Phase shifter array and phased array antenna

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a phase shifter array and a phased array antenna. The phase shifter array of the present disclosure comprises a first dielectric substrate and a second dielectric substrate disposed opposite to each other, an adjustable dielectric layer disposed between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate close to the adjustable dielectric layer, and a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate close to the adjustable dielectric layer and disposed corresponding to the first electrodes. The phase shifter array comprises a working area and a peripheral area located on at least one side of the working area. The first electrodes, the second electrodes, and the adjustable dielectric layer are located in the working area. The peripheral area is provided with at least one bonding area, and the bonding area is provided with a plurality of connection pads. The connection pads electrically connected to the first electrodes are different from the connection pads electrically connected to the second electrodes, and at least a portion of the connection pads electrically connected to the first electrodes and at least a portion of the connection pads electrically connected to the second electrodes are located in a same bonding area.

Description

Phase shifter array and phased array antenna Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to a phase shifter array and a phased array antenna. Background Technology

[0002] For large-scale, common-aperture, dual-polarized liquid crystal antenna arrays, the number of drive control traces required in the array increases dramatically, which not only affects the performance of the phase-shifting unit but also increases costs and design complexity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a phase shifter array and a phased array antenna.

[0004] This disclosure provides a phase shifter array, comprising a first dielectric substrate and a second dielectric substrate disposed opposite to each other, a tunable dielectric layer disposed between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the first dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, and a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, wherein the orthographic projections of one first electrode and one second electrode on the plane of the first dielectric substrate at least partially overlap; wherein...

[0005] The phase shifter array includes a working area and a peripheral area located on at least one side of the working area; the first electrode, the second electrode, and the tunable dielectric layer are located in the working area; the peripheral area includes at least one bonding area, and the bonding area is provided with multiple connection pads;

[0006] The connection pads electrically connected to the first electrode are different from the connection pads electrically connected to the second electrode, and at least a portion of the connection pads electrically connected to the first electrode and at least a portion of the connection pads electrically connected to the second electrode are located in the same bonding area.

[0007] In some examples, the phase shifter array further includes a plurality of first drive lines disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, a plurality of second drive lines disposed on the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, and a signal connection line disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer and located in the peripheral region.

[0008] The connection pads are located on the first dielectric substrate. One first electrode is electrically connected to one first driving line, and one second electrode is electrically connected to one second driving line. The first driving lines are electrically connected to the connection pads, and each second driving line is electrically connected to the signal connection line. The signal connection line is electrically connected to the connection pads through an adapter assembly.

[0009] In some examples, multiple second electrodes are arranged in an array, divided into multiple second electrode groups arranged side by side along a second direction, and multiple second electrodes in the second electrode groups are arranged side by side along a first direction;

[0010] The second electrodes located in the same second electrode group are electrically connected to the same second drive line;

[0011] The second drive line includes a second main body and a plurality of second branches connected to the second main body; one second branch is electrically connected to a second electrode; the second main body extends along the first direction and is electrically connected to the signal connection line.

[0012] In some examples, the connection node between the second main body and the signal connection line is the first node; the line width of at least some parts of the second main body is not equal, and the line width relatively close to the first node is not less than the line width relatively far from the first node.

[0013] In some examples, the second main body includes a plurality of connecting lines connecting adjacent second branches, and the connecting lines closer to the first node are wider.

[0014] In some examples, the first drive line does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the second body portion onto the plane where the first dielectric substrate is located.

[0015] In some examples, the second body portion includes at least one slot extending through its thickness direction and along the first direction, and at least a portion of the first drive line overlaps with the orthographic projection of the slot onto the plane of the first dielectric substrate.

[0016] In some examples, the phase shifter array further includes a sealant located between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, and in the peripheral region; the sealant has a conductive structure therein, the conductive structure serving as the adapter component.

[0017] In some examples, the phase shifter array further includes a sealant located between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, and in the peripheral region; the linewidth of the adapter assembly is greater than the linewidth of the sealant.

[0018] In some examples, the working area is divided into multiple regions, the number of the adapter components is multiple, and the second drive line electrically connected to the second electrode in the same region is electrically connected to the same adapter component, while the second drive line electrically connected to the second electrode in different regions is electrically connected to different adapter components.

[0019] In some examples, the binding area is provided on at least one side of the working area along the first direction; and the adapter component is provided on at least one side of the working area along the second direction.

[0020] In some examples, the binding area is set up using any of the following methods:

[0021] The binding area is located on one side of the working area in the first direction;

[0022] The binding area includes multiple binding areas, and the multiple binding areas are located on one side of the working area in the first direction and arranged side by side along the second direction;

[0023] The binding area includes multiple binding areas, and the multiple binding areas are located on both sides of the working area in the first direction.

[0024] In some examples, the connection pads include a first connection pad and a third connection pad located on the side of the first dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, and a second connection pad and a fourth connection pad disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer; wherein,

[0025] The working area includes a first region and a second region; the first electrode located in the first region is electrically connected to the first connection pad, and one first connection pad is electrically connected to multiple first electrodes; the second electrode located in the first region is electrically connected to an independent second connection pad.

[0026] The first electrode located in the second region is electrically connected to the independent third connection pad, the second electrode located in the second region is electrically connected to the fourth connection pad, and one fourth connection pad is electrically connected to multiple second electrodes.

[0027] In some examples, the plurality of first electrodes are arranged in an array, divided into a plurality of first electrode groups arranged side by side along a second direction, wherein the plurality of first electrodes in the first electrode groups are arranged side by side along a first direction;

[0028] The plurality of second electrodes are arranged in an array and divided into a plurality of second electrode groups arranged side by side along a second direction, wherein a plurality of first electrodes in the second electrode groups are arranged side by side along a first direction;

[0029] Each of the first electrodes located in the same first electrode group and in the first region is electrically connected to the same first drive line and is electrically connected to the first connection pad through the first drive line;

[0030] Each of the second electrodes located in the same second electrode group and in the second region is electrically connected to the same second drive line and is electrically connected to the fourth connection pad through the second drive line.

[0031] In some examples, a first drive line electrically connected to a first electrode located in the first region includes a first main body portion, a first branch portion connected to the first main body portion and corresponding to the first electrode in a one-to-one manner; adjacent first main body portions are spaced apart by a first electrode group;

[0032] For a second driving line electrically connected to a second electrode located in the second region, it includes a second main body portion, a second branch portion connected to the second main body portion and corresponding to the second electrode in a one-to-one manner; and a second electrode group is spaced apart between adjacent second main body portions.

[0033] In some examples, the first region includes two first sub-regions arranged side by side along the second direction;

[0034] The first branches of the first drive lines electrically connected to the first electrodes in the two first sub-regions are arranged opposite to each other.

[0035] In some examples, the second region includes two second sub-regions arranged side by side along a second direction;

[0036] The second branches of the second drive lines electrically connected to the second electrodes in the two second sub-regions are arranged opposite to each other.

[0037] In some examples, the number of first electrodes located in the first region is equal in each of the first electrode groups.

[0038] In some examples, the number of first electrodes in the first region is not equal, with at least a portion of each first electrode group being located in the first region.

[0039] In some examples, the number of first electrodes in the first region is equal for at least partially adjacent first electrode groups.

[0040] In some examples, the binding area of ​​the surrounding area includes a first binding area and a second binding area;

[0041] The first and third connection pads are located in the first bonding area, and the second and fourth connection pads are located in the second bonding area.

[0042] In some examples, the number of the first binding area and the second binding area are equal, and the first binding area and the second binding area are respectively located on both sides of the work area that are opposite to each other along the first direction.

[0043] In some examples, the number of the first binding area and the second binding area are equal, and the first binding area and the second binding area are provided on both sides of the working area that are opposite to each other along the first direction.

[0044] In some examples, the number of the first binding area and the second binding area are not equal, and the first binding area and the second binding area are respectively located on both sides of the work area that are opposite to each other along the first direction.

[0045] In some examples, the first connection pad and / or the second connection pad are provided on at least one side of the work area along a first direction;

[0046] The first connection pad and / or the second connection pad are provided on at least one side of the working area along the second direction.

[0047] This disclosure provides a phased array antenna, which includes any of the phase shifter arrays described above. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna.

[0049] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary phase control adjustment structure.

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure on the first dielectric substrate of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure on the second dielectric substrate of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first region and a second region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first region and a second region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first region and a second region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first region and a second region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure on an exemplary first dielectric substrate of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure on an exemplary first dielectric substrate of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure on an exemplary first dielectric substrate of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of an exemplary first binding region and a second binding region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of an exemplary first binding region and a second binding region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of an exemplary first binding region and a second binding region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of an exemplary first binding region and a second binding region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of an exemplary first binding region and a second binding region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of an exemplary first binding region and a second binding region of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure on the first dielectric substrate of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure on the second dielectric substrate of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the phase shifter array of this embodiment.

[0068] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0069] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0070] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0071] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0072] Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0073] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0074] Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary adapter component according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0075] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the second drive line according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0076] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the first drive line group and the second drive line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an exemplary first drive line group and a second drive line according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0078] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an exemplary first drive line group and a second drive line according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0079] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between an exemplary first drive line group and a second drive line according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0080] Figure 33 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary binding area according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0081] Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary binding area according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0082] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0083] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an,” “a,” or “the,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “including,” “comprising,” or “containing,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” or similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.

[0084] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary phased array antenna. As shown in Figure 1, the phased array antenna includes a feed structure 1, a phase shifter array 2, and a radiating array 3. The phase shifter array 2 includes multiple phase adjustment structures; the radiating array 3 includes multiple radiating structures; the feed structure 1 includes a first feed port and at least one second feed port. The phased array antenna includes multiple elements, each element consisting of a phase adjustment structure and a radiating structure. The second feed port of the feed structure 1 is configured to provide radio frequency (RF) signals to the elements; specifically, the second feed port of the feed structure 1 transmits RF signals to a radiating structure through a phase adjustment structure.

[0085] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary phase adjustment structure. As shown in Figure 2, the phase adjustment structure may include a first dielectric substrate 21 and a second dielectric substrate 22 disposed opposite to each other, a tunable dielectric layer 23 disposed between the first dielectric substrate 21 and the second dielectric substrate 22, a first electrode 24 disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate 21 near the tunable dielectric layer 23, and a first driving line 26 connected to the first electrode 24, a second electrode 25 disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate 22 near the tunable dielectric layer 23, and a second driving line 27 connected to the second electrode 25. The first driving circuit board 31 applies a first bias voltage to the first electrode 24 through the first driving line 26, and the second driving circuit board 32 applies a second bias voltage to the second electrode 25 through the second driving line 27, so as to adjust the dielectric constant of the tunable dielectric layer 23, thereby realizing the phase adjustment of the radio frequency signal through the phase adjustment structure.

[0086] In some examples, the material of the tunable dielectric layer 23 can be selected from materials whose dielectric constant can change with different electric fields, such as liquid crystals and PDLCs. In this embodiment, only a liquid crystal layer is used as an example of the tunable dielectric layer 23.

[0087] In some examples, the first dielectric substrate 21 and the second dielectric substrate 22 can be selected from various dielectric materials such as glass substrate, PCB board, and ceramic. The dimensions of the first dielectric substrate 21 and the second dielectric substrate 22 can be about 0.1λ to 1λ, and the thickness can be about 1μm to 100μm.

[0088] In some examples, the materials of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 25 can be selected from metal materials, such as copper.

[0089] In some examples, the first driving line 26 and the second driving line 27 can be made of transparent electrical materials, such as indium tin oxide.

[0090] For the phase shifter array, the first dielectric substrate 21 of each phase adjustment structure is a single unit, the second dielectric substrate 22 is a single unit, and the tunable dielectric layer 23 is a single unit. The phase shifter array can be divided into a working area Q1 and a peripheral area Q2 surrounding the working area Q1; the first electrode 24, the second electrode 25, and the tunable dielectric layer 23 of each phase adjustment structure are located in the working area Q1. A first connection pad 28 located in the peripheral area Q2 is provided on the first dielectric substrate 21, and a second connection pad 210 located in the peripheral area Q2 is provided on the second dielectric substrate 22. Each first drive line 26 extends from the working area Q1 to the peripheral area Q2 and is connected to the corresponding first connection pad 28, and each second drive line 27 extends from the working area Q1 to the peripheral area Q2 and is connected to the corresponding second connection pad 210. Each pin of the first driving circuit board is bonded to the first connecting pad 28 and provides a first bias voltage to each first driving line 26; each pin of the second driving circuit board is bonded to the second connecting pad 210 and provides a second bias voltage to each second driving line 27.

[0091] The inventors discovered that as the phase shifter array grows larger, each phase adjustment structure's first electrode 24 and second electrode 25 are individually controlled, resulting in a greater number of first drive lines 26 and second drive lines 27, occupying a larger area and causing wiring difficulties. To address this issue, related technologies apply the same bias voltage to one of the first electrode 24 and second electrode 25 in each phase adjustment structure, while the other is controlled individually. For example, each first electrode 24 is connected to the same first drive line 26, and each second electrode 25 is connected to an independent second drive line 27. However, as the phase shifter array grows larger, the first bias voltage applied to the first electrode 24, which is farther from the first connection pad 28, will experience a larger voltage drop, thus affecting the consistency of the phase adjustment structure and the performance of the phase shifter array.

[0092] To address the aforementioned technical problems, Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure on the first dielectric substrate 21 of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure on the second dielectric substrate 22 of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the present disclosure provides the following technical solutions. The present disclosure provides a phase shifter array, which includes multiple phase adjustment structures. The phase adjustment structure includes a first dielectric substrate 21 and a second dielectric substrate 22 disposed opposite to each other, an adjustable dielectric layer 23 disposed between the first dielectric substrate 21 and the second dielectric substrate 22, a first electrode 24 disposed on the first dielectric substrate 21 near the adjustable dielectric layer 23, and a first driving line 26 connected to the first electrode 24; a second electrode 25 disposed on the second dielectric substrate 22 near the adjustable dielectric layer 23, and a second driving line 27 connected to the second electrode 25.

[0093] Specifically, in this embodiment, the phase shifter array is divided into a working area Q1 and a peripheral area Q2 surrounding the working area Q1; the working area Q1 includes a first region Q11 and a second region Q12. The peripheral area Q2 of the phase shifter array includes a bonding area, which is provided with connection pads. The connection pads in this embodiment may include a first connection pad 28, a second connection pad 210, a third connection pad 29, and a fourth connection pad 211; the first connection pad 28 and the third connection pad 29 are disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate 21 near the tunable dielectric layer 23; the second connection pad 210 and the fourth connection pad 211 are disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate 22 near the tunable dielectric layer 23.

[0094] In this embodiment, a first connection pad 28 is electrically connected to a plurality of first electrodes 24 located in a first region Q11; a second connection pad 210 is connected one-to-one with a second electrode 25 located in the first region Q11; a third connection pad 29 is connected one-to-one with a first electrode 24 located in a second region Q12; and a fourth connection pad 211 is electrically connected to a plurality of second electrodes 25 located in the second region Q12. For example, a first electrode 24 is electrically connected to a corresponding first driving line 26, and a second electrode 25 is electrically connected to a corresponding second driving line 27. The plurality of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 are electrically connected to the same first connection pad 28 via the first driving line 26, and the second electrodes 25 located in the first region Q11 are respectively connected one-to-one with their corresponding second driving lines 27 and second connection pads 210. The first electrode 24 located in the second region Q12 is connected to the third connection pad 29 one by one through the first drive line 26 electrically connected to it, and the multiple second electrodes 25 located in the second region Q12 are electrically connected to the same fourth connection pad 211 through the second drive line 27.

[0095] In this case, at least a portion of the first electrode 24 in the phase adjustment structure located in the first region Q11 is written with the same bias voltage, and the corresponding second electrode 25 is independently controlled; at least a portion of the second electrode 25 in the phase adjustment structure located in the second region Q12 is written with the same bias voltage, and the corresponding first electrode 24 is independently controlled.

[0096] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this disclosure, both the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 are provided with multiple phase adjustment structures, including first electrodes 24 and second electrodes 25. Figures 3 and 4 only illustrate the example where the first electrodes 24 and second electrodes 25 in each phase adjustment unit are plate-shaped electrodes. However, in actual products, the shapes of the first electrodes 24 and second electrodes 25 are not limited to plate-shaped electrodes, as long as the first electrodes 24 and second electrodes 25 can generate an electric field between them after being subjected to a corresponding bias voltage. Accordingly, since this embodiment of the disclosure only uses plate-shaped electrodes for both the first electrodes 24 and second electrodes 25, the arrangement of the first electrodes 24 in the phase shifter array is the same as the arrangement of the second electrodes 25.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first drive lines 26 connected to the plurality of first electrodes 24 in the first region Q11 are electrically connected to the same first connection pad 28, and the second drive lines 27 connected to each second electrode 25 in the first region Q11 are respectively connected to independent second connection pads 210; the first drive lines 26 connected to the first electrodes 24 in the second region Q12 are respectively connected to independent third connection pads 29, and the second drive lines 27 connected to the plurality of second electrodes 25 in the second region Q12 are electrically connected to the same fourth connection pad 211, and... In other words, some of the first electrodes 24 are uniformly controlled and subjected to the same bias voltage, while others are independently controlled and subjected to their respective bias voltages. Similarly, some of the second electrodes 25 are uniformly controlled and subjected to the same bias voltage, while others are independently controlled and subjected to their respective bias voltages. This avoids the wiring difficulties caused by each of the first electrodes 24 and each of the second electrodes 25 being individually controlled, and also avoids the problem of large voltage drops caused by each of the first electrodes 24 or each of the second electrodes 25 being uniformly controlled, which would affect the consistency of the phase adjustment structure and the performance of the phase shifter array.

[0098] In some examples, the number of first regions Q11 and second regions Q12 in the phase shifter array of this disclosure embodiment can be multiple, or it can be only one. In this disclosure embodiment, only one example is used where the number of first regions Q11 and second regions Q12 is both one. The first regions Q11 and second regions Q12 can be arranged side by side along the first direction X, or they can be arranged side by side along the second direction Y. In this disclosure embodiment, only one example is used where the first regions Q11 and second regions Q12 are arranged side by side along the first direction X.

[0099] Furthermore, each first electrode 24 is divided into multiple first electrode groups 100 arranged side by side along the second direction Y, and each first electrode group 100 includes multiple first electrodes 24 arranged side by side and spaced apart along the first direction X. Correspondingly, each second electrode 25 is divided into multiple second electrode groups 200 arranged side by side along the second direction Y, and each second electrode group 200 includes multiple second electrodes 25 arranged side by side along the first direction X.

[0100] Specifically, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first region Q11 and second region Q12 of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, in one example, the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the second region Q12 are equal in each first electrode group 100. The number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the second region Q12 of the first electrode group 100 can be the same or different. In Figure 5, only the example of the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the second region Q12 being unequal is given. It can be understood that the second electrodes 25 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first electrodes 24. Therefore, the number of second electrodes 25 located in the first region Q11 and the number of second electrodes 25 located in the second region Q12 are equal in each second electrode group 200. The specific arrangement of the second electrodes 25 can refer to the arrangement of the first electrodes 24, so it will not be described again here.

[0101] In this example, since the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 25 of the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 are arranged in the manner described above, both the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 are rectangles. The side of the first region Q11 closest to the second region Q12 is a straight side, and the side of the second region Q12 closest to the first region Q11 is a straight side.

[0102] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the distribution of an exemplary first region Q11 and second region Q12 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, in one example, the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 of each first electrode group 100 is at least partially equal, and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the second region Q12 is at least partially different. Furthermore, the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 of at least partially adjacent first electrode groups 100 is equal, and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the second region Q12 of at least partially adjacent first electrode groups 100 is equal. For example, as shown in Figure 6, there are five first electrode groups 100. The number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 of the first and second first electrode groups 100 is equal, and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 of the third to fifth first electrode groups 100 is equal. It is understood that the second electrode 25 is set in a one-to-one correspondence with the first electrode 24. Therefore, the specific arrangement of the second electrode 25 in the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 can refer to the arrangement of the first electrode 24, so it will not be described again here.

[0103] In this example, since the first electrodes 24 and 25 of the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 are arranged as described above, the side of the first region Q11 near the second region Q12 is stepped, and the side of the second region Q12 near the first region Q11 is also stepped. Taking an example where there are five first electrode groups 100, and the first and second first electrode groups 100 have the same number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11, and the third to fifth first electrode groups 100 have the same number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11, in this case, the side of the first region Q11 near the second region Q12 is a single-step shape, and the side of the second region Q12 near the first region Q11 is also a single-step shape.

[0104] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the distribution of an exemplary first region Q11 and second region Q12 of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, in one example, the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 of each first electrode group 100 is different, and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 of each first electrode group 100 increases progressively. Correspondingly, the number of first electrodes 24 located in the second region Q12 of each first electrode group 100 is different, and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the second region of each first electrode group 100 decreases progressively. For example, as shown in Figure 7, there are five first electrode groups 100, and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 of adjacent first electrode groups 100 differs by one. It is understood that the second electrodes 25 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first electrodes 24. Therefore, the specific arrangement of the second electrodes 25 in the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 can refer to the arrangement of the first electrodes 24, and will not be described again here.

[0105] In this example, since the first electrodes 24 and 25 of the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 are arranged as described above, the side of the first region Q11 near the second region Q12 is stepped, and the side of the second region Q12 near the first region Q11 is also stepped. Taking a case where there are five first electrode groups 100, and the number of first electrodes 24 in the first region Q11 of adjacent first electrode groups 100 differs by one, in this case, the side of the first region Q11 near the second region Q12 is four-stepped, and the side of the second region Q12 near the first region Q11 is also four-stepped.

[0106] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first region Q11 and second region Q12 of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, in one example, the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 in each first electrode group 100 is at least partially equal, and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the second region Q12 is at least partially different, and the number of first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 in adjacent first electrode groups 100 is unequal. It is understood that the second electrode 25 is arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the first electrode 24. Therefore, the specific arrangement of the second electrode 25 in the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 can refer to the arrangement of the first electrode 24, and will not be described again here.

[0107] In this example, since the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 25 of the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 are arranged in the manner described above, the side of the first region Q11 near the second region Q12 is an irregular bent curve, and the side of the second region Q12 near the first region Q11 is also an irregular bent curve.

[0108] The above only provides a few exemplary shapes of the first region Q11 and the second region Q12, but does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure. The shapes of the first region Q11 and the second region Q12 can be specifically designed according to the requirements of the component settings and wiring in the phase shifter array, and will not be listed one by one here.

[0109] In some examples, for a plurality of first electrodes 24 connected to the same first connection pad 28, at least a portion of the first electrodes 24 are electrically connected to a first drive line 26 via a same first connection line 213 to the first connection pad 28. Similarly, for a plurality of second electrodes 25 connected to the same fourth connection pad 211, at least a portion of the second electrodes 25 are electrically connected to a second drive line 27 via a same second adapter line to the fourth connection pad 211.

[0110] In one example, FIG9 is a schematic diagram of the structure on an exemplary first dielectric substrate 21 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG9, each first electrode 24 is divided into a plurality of first electrode groups 100 arranged side by side along the second direction Y. The first electrode group 100 includes a plurality of first electrodes 24 arranged side by side along the first direction X. The first electrode 24 located in the first region Q11 of the first electrode group 100 is electrically connected to the same first driving line 26, and the first driving line 26 includes a first main body portion 261 and a first branch portion 262 connected to the first main body portion 261 and correspondingly connected to the first electrode 24. The first main body portion 261 is electrically connected to the first connecting pad 28. Adjacent first main body portions 261 may be spaced apart by one first electrode group 100.

[0111] Furthermore, when the first region Q11 includes two first sub-regions arranged side by side along the second direction, the first branches 262 connected to the first electrodes 24 in the two first sub-regions are arranged opposite to each other. Specifically, the first electrode 24 includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other along the second direction Y. The first side of the first electrode 24 in one first sub-region is connected to the first branch 262 and extends in a direction away from the second side (extending upwards). The second side of the first electrode 24 in the other first sub-region is connected to the first branch 262 and extends in a direction away from the first side (extending downwards). When there are two first sub-regions, there can also be two first connecting pads 28. In this case, each first main body portion in one first sub-region is connected to one first connecting pad 28 through a first connecting line 213.

[0112] Furthermore, the first connecting line 213 extends from the working area Q1 to the peripheral area Q2. When the two first sub-areas are symmetrically arranged with a straight line extending along the first direction X as the axis of symmetry, the two first connecting lines 213 are also symmetrically arranged with a straight line extending along the first direction X as the axis of symmetry.

[0113] Similarly, each second electrode 25 is divided into multiple second electrode groups 200 arranged side-by-side along the second direction Y. Each second electrode group 200 includes multiple second electrodes 25 arranged side-by-side along the first direction X. The second electrodes 25 located in the second region Q12 of each second electrode group 200 are electrically connected to the same second drive line 27. This second drive line 27 includes a second main body 271 and multiple second branch portions 272 electrically connected to the second main body 271. Each second branch portion 272 is connected to a corresponding second electrode 25. The second main body 271 is electrically connected to a fourth connecting pad 211. Adjacent second main body portions 272 may be spaced apart by one second electrode group 200.

[0114] Furthermore, when the second region Q12 includes two second sub-regions arranged side-by-side along the second direction Y, the second branches of the second electrodes in the two second sub-regions are arranged opposite to each other. Specifically, the second electrode 25 includes a third side and a fourth side arranged opposite to each other along the second direction Y. The third side of the second electrode 25 in one second sub-region is electrically connected to the corresponding second branch 272 and extends in a direction away from the fourth side (extending upwards). The fourth side of the second electrode 25 in the other second sub-region is connected to the corresponding second branch 272 and extends in a direction away from the third side (extending downwards). When there are two second sub-regions, there can also be two fourth connecting pads 211. In this case, each second main body portion 271 in one second sub-region is connected to one fourth connecting pad 211 via a second connecting line 213.

[0115] Furthermore, the second connecting line extends from the working area Q1 to the surrounding area Q2. When the two second sub-regions are symmetrically set with the straight line extending along the first direction X as the axis of symmetry, the two second connecting lines are also symmetrically set with the straight line extending along the first direction X as the axis of symmetry.

[0116] In one example, FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the structure on an exemplary first dielectric substrate 21 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG10, each first electrode 24 is divided into a plurality of first electrode groups 100 arranged side by side along a second direction Y. The first electrode group 100 includes a plurality of first electrodes 24 arranged side by side along a first direction X. At least a portion of the first electrodes 24 located in the first region Q11 are electrically connected to the same first driving line 26, and the first driving line 26 includes a first body portion 261 and a first branch portion 262 connected to the first body portion 261 and electrically connected to the first electrode 24. The first body portion 261 is electrically connected to a first connecting pad 28. In this example, at least a portion of the first branch portion 262 is connected to first electrodes 24 located in different first electrode groups 100.

[0117] In some examples, each first main body portion located in the first region Q11 is connected to the first connection pad 28 via the same first connection line 213. The difference from the previous example is that, in the previous example, the first electrodes 24 connected to the first drive line 26 connected to the first connection line 213 are located in the same first electrode group 100, while in this example, at least a portion of the first electrodes 24 connected to the first drive line 26 connected to the first connection line 213 are located in different first electrode groups 100.

[0118] Similarly, each second electrode 25 is divided into multiple second electrode groups 200 arranged side-by-side along the second direction Y, and each second electrode group 200 includes multiple second electrodes 25 arranged side-by-side along the first direction X. At least a portion of the second electrodes 25 located in the second region Q12 are electrically connected to the same second drive line 27, and the second drive line 27 includes a second body portion 271 and a second branch portion 272 connected to the second body portion 271 and electrically connected to the second electrode 25. The second body portion 272 is electrically connected to a fourth connection pad 211. In this example, at least a portion of the second branch portion 272 connects to second electrodes 25 located in different second electrode groups 200.

[0119] In some examples, each of the second body parts is connected to the fourth connection pad 211 via the same second connection line.

[0120] In one example, FIG11 is a schematic diagram of the structure on an exemplary first dielectric substrate 21 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in FIG11, the first electrode 24 located in the first region Q11 is connected to an independent first driving line 26, each first driving line 26 extends from the first region Q11 to the peripheral region Q2 and is connected to the first connecting pad 28 through the first connecting line 213; the second electrode 25 located in the second region Q12 is connected to an independent second driving line 27, each second driving line 27 extends from the second region Q12 to the peripheral region Q2 and is connected to the fourth connecting pad 211 through the second connecting line.

[0121] The above only provides a few connection methods between the first electrode 24 and the first connecting pad 28, and between the second electrode 25 and the fourth connecting pad 211, but this does not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the embodiments disclosed herein. In actual products, the connection methods between the first electrode 24 and the first connecting pad 28, and between the second electrode 25 and the fourth connecting pad 211, can be specifically designed according to the size of the phase shifter array and the arrangement of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 25 in the first region Q11 and the second region Q12.

[0122] In some examples, the bonding area of ​​the peripheral region Q2 of the phase shifter array includes at least one first bonding area Q21 and at least one second bonding area Q22. The first bonding area Q21 is provided with a first connection pad 28 and a third connection pad 29, and the second bonding area Q22 is provided with a second connection pad 210 and a fourth connection pad 211. The location and number of the first bonding areas Q21 and the second bonding areas Q22 can be set according to the size of the phase shifter array and the arrangement of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 25 within the first region Q11 and the second region Q12. The following is an explanation with specific examples.

[0123] In one example, FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first bonding region Q21 and a second bonding region Q22 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG12, there is one first bonding region Q21 and one second bonding region Q22. Each first connection pad 28 and each third connection pad 29 is disposed in the first bonding region Q21, and each second connection pad 210 and each fourth connection pad 211 is disposed in the second bonding region Q22. Accordingly, a first driving circuit board bonded to the first connection pad 28 and the second connection pad 210 can be disposed in the first bonding region Q21, and a second driving circuit board bonded to the second connection pad 210 and the four connection pads can be disposed in the second bonding region Q22.

[0124] Furthermore, the first binding area Q21 and the second binding area Q22 can be located on opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the first direction X. Alternatively, the first binding area Q21 and the second binding area Q22 can also be located on opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the second direction Y. Even further, when the first binding area Q21 and the second binding area Q22 are located on opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the first direction X, they can be symmetrically arranged with a straight line passing through the center of the working area Q1 and extending along the second direction Y as the axis of symmetry. Similarly, when the first binding area Q21 and the second binding area Q22 are located on opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the second direction Y, they can be symmetrically arranged with a straight line passing through the center of the working area Q1 and extending along the first direction X as the axis of symmetry.

[0125] In one example, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first bonding region Q21 and a second bonding region Q22 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figure 13, one of the first bonding region Q21 and the second bonding region Q22 has one quantity, and the other has two quantities. For ease of description, the quantity of the first bonding region Q21 is assumed to be one, and the quantity of the second bonding region Q22 is assumed to be two. Each first connection pad 28 and each third connection pad 29 is disposed in the first bonding region Q21, a portion of the second connection pads 210 and a portion of the fourth connection pads 211 are disposed in one second bonding region Q22, and another portion of the second connection pads 210 and the other portion of the fourth connection pads 211 are disposed in another second bonding region Q22. Accordingly, a first drive circuit board bonded to the first connection pads 28 and the second connection pads 210 can be disposed in the first bonding region Q21, and a second drive circuit board bonded to the second connection pads 210 and the fourth connection pads can be disposed in the second bonding region Q22.

[0126] Furthermore, the first binding area Q21 and the second binding area Q22 can be disposed on opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the first direction X. Alternatively, the first binding area Q21 and the second binding area Q22 can also be disposed on opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the second direction Y.

[0127] In one example, Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first bonding region Q21 and a second bonding region Q22 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figure 14, there are two of each of the first bonding region Q21 and the second bonding region Q22. A portion of the first connection pad 28 and a portion of the third connection pad 29 are disposed in one first bonding region Q21, and another portion of the first connection pad 28 and another portion of the third connection pad 29 are disposed in another first bonding region Q21; a portion of the second connection pad 210 and a portion of the fourth connection pad 211 are disposed in one second bonding region Q22, and another portion of the second connection pad 210 and another portion of the fourth connection pad 211 are disposed in another second bonding region Q22. Accordingly, a first drive circuit board bonded to the first connection pad 28 and the second connection pad 210 can be disposed in the first bonding region Q21, and a second drive circuit board bonded to the second connection pad 210 and the fourth connection pad can be disposed in the second bonding region Q22.

[0128] Furthermore, the first binding area Q21 and the second binding area Q22 can be disposed on opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the first direction X. Alternatively, the first binding area Q21 and the second binding area Q22 can also be disposed on opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the second direction Y.

[0129] In one example, Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the distribution of an exemplary first bonding region Q21 and second bonding region Q22 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 15, this example is structurally similar to the previous example, except that the two first bonding regions Q21 and the two second bonding regions Q22 are located on opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the first direction X, with one first bonding region Q21 and one second bonding region Q22 located on the same side, and the other first bonding region Q21 and the other second bonding region Q22 located on the same side. Accordingly, a first driving circuit board can be provided in the first bonding region Q21, which is bonded to the first connection pad 28 and the second connection pad 210, and a second driving circuit board can be provided in the second bonding region Q22, which is bonded to the second connection pad 210 and the four connection pads.

[0130] Furthermore, the first binding area Q21 and the second binding area Q22, located on different sides, are symmetrically arranged with a straight line extending along the second direction Y through the center of the working area Q1 as the axis of symmetry.

[0131] In one example, Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first bonding region Q21 and a second bonding region Q22 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figure 16, one of the first bonding region Q21 and the second bonding region Q22 has one quantity, and the other has two quantities. For ease of description, the quantity of the first bonding region Q21 is assumed to be one, and the quantity of the second bonding region Q22 is assumed to be two. Each first connection pad 28 and each third connection pad 29 are disposed in the first bonding region Q21, a portion of the second connection pads 210 and a portion of the fourth connection pads 211 are disposed in one second bonding region Q22, and another portion of the second connection pads 210 and the other portion of the fourth connection pads 211 are disposed in another second bonding region Q22. Accordingly, a first drive circuit board bonded to the first connection pads 28 and the second connection pads 210 can be disposed in the first bonding region Q21, and a second drive circuit board bonded to the second connection pads 210 and the fourth connection pads can be disposed in the second bonding region Q22.

[0132] The first binding area Q21 is located on one side of the working area Q1 along the first direction X, and the two second binding areas Q22 are located on one side of the working area Q1 along the second direction Y. Alternatively, the second binding areas Q22 can be located on one side of the working area Q1 along the first direction X, and the two first binding areas Q21 can be located on one side of the working area Q1 along the second direction Y.

[0133] In one example, FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary first bonding region Q21 and a second bonding region Q22 of a phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in FIG17, there is one of the first bonding region Q21 and two of the second bonding region Q22. For ease of description, the number of the first bonding region Q21 is assumed to be one, and the number of the second bonding region Q22 is assumed to be three. Each first connection pad 28 and each third connection pad 29 are disposed in the first bonding region Q21, a portion of the second connection pads 210 and a portion of the fourth connection pads 211 are disposed in one second bonding region Q22, a portion of the second connection pads 210 and a portion of the fourth connection pads 211 are disposed in another second bonding region Q22, and the remaining portion of the second connection pads 210 and the remaining portion of the fourth connection pads 211 are disposed in the third second bonding region Q22. Correspondingly, a first driver circuit board can be configured in the first bonding area Q21 to be bonded to the first connection pad 28 and the second connection pad 210, and a second driver circuit board can be configured in the second bonding area Q22 to be bonded to the second connection pad 210 and the four connection pads.

[0134] The first binding area Q21 is located on one side of the working area Q1 along the first direction X, and the three second binding areas Q22 are located on two opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the second direction Y. Of course, the three second binding areas Q22 are located on two opposite sides of the working area Q1 along the first direction X, and the first binding area Q21 is located on one side of the working area Q1 along the second direction Y.

[0135] Regardless of the specific configuration of the phase shifter array in this embodiment, the phase shifter array further includes a first signal line and a second signal line. The first signal line can be disposed on the side of the first electrode 24 near the first dielectric substrate 21, and the second signal line can be disposed on the side of the second electrode 25 near the second dielectric substrate 22. The first signal line may include a first driving line 26, and the second signal line may include a second driving line 27. Alternatively, the first signal line may also include a first connecting line 213 electrically connected to the first driving line 26, and the corresponding second signal line may include a second connecting line electrically connected to the second driving line 27.

[0136] In some examples, to avoid the overlap of the orthographic projections of the first signal line and the second signal line on the plane of the first dielectric substrate 21, which could generate capacitance, the first signal line and the second signal line can be staggered during the design phase, so that their orthographic projections on the plane of the first dielectric substrate 21 do not overlap. In some examples, a slot extending along the thickness direction can also be provided on the wider of the first signal line and the second signal line, with the other slot overlapping with the orthographic projection of the slot on the plane of the first dielectric substrate 21, to minimize the coupling between the first signal line and the second signal line and generate capacitance. In some examples, the orthographic projections of the first signal line and the second signal line on the plane of the first dielectric substrate 21 can partially overlap, thereby improving space utilization.

[0137] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the structure on the first dielectric substrate of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the structure on the second dielectric substrate of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the phase shifter array according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in Figures 19-20, the present disclosure also provides a phase shifter array, which may include multiple phase adjustment structures arranged in an array. The phase adjustment structure includes a first dielectric substrate 21 and a second dielectric substrate 22 disposed opposite to each other, an adjustable dielectric layer 23 disposed between the first dielectric substrate 21 and the second dielectric substrate 22, a first electrode 24 disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate 21 near the adjustable dielectric layer 23, and a first driving line 26 connected to the first electrode 24, a second electrode 25 disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate 22 near the adjustable dielectric layer 23, and a second driving line 27 connected to the second electrode 25.

[0138] In this example, the phase shifter array includes a working area Q1 and a peripheral area Q2 located on at least one side of the working area Q1. In this embodiment of the disclosure, the peripheral area Q2 surrounds the working area Q1. The peripheral area Q2 includes at least one bonding area Q20, in which connection pads are provided. The connection pads electrically connected to the first electrode 24 are different from the connection pads electrically connected to the second electrode 25, and at least a portion of the connection pads electrically connected to the first electrode 24 and at least a portion of the connection pads electrically connected to the second electrode 25 are located in the same bonding area Q20.

[0139] It should be noted that, for ease of description, the connection pad electrically connected to the first electrode 24 is referred to as the first connection pad 28, and the connection pad electrically connected to the second electrode 25 is referred to as the second connection pad 210. Accordingly, in the embodiments of this disclosure, at least a portion of the first connection pad 28 and the second connection pad 210 are located in the same bonding region Q20. This allows for the simultaneous provision of bias voltages to both the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 25 using the same drive circuit board, thereby reducing costs. A detailed explanation is provided below with reference to specific examples.

[0140] In some examples, both the first connection pad 28 and the second connection pad 210 are disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate 21 near the tunable dielectric layer, and a signal connection line located in the peripheral region Q2 is disposed on the second dielectric substrate 22. A first electrode 24 is electrically connected to a first drive line 26, and the first drive line 26 is electrically connected to the first connection pad 28. A second electrode 25 is electrically connected to a second drive line 27, and the second drive line 27 is electrically connected to the signal connection line 4, and the signal connection line 4 is electrically connected to the second connection pad 210 via a transition assembly 57. The transition assembly 5 is located between the first dielectric substrate 21 and the second dielectric substrate 22, and the transition assembly 5 can be electrically connected to the second connection pad 210 via a signal transition line 213 located on the first dielectric substrate 21.

[0141] Furthermore, a sealing adhesive 6 is disposed between the first dielectric substrate 21 and the second dielectric substrate 22 in the peripheral region Q2. The sealing adhesive 6 contains a conductive structure, such as a conductive gold ball, which serves as the adapter component 5. In this case, the signal connection line 4 can be electrically connected to the signal connection line 4 through the conductive structure in the sealing adhesive 6.

[0142] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 24 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of the location of an exemplary adapter component in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 21-26, in some examples, the number of adapter components 5 can be one or more. When there is one adapter component 5, the adapter component 5 can be located at the position of the line segment extending along the first direction X of the signal connection line 4, or it can be located at the position of the line segment extending along the second direction Y of the signal line. When the working area Q1 is divided into multiple regions, there are multiple transition components 5. The second drive line 27 electrically connected to the second electrode 25 in the same region is electrically connected to the same transition component 5. Furthermore, the second drive lines 27 electrically connected to the second electrode 25 in different regions are connected to different transition components 5. This connection method can reduce the voltage drop between the second electrode 25 and the second connection pad 210, thereby improving the performance of the phase shifter array. In some examples, the working area Q1 can be divided into two or more regions arranged side-by-side along the first direction X, or two or more regions arranged side-by-side along the second direction Y. Of course, the working area Q1 can also be divided into arbitrarily set multiple regions according to product requirements. This disclosure does not specifically limit this aspect in the embodiments.

[0143] In some examples, the placement of the adapter component 5 in this embodiment can be determined by considering factors such as the wiring in the phase shifter array and the placement of the bonding area Q20. Since the main extension direction of the traces in the phase shifter array, such as the first drive line 26 and the second drive line 27, is the first direction X, to facilitate the connection of the first drive line 26 and the second drive line 27 to their respective corresponding bonding pads, it is preferable to place the bonding area Q20 on at least one side of the working area Q1 along the first direction X. In this case, the adapter component 5 can be placed on at least one side of the working area Q1 along the second direction Y. This not only provides sufficient placement space for the adapter component 5 but also facilitates testing the conductivity of the adapter component 5 and repairing it if it malfunctions.

[0144] In one example, Figure 27 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary adapter component according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 27, the adapter component 5 may not be completely disposed within the sealing adhesive 6, and the line width of the adapter component 5 may be greater than the line width of the sealing adhesive 6. For example, if the adapter component 5 is disposed on the side of the sealing adhesive 6 along the first direction X, the width of the adapter component 5 along the second direction Y is greater than the width of the side of the sealing adhesive 6 along the second direction Y.

[0145] In some examples, since the phase adjustment structure is arranged in an array, the corresponding first electrode 24 and second electrode 25 are also arranged in an array. In this case, the plurality of first electrodes 24 are divided into a plurality of first electrode groups 100 arranged side by side along the second direction Y, and the plurality of first electrodes 24 in the first electrode group 100 are arranged side by side along the first direction X. Similarly, the plurality of second electrodes 25 are divided into a plurality of second electrode groups 200 arranged side by side along the second direction Y, and the plurality of second electrodes 25 in the second electrode group 200 are arranged side by side along the first direction X. The second electrodes 25 located in the same second electrode group 200 are electrically connected to the second connection pad 210 through the same second drive line 27. For example: FIG28 is a schematic diagram of the second driving line of an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in FIG28, the second driving line 27 includes a second main body 271 and a plurality of second branches 272 electrically connected to the second main body 271. The plurality of second branches 272 are connected one-to-one with the plurality of second electrodes 25 in the second electrode group 200, and the second main body 271 extends along the first direction X and is electrically connected to the signal connection line 4.

[0146] Furthermore, the connection node between the second main body 271 and the signal connection line 4 is the first node, and the line width of the second main body 271 is unequal at at least some locations, with the line width relatively close to the first node not less than the line width relatively far from the first node. This reduces the line resistance of the second main body 271. In one example, the second main body 271 includes connecting segments between adjacent branches, and the connecting segments closer to the first node have wider line widths. That is, the line width of the second main body 271 varies in a stepped manner. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram of the first drive line group and the second drive line according to an embodiment of this disclosure; as shown in Figure 29, in this case, the second main body 271 can not only reduce line resistance but also reserve a certain wiring space for the first drive line 26 in the first drive line group 260, thereby effectively reducing the large overlapping capacitance generated by the first drive line 26 and the second drive line 27, and reducing the impact on the phase shifting performance of the phase shifter array.

[0147] In some examples, a second electrode group 200 is spaced between the second main body portions 271 of the two second drive lines 27. Each first drive line 26 connecting the first electrode 24 in the same first electrode group 100 constitutes a first drive line group 260. Adjacent first drive line groups 260 are spaced between a first electrode group 100. One first drive line group 260 is correspondingly provided with one main body portion, and the orthographic projections of the second main body portion 271 and the first drive line 26 in the first drive line group 260 do not overlap, or at least partially overlap, on the plane where the first dielectric substrate 21 is located.

[0148] In one example, FIG30 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between an exemplary first driving line group and a second driving line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG30, for the correspondingly arranged first driving line group 260 and second main body portion 271, only a portion of the first driving line 260 and the second main body portion 271 overlap in their orthographic projections onto the plane where the first dielectric substrate 21 is located. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the overlap area of ​​the orthographic projections of the first driving line group 260 and the second main body portion 271 onto the plane where the first dielectric substrate 21 is located is minimized as much as possible, thereby reducing the overlap capacitance formed by the two.

[0149] In one example, FIG31 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between an exemplary first driving line group and a second driving line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG31, for the correspondingly arranged first driving line group 260 and second main body portion 271, the second main body portion 271 includes at least one first slot 270 extending through its thickness direction and along a first direction X. The orthographic projection of the first driving line group 260 on the plane where the first dielectric substrate 21 is located is within the orthographic projection of the first slot 270 on the plane where the first dielectric substrate 21 is located. At this time, the overlap area of ​​the orthographic projections of the first driving line group 260 and the second main body portion 271 on the plane where the first dielectric substrate 21 is located can be minimized as much as possible, thereby reducing the overlap capacitance formed by the two.

[0150] In one example, FIG32 is a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between an exemplary first driving line group and a second driving line according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; as shown in FIG32, it is also feasible for the first driving lines 26 in the first driving line group 260 to overlap with the orthographic projection of the main body portion onto the plane where the first dielectric substrate 21 is located. In this case, wiring space can be reduced.

[0151] In some examples, the number of bonding areas Q20 in this embodiment of the present disclosure can be one. When there is only one bonding area Q20, it can be located on one side of the working area Q1 along the first direction X. In this case, the first connection pad 28 and the second connection pad 210 can both be located within one bonding area Q20. This allows for the selection of a single driver circuit board, and the bonding of the first connection pad 28 and the second connection pad 210 to the driver circuit board can be completed with only one bonding process.

[0152] In some examples, Figure 33 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary bonding region according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 34 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of an exemplary bonding region according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the number of bonding regions Q20 in the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be multiple. In this case, the working area Q1 can be divided into multiple regions. The first connection pads 28 and 210 electrically connected to the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 25 of the phase adjustment structure located in the same region are located in the same bonding region Q20. That is, the multiple regions divided in the working area Q1 are configured one-to-one with the multiple bonding regions Q20. In this case, the voltage drop generated by the first drive line 26 and the second drive line 27 being connected to their respective first connection pads 28 and 210 can be reduced, thereby improving the phase shifting performance. Moreover, for large-size phase shifter arrays, multiple bonding regions are used.

[0153] Furthermore, when there are multiple binding areas Q20, the multiple binding areas Q20 can be respectively disposed on both sides of the working area Q1 along the first direction X, as shown in Figure 33, or they can be disposed only on one side of the working area Q1 along the first direction X, and the binding areas Q20 on the same side are arranged side by side along the second direction Y, as shown in Figure 34. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, when there are multiple binding areas Q20, only two binding areas Q20 are taken as an example, but it should be understood that this does not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0154] This disclosure also provides a phased array antenna, which includes a feed structure, a phase shifter array, and a radiating array. The phase shifter array can be the phase shifter array described above. The radiating array includes multiple radiating structures; the feed structure includes a first feed port and at least one second feed port. The phased array antenna includes multiple elements, each element consisting of a phase adjustment structure and a radiating structure. The second feed port of the feed structure is configured to provide radio frequency signals to the elements; specifically, the second feed port of the feed structure transmits radio frequency signals to a radiating structure through a phase adjustment structure.

[0155] In some examples, the feed structure can be selected from planar transmission line feed networks, waveguide feed networks, etc.

[0156] In some examples, the radiating structure can be selected from planar printed antennas, waveguide antennas, etc., on a PCB substrate (or other substrate).

[0157] In some examples, the feed structure, phase shifter array, and radiating array can be assembled by bonding, mechanical mounting, or other methods to form a complete phased array antenna. During operation, the dielectric constant of the tunable dielectric layer 23 in the phase adjustment structure of each element can be controlled individually to achieve phased array beam radiation.

[0158] The antenna also includes a transceiver unit, an RF transceiver, a signal amplifier, a power amplifier, and a filtering unit. This antenna can function as either a transmitting or receiving antenna. The transceiver unit can include a baseband and a receiver. The baseband provides signals in at least one frequency band, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G signals, and transmits these signals to the RF transceiver. The transparent antenna in the communication system receives the signal, which is then processed by the filtering unit, power amplifier, signal amplifier, and RF transceiver (not shown in the diagram) before being transmitted to the receiver in the transceiver unit. The receiver could be, for example, a smart gateway.

[0159] Furthermore, the RF transceiver is connected to the transceiver unit and is used to modulate the signals transmitted by the transceiver unit, or to demodulate the signals received by the transparent antenna before transmitting them to the transceiver unit. Specifically, the RF transceiver may include a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a modulation circuit, and a demodulation circuit. After the transmitting circuit receives various types of signals provided by the baseband, the modulation circuit can modulate the various types of signals provided by the baseband before transmitting them to the antenna. The transparent antenna receives the signals and transmits them to the receiving circuit of the RF transceiver. The receiving circuit then transmits the signals to the demodulation circuit, which demodulates the signals before transmitting them to the receiving end.

[0160] Furthermore, the RF transceiver is connected to a signal amplifier and a power amplifier, which are then connected to a filtering unit. The filtering unit is connected to at least one antenna. During signal transmission in the communication system, the signal amplifier improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the RF transceiver's output signal before transmitting it to the filtering unit; the power amplifier amplifies the power of the RF transceiver's output signal before transmitting it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit may specifically include a duplexer and a filtering circuit. The filtering unit combines the signals output from the signal amplifier and power amplifier, filters out clutter, and transmits them to the transparent antenna, which radiates the signal. During signal reception in the communication system, the antenna receives the signal and transmits it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit filters out clutter from the received signal and transmits it to the signal amplifier and power amplifier. The signal amplifier increases the gain of the received signal, improving the SNR; the power amplifier amplifies the power of the received signal. The signal received by the antenna, after processing by the power amplifier and signal amplifier, is transmitted to the RF transceiver, which then transmits it to the transceiver unit.

[0161] In some examples, the signal amplifier may include various types of signal amplifiers, such as low-noise amplifiers, without limitation.

[0162] In some examples, the antenna provided in this disclosure also includes a power management unit connected to a power amplifier to provide voltage to the power amplifier for amplifying signals.

[0163] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phase shifter array, comprising a first dielectric substrate and a second dielectric substrate disposed opposite to each other, a tunable dielectric layer disposed between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the first dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, and a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, wherein the orthographic projections of one first electrode and one second electrode on the plane of the first dielectric substrate at least partially overlap; wherein, The phase shifter array includes a working area and a peripheral area located on at least one side of the working area; the first electrode, the second electrode, and the tunable dielectric layer are located in the working area; the peripheral area includes at least one bonding area, and the bonding area is provided with multiple connection pads; The connection pads electrically connected to the first electrode are different from the connection pads electrically connected to the second electrode, and at least a portion of the connection pads electrically connected to the first electrode and at least a portion of the connection pads electrically connected to the second electrode are located in the same bonding area.

2. The phase shifter array according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a plurality of first driving lines disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, a plurality of second driving lines disposed on the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, and a signal connection line disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer and located in the peripheral area; The connection pads are located on the first dielectric substrate. One first electrode is electrically connected to one first driving line, and one second electrode is electrically connected to one second driving line. The first driving lines are electrically connected to the connection pads, and each second driving line is electrically connected to the signal connection line. The signal connection line is electrically connected to the connection pads through an adapter assembly.

3. The phase shifter array according to claim 2, wherein, Multiple second electrodes are arranged in an array, divided into multiple second electrode groups arranged side by side along a second direction, and multiple second electrodes in the second electrode groups are arranged side by side along a first direction; The second electrodes located in the same second electrode group are electrically connected to the same second drive line; The second drive line includes a second main body and a plurality of second branches connected to the second main body; A second branch is electrically connected to a second electrode; the second main body extends along the first direction and is electrically connected to the signal connection line.

4. The phase shifter array according to claim 3, wherein, The connection node between the second main body and the signal connection line is the first node; the line width of at least some parts of the second main body is not equal, and the line width relatively close to the first node is not less than the line width relatively far from the first node.

5. The phase shifter array according to claim 4, wherein, The second main body includes a plurality of connecting lines connecting adjacent second branches, and the connecting lines closer to the first node are wider.

6. The phase shifter array according to claim 3, wherein, The first driving line and the second main body portion do not overlap in the orthographic projection onto the plane where the first dielectric substrate is located.

7. The phase shifter array according to claim 3, wherein, The second main body includes at least one slot that extends through it in its thickness direction and along the first direction, and at least a portion of the first drive line overlaps with the orthographic projection of the slot onto the plane where the first dielectric substrate is located.

8. The phase shifter array according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a sealing adhesive located between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, and in the peripheral area; the sealing adhesive has a conductive structure, which serves as the adapter component.

9. The phase shifter array according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a sealing adhesive located between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, and located in the peripheral area; the linewidth of the adapter assembly is greater than the linewidth of the sealing adhesive.

10. The phase shifter array according to claim 2, wherein, The working area is divided into multiple regions, and there are multiple adapter components. The second drive line electrically connected to the second electrode in the same region is electrically connected to the same adapter component. The second drive lines electrically connected to the second electrodes in different regions are electrically connected to different adapter components.

11. The phase shifter array according to claim 2, wherein, The binding area is provided on at least one side of the working area along the first direction; the adapter component is provided on at least one side of the working area along the second direction.

12. The phase shifter array according to claim 1, wherein, The binding area can be set using any of the following methods: The binding area is located on one side of the work area in the first direction; The binding area includes multiple binding areas, and the multiple binding areas are located on one side of the working area in the first direction and arranged side by side along the second direction; The binding area includes multiple binding areas, and the multiple binding areas are located on both sides of the working area in the first direction.

13. The phase shifter array according to claim 1, wherein, The connection pads include a first connection pad and a third connection pad located on the side of the first dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer, and a second connection pad and a fourth connection pad disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer; wherein... The working area includes a first region and a second region; the first electrode located in the first region is electrically connected to the first connection pad, and one first connection pad is electrically connected to multiple first electrodes; the second electrode located in the first region is electrically connected to an independent second connection pad. The first electrode located in the second region is electrically connected to the independent third connection pad, the second electrode located in the second region is electrically connected to the fourth connection pad, and one fourth connection pad is electrically connected to multiple second electrodes.

14. The phase shifter array according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of first electrodes are arranged in an array and divided into a plurality of first electrode groups arranged side by side along the second direction, wherein the plurality of first electrodes in the first electrode group are arranged side by side along the first direction; The plurality of second electrodes are arranged in an array and divided into a plurality of second electrode groups arranged side by side along a second direction, wherein a plurality of first electrodes in the second electrode groups are arranged side by side along a first direction; Each of the first electrodes located in the same first electrode group and in the first region is electrically connected to the same first drive line and is electrically connected to the first connection pad through the first drive line; Each of the second electrodes located in the same second electrode group and in the second region is electrically connected to the same second drive line and is electrically connected to the fourth connection pad through the second drive line.

15. The phase shifter array according to claim 14, wherein, For a first driving line that is electrically connected to a first electrode located in the first region, it includes a first main body portion and a first branch portion that is connected to the first main body portion and is connected to the first electrode in a one-to-one correspondence. The first electrode group is spaced apart between adjacent first main body portions; For a second driving line that is electrically connected to a second electrode located in the second region, it includes a second main body portion, a second branch portion connected to the second main body portion and corresponding to the second electrode in a one-to-one manner; and a second electrode group is spaced apart between adjacent second main body portions.

16. The phase shifter array according to claim 14, wherein, The first region includes two first sub-regions arranged side by side along the second direction; The first branches of the first drive lines electrically connected to the first electrodes in the two first sub-regions are arranged opposite to each other.

17. The phase shifter array according to claim 14, wherein, The second region includes two second sub-regions arranged side by side along the second direction; The second branches of the second drive lines electrically connected to the second electrodes in the two second sub-regions are arranged opposite to each other.

18. The phase shifter array according to claim 14, wherein, The number of first electrodes located in the first region is equal in each of the first electrode groups.

19. The phase shifter array according to claim 14, wherein, The number of first electrodes in at least a portion of each of the first electrode groups in the first region is not equal.

20. The phase shifter array according to claim 19, wherein, The number of first electrodes in the first region is equal for at least some of the first electrode groups that are arranged in adjacent configurations.

21. The phase shifter array according to claim 13, wherein, The binding area of ​​the surrounding area includes a first binding area and a second binding area; The first and third connection pads are located in the first bonding area, and the second and fourth connection pads are located in the second bonding area.

22. The phase shifter array according to claim 21, wherein, The number of the first binding area and the second binding area are equal, and the first binding area and the second binding area are respectively located on both sides of the working area that are opposite to each other along the first direction.

23. The phase shifter array according to claim 21, wherein, The number of the first binding area and the second binding area are equal, and the first binding area and the second binding area are provided on both sides of the working area that are opposite to each other along the first direction.

24. The phase shifter array according to claim 21, wherein, The number of the first binding area and the number of the second binding area are different, and the first binding area and the second binding area are respectively located on both sides of the working area that are opposite to each other along the first direction.

25. The phase shifter array according to claim 21, wherein, The first connection pad and / or the second connection pad are provided on at least one side of the working area along the first direction; The first connection pad and / or the second connection pad are provided on at least one side of the working area along the second direction.

26. A phased array antenna comprising a phase shifter array as described in any one of claims 1-25.

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