shifters, ensuring that the signals output from the eight output terminals O have different phases.

[0101] Based on this, Figure 11 shows a phase shifter configuration scheme provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0102] As shown in Figure 11, the seven phase shifters include seven first phase shifters 01, namely phase shifter 001, phase shifter 002, phase shifter 003, phase shifter 004, phase shifter 005, phase shifter 006, and phase shifter 007.

[0103] In Figure 11, the output phase of the first output terminal O1 is the initial phase. The phase of phase shifter 001 is The output phase of the second output terminal O2 is The phase of phase shifter 002 is The output phase of the third output terminal O3 is The phase of phase shifter 003 is The output phase of the fourth output terminal O4 is The phase of phase shifter 004 is The output phase of the fifth output terminal O5 is The phase of phase shifter 005 is The output phase of the sixth output terminal O6 is The phase of phase shifter 006 is The output phase of the seventh output terminal O7 is The phase of phase shifter 007 is The output phase of the eighth output terminal O8 is At this point, there are seven possible states for the eight phase shifters.

[0104] Based on this, Figure 12 shows another phase shifter configuration scheme provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0105] As shown in Figure 12, the seven phase shifters include four first phase shifters 01, two second phase shifters 02, and one third phase shifter 03. The first phase shifters 01 include phase shifter 001, phase shifter 002, phase shifter 003, and phase shifter 004, and the phase of each phase shifter 01 is... The second phase shifter 02 includes phase shifter 5 005 and phase shifter 6 006. The phase of the second phase shifter 02 is... The third phase shifter 03 includes the seventh phase shifter 007, and the phase of the third phase shifter 03 is...

[0106] In Figure 12, the output phase of the first output terminal O1 is the initial phase. The output phase of the second output terminal O2 is That is, the initial phase Phase with Phase Shifter 001 The superposition of the three output terminals. The output phase of the third output terminal O3 is... That is, the initial phase Phase with Phase 005 of Phase 5 The superposition of the two. The output phase of the fourth output terminal O4 is... That is, the initial phase Phase 005 of Phase 5 Phase with Phase Shifter 002 The superposition of the two. The output phase of the fifth output terminal O5 is... That is, the initial phase Phase with Phase Shifter 007 The superposition of the two. The output phase of the sixth output terminal O6 is... That is, the initial phase Phase 007 of Phase 7 Phase with Phase Shifter No. 3 003 The superposition of the two. The output phase of the seventh output terminal O7 is... That is, the initial phase Phase 007 of Phase 7 Phase with Phase Shifter 006 The superposition of the two. The output phase of the eighth output terminal O8 is... That is, the initial phase Phase 007 of Phase 7 Phase 006 of Phase 6 Phase with Phase 004 of Phase 4 The superposition of phases results in three possible states for the eight phase shifters.

[0107] Based on the phase relationship between the output terminals O mentioned above, the beam direction of the antenna module is simulated using the phase shifter setup in Figure 11 and the antenna array in Figure 10.

[0108] Based on this, the antenna array comprises eight one-dimensional slot arrays 32, and each one-dimensional slot array 32 includes eight slot elements 33. To facilitate the description of the switching state of each slot element 33, as shown in Figure 13, an eight-row, eight-column grid represents the antenna array, with each row representing one one-dimensional slot array 32 and each square representing one slot element 33. Black squares represent an on switch, and white squares represent a off switch. The eight-row, eight-column grid in subsequent figures has the same meaning and will not be repeated here.

[0109] In some embodiments, the gain pattern of the antenna module includes a main lobe and multiple grating lobes. The main lobe has a first gain G1, and the grating lobes have a second gain G2. The first gain G1 and the second gain G2 satisfy G1 - G2 > 0 dB.

[0110] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the phase shifts of phase shifters 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, and 007 are all 0. The output phases of output terminals O1, O2, O3, O4, O5, O6, O7, and O8 are all 0. The scanning angle is set to θ = 10°. Then, the difference between the actual phase of each slot element and the required phase of the synthesized target direction (i.e., θ = 10°) beam is calculated, resulting in the antenna array's switching state as shown in Figure 13. Simulation of the antenna gain reveals that the antenna generates grating lobes at θ = -50°, with both the main lobe and grating lobe gain being 15dB.

[0111] Based on this, the phase shift state of the phase shifter in Figure 11 is changed so that the output phase of the first output terminal O1 is the initial phase. The output phase of the second output terminal O2 is The output phase of the third output terminal O3 is The output phase of the fourth output terminal O4 is The output phase of the fifth output terminal O5 is The output phase of the sixth output terminal O6 is The output phase of the seventh output terminal O7 is The output phase of the eighth output terminal O8 is That is, the phase difference between adjacent output terminals The value is This is a phase relationship adapted to a configuration based on θ = 10°.

[0112] At this point, the difference between the actual phase of each slot element and the phase required for the synthesized target direction (i.e., θ = 10°) beam is calculated, and the switching state of the antenna array is shown in Figure 14. Simulation of the antenna gain reveals that the main lobe gain remains at 15 dB, while the maximum grating lobe gain is only 2.3 dB. The scheme provided in this embodiment demonstrates a significant effect in suppressing grating lobes.

[0113] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the phase shifts of phase shifters 001, 002, 003, 004, 005, 006, and 007 are all 0. The output phases of output terminals O1, O2, O3, O4, O5, O6, O7, and O8 are all 0. The scanning angle is set to θ = 40°. The difference between the actual phase of each slot element and the required phase of the synthesized target direction (i.e., θ = 40°) beam is calculated, resulting in the antenna array's switching state as shown in Figure 15. Simulation of the antenna gain reveals that the main lobe gain is 14dB at θ = 40°, and grating lobes of 14dB and 15dB are generated at θ = -10° and θ = -50°, respectively.

[0114] Based on this, the phase difference between adjacent output terminals is still used. At this point, the difference between the actual phase of each slot element and the phase required for the synthesized target direction (i.e., θ = 40°) beam is calculated, and the switching state of the antenna array is shown in Figure 16. Simulation of the antenna gain reveals that the main lobe gain is 13dB and the maximum grating lobe gain is 8.5dB. This means that at θ = 40°, using the phase relationship at θ = 10° has a certain effect on grating lobe suppression.

[0115] Based on this, the phase difference between adjacent output terminals is used as... That is, the phase difference between adjacent output terminals The value is A suitable phase relationship is configured based on θ = 40°. The difference between the actual phase of each slot element and the required phase of the synthesized target direction (i.e., θ = 40°) beam is calculated, and the switching state of the antenna array is shown in Figure 17. Simulation of the antenna gain reveals that the main lobe gain is 11 dB, and the maximum grating lobe gain is 0 dB. This means that the grating lobe suppression effect is optimal when the phase relationship and scanning angle are well-matched.

[0116] It is understood that the antenna module of this application embodiment can be encapsulated in a housing as a module of an electronic device. For example, the antenna module further includes a first housing, within which a feed network and a leaky antenna are located. For example, the electronic device includes a controller, a second housing, and any of the antenna modules provided in this application embodiment. The antenna module and controller are located within the second housing. The controller is used to control the phase state of the phase shifter and the switching state of the switching devices in the feed network.

[0117] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0118] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A power supply network, characterized in that, Used to feed a leaky antenna, the leaky antenna comprising N one-dimensional slot arrays arranged in an array, the one-dimensional slot array comprising M switching devices and M slot elements arranged along a first direction, one slot element being connected to one of the switching devices, N≥2, M≥2, N and M being integers; The power supply network includes: There are N output terminals, one of which is electrically connected to one of the one-dimensional slot arrays. Among the N output terminals, at least two of the output terminals output signals with different phases.

2. The power supply network according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply network includes at least one phase shifter; at least one of the N output terminals is connected to one of the phase shifters.

3. The power supply network according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one phase shifter includes at least one first phase shifter; The power supply network also includes: Feed terminal; A first-stage power divider network is connected to the power supply terminal; the first-stage power divider network has N first network channels, and one end of each first network channel electrically connected to the one-dimensional slot array serves as an output terminal; at least one first network channel has a first phase shifter connected in series.

4. The power supply network according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power supply network includes N-1 first phase shifters; at least two of the first phase shifters have different phases; Of the N first network channels, one first phase shifter is connected in series on each of the N-1 first network channels.

5. The power supply network according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power supply network includes N first phase shifters; at least two of the first phase shifters have different phases; In the N first network channels, each first network channel is connected in series with one first phase shifter.

6. The power supply network according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first-level power divider network includes multiple first power dividers, each of which has two first network channels.

7. The power supply network according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that, The at least one phase shifter further includes at least one second phase shifter; The power supply network also includes: The second-stage power splitting network is connected between the power supply terminal and the first-stage power splitting network. The second-stage power divider network has multiple second network channels, each of which is electrically connected to at least two of the first network channels; at least one second network channel has a second phase shifter connected in series.

8. The power supply network according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power supply network includes multiple first phase shifters and multiple second phase shifters; The first-stage power divider network includes multiple first power dividers, each first power divider having two first network channels; at least one of the first network channels in each first power divider has a first phase shifter connected in series. The second-stage power divider network includes multiple second power dividers, each of which has two second network channels; at least one of the second network channels in each second power divider has a second phase shifter connected in series.

9. The power supply network according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one phase shifter further includes at least one third phase shifter; The power supply network also includes: A third-level power splitting network is connected between the power supply terminal and the second-level power splitting network. The third-level power divider network has multiple third network channels, each of which is electrically connected to at least two of the second network channels; at least one of the third network channels has a third phase shifter connected in series.

10. The power supply network according to any one of claims 3-9, characterized in that, The first network channel includes a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel; the first channel and the second channel are adjacent to each other, and the second channel and the third channel are adjacent to each other. The first channel outputs a first signal; the phase of the first signal is a first phase. The second channel outputs a second signal; the phase of the second signal is the second phase. The third channel outputs a third signal; the phase of the third signal is a third phase. The first phase, the second phase, and the third phase are not equal.

11. The power supply network according to claim 10, characterized in that, 12. An antenna module, characterized in that, It includes a leaky antenna and a feed network as described in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the feed network and the leaky antenna are electrically connected.

13. The antenna module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The gain pattern of the antenna module includes a main lobe and multiple grating lobes; the main lobe has a first gain G1; the grating lobes have a second gain G2; G1-G2>0dB.

14. The antenna module according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The antenna module further includes a first housing; the feed network and the leaky antenna are located inside the first housing.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a controller, a second housing, and an antenna module as described in any one of claims 12-14.

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