Antenna array assembly, antenna module and electronic device

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are an antenna array assembly, an antenna module and an electronic device, which are used for alleviating the problem of interference caused by a grating lobe on a main lobe during beam scanning of an antenna array. The antenna array assembly comprises: an antenna array and a beam deflection element. A beam radiated by the antenna array has a main lobe and a grating lobe. The main lobe has a first beam angle θ1, and the grating lobe has a second beam angle θ2. The first beam angle θ1 is located within a first angle range from a to b, and the second beam angle θ2 meets either θ2≥b or θ2≤a, such that the main lobe and the grating lobe are easily distinguished from each other, thereby eliminating the interference caused by the grating lobe on the main lobe. The beam deflection element is located on a beam transceiving side of the antenna array, and is used for deflecting the angle of the beam, such that the main lobe has a third beam angle θ3 after passing through the beam deflection element, and the grating lobe has a fourth beam angle θ4 after passing through the beam deflection element. The third beam angle is located within a second angle range from c to d, wherein cb, and the fourth beam angle θ4 meets either θ4≥d or θ4≤c, thereby expanding a scanning range of the antenna array.

Description

An antenna array assembly, an antenna module, and an electronic device.

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application filed on March 17, 2025, with application number 202510324027.4 and entitled "An antenna array assembly, antenna module and electronic device", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of antennas, and more particularly to an antenna array assembly, an antenna module, and an electronic device. Background Technology

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

[0004] This application provides an antenna array assembly, an antenna module, and an electronic device, which improves the problem of interference between the grating lobe and the main lobe during beam scanning and enhances the radiation performance of the antenna array.

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

[0006] A first aspect of this application provides an antenna array assembly, comprising an antenna array and a beam deflector, the beam deflector being located on the beam transceiver side of the antenna array. The beam radiated by the antenna array has a main lobe and a grating lobe, the main lobe having a first beam angle θ1 and the grating lobe having a second beam angle θ2. The first beam angle θ1 is within a first angle range a to b, and the second beam angle θ2 satisfies θ2 ≥ b or θ2 ≤ a. The beam deflector is used to deflect the beam angle so that the main lobe has a third beam angle θ3 after passing through the beam deflector, and the grating lobe has a fourth beam angle θ4 after passing through the beam deflector. The third beam angle is within a second angle range c to d, where c b, and the fourth beam angle θ4 satisfies θ4 ≥ d or θ4 ≤ c.

[0007] In the antenna array assembly provided in this application embodiment, the antenna array is used to radiate a beam. The lobe in the direction of strongest radiation of the antenna array is the main lobe, the other lobes are side lobes, and the side lobes with energy intensities similar to the main lobe are grating lobes. The total energy radiated by the antenna array is fixed. If energy is directed to the side lobes and subsequently forms grating lobes, the energy directed to the main lobe will decrease, thereby reducing the antenna gain. Furthermore, the energy intensity of the grating lobes is close to that of the main lobe, which can cause confusion between targets in the grating lobe direction and targets in the main lobe direction during beam scanning, interfering with the main lobe. The main lobe has a first beam angle θ1, and the grating lobe has a second beam angle θ2. During small-angle scanning, the first beam angle θ1 is within a first angle range a~b, and the second beam angle θ2 satisfies θ2≥b or θ2≤a. Therefore, the range of the main lobe deflection angle (first beam angle θ1) and the range of the grating lobe deflection angle (second beam angle θ2) do not overlap, and the main lobe and grating lobe can be easily distinguished.

[0008] The antenna array assembly also includes a beam deflector, which can deflect the beam angle. The main lobe, after passing through the beam deflector, has a third beam angle θ3, and the grating lobe, after passing through the beam deflector, has a fourth beam angle θ4. The third beam angle is located within the second angle range c to d, where c b, and the fourth beam angle θ4 satisfies θ4 ≥ d or θ4 ≤ c. After passing through the beam deflector, the range of the main lobe's deflection angle is expanded from the first angle range a to b to the second angle range c to d. Furthermore, the expanded range of the main lobe's deflection angle (third beam angle θ3) still does not overlap with the range of the grating lobe's deflection angle (fourth beam angle θ4), and the main lobe and grating lobe can still be easily distinguished. Therefore, the antenna array assembly provided in this application embodiment can maintain the characteristic of easily distinguishable main lobe and grating lobe within a large scanning range, improving the problem of grating lobe interference with the main lobe during beam scanning, thereby reducing interference in non-target directions and improving the radiation performance of the antenna array.

[0009] In some embodiments, the beam deflection device includes a concave lens. In this way, the concave lens can deflect the beam passing through it and disperse it in all directions. The concave lens can expand the range of the main lobe deflection angle from a first angular range to a second angular range, thus increasing the scanning range of the antenna array. In some examples, the concave lens can be a plano-concave lens, a biconcave lens, or a convex-concave lens.

[0010] In some embodiments, the beam deflection device further includes a collimating lens located between the concave lens and the antenna array, with the distance between the collimating lens and the antenna array equal to the focal length of the collimating lens. In this way, the collimating lens can deflect the beam passing through it and converge it towards the center of the collimating lens. When the collimating lens is located between the concave lens and the antenna array, and the distance between the collimating lens and the antenna array is equal to the focal length of the collimating lens, the collimating lens can deflect the beam incident on the concave lens into a beam parallel to the optical axis of the concave lens. This makes it easier to calculate the beam deflection law of the concave lens and to implement the architecture of the beam deflection device more easily. In some examples, the collimating lens can be a plano-convex lens, a biconvex lens, or a concave-convex lens.

[0011] In some embodiments, the beam deflection device includes a metasurface structure. This metasurface structure can deflect the beam passing through it. A specific phase distribution within the metasurface structure can expand the deflection angle range of the main lobe from a first angular range to a second angular range. The metasurface structure uses micro / nanostructures to control beam deflection, achieving phase delay through the phase response of the micro / nanostructure. Since the size of the micro / nanostructure is smaller than the wavelength of light, beam deflection can be achieved in materials much thinner than a lens. Therefore, metasurface structures are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses, effectively reducing the size and weight of antenna array components, making them more practical for applications with strict size and weight requirements.

[0012] In some embodiments, the metasurface structure includes: multiple micro / nanostructures and at least one driving unit. The driving unit is used to adjust the phase response of the micro / nanostructures, and one driving unit is connected to at least one micro / nanostructure. In this way, the driving unit adjusts the phase response of the micro / nanostructures, thereby adjusting the phase distribution of the metasurface structure to meet the requirements for beam angle deflection under different conditions. In some examples, one driving unit is connected to multiple micro / nanostructures, and the phase responses of the multiple micro / nanostructures connected to the same driving unit can be adjusted as a whole, which can reduce the power consumption and manufacturing cost of the metasurface structure. In other examples, one driving unit is connected to one micro / nanostructure, and the phase response of each micro / nanostructure can be adjusted independently. Compared with the example of one driving unit connected to multiple micro / nanostructures, the adjustment accuracy of the phase distribution of the metasurface structure is higher when one driving unit is connected to one micro / nanostructure. In some examples, the driving unit may include: semiconductor materials, liquid crystal materials, or light-controlled materials, etc.

[0013] In some embodiments, the phase response of micro / nano structures satisfy: In this system, multiple micro / nano structures are distributed within a coordinate system with the center of the metasurface structure as the origin. x represents the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in a first direction, which is parallel to the metasurface structure. f is the equivalent focal length of the metasurface structure. When the phase response of the micro / nano structures within the metasurface structure satisfies the aforementioned relationship, the phase distribution of the metasurface structure allows the scanning range of the antenna array to be expanded from a first angular range to a second angular range. This improves the problem of grating lobes interfering with the main lobe during one-dimensional beam scanning in the first direction without affecting the scanning range.

[0014] In some embodiments, the phase response of micro / nano structures satisfy: In this system, multiple micro / nano structures are distributed within a coordinate system with the center of the metasurface structure as the origin. x represents the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in the first direction, and y represents the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in the second direction. The first direction is parallel to the metasurface structure, the second direction is parallel to the metasurface structure, and the first and second directions are perpendicular. f is the equivalent focal length of the metasurface structure. When the phase response of the micro / nano structures within the metasurface structure satisfies the above relationship, the phase distribution of the metasurface structure allows the scanning range of the antenna array to be expanded from the first angular range to the second angular range. This improves the problem of grating lobe interference with the main lobe during two-dimensional beam scanning of the antenna array without affecting the scanning range.

[0015] In some embodiments, the phase response of micro / nano structures satisfy: In this design, multiple micro / nano structures are distributed within a coordinate system with the center of the metasurface structure as the origin. x represents the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in the first direction, and y represents the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in the second direction. The first direction is parallel to the metasurface structure, the second direction is parallel to the metasurface structure, and the first and second directions are perpendicular. f1 is the equivalent focusing distance of the metasurface structure, and f2 is the equivalent diverging focal length of the metasurface structure. In this way, the metasurface structure can be equivalently represented as a collimating lens with an equivalent focusing distance and a concave lens with an equivalent diverging focal length superimposed. Compared to equating the metasurface to a single concave lens, the beam deflection law of equivalent collimating and concave lens superposition is simpler, making it easier to calculate the phase response of the micro / nano structures and the phase distribution of the metasurface, thus simplifying the design process.

[0016] In some embodiments, the equivalent focusing distance f1 of the metasurface structure is the distance between the metasurface structure and the antenna array, and the equivalent diverging focal length f2 of the metasurface structure satisfies... In this way, the equivalent focusing distance f1 of the metasurface can be determined by the distance between the metasurface and the antenna array, and the equivalent diverging focal length f2 of the metasurface can be determined by the equivalent focusing distance f1, the first beam angle θ1, and the third beam angle θ3.

[0017] In some embodiments, the beam transmitted and received by the antenna array reaches the scanning region formed by the metasurface structure, and the width w of the scanning region satisfies: w = 2 × f1 × tan(θ2). The metasurface structure has a length L1 in the first direction and a length L2 in the second direction; L1 > w, and / or, L2 > w. In this way, by determining the width w of the scanning region through the third beam angle θ3, it can be ensured that both the main lobe and the grating lobe of the beam reach the scanning region on the metasurface structure and are deflected under the action of the metasurface structure. The length L1 of the metasurface structure in the first direction, satisfying L1 > w, ensures that the metasurface structure deflects the beam transmitted and received by the antenna array when performing one-dimensional beam scanning in the first direction. The length L2 of the metasurface structure in the second direction, satisfying L2 > w, ensures that the metasurface structure deflects the beam transmitted and received by the antenna array when performing one-dimensional beam scanning in the second direction. The metasurface structure has a length L1 in the first direction and a length L2 in the second direction, which simultaneously satisfies L1 > w and L2 > w. This ensures that the metasurface structure deflects the beam transmitted and received by the antenna array during two-dimensional beam scanning.

[0018] In some embodiments, the antenna array includes A radiators arranged in an array and B signal transmission terminals, the signal transmission terminals being used to connect to a processor. Where A > B, at least two radiators are connected to the same signal transmission terminal. This connection of at least two radiators to one signal transmission terminal allows for an increase in the number of radiators without increasing the number of signal transmission terminals, thus increasing the size of the antenna array and improving the system gain. Furthermore, beam deflection devices can mitigate the grating lobe problem caused by the connection of at least two radiators to one signal transmission terminal, achieving grating lobe suppression.

[0019] In some embodiments, the antenna array includes a plurality of radiators, wherein the spacing d between two adjacent radiators satisfies The operating wavelength of the antenna array is λ. Therefore, the spacing between two adjacent radiators satisfies... It can reduce interference between radiators and also help achieve wider frequency range coverage. However, when the spacing between radiators meets this range (the spacing between radiators is large), the antenna array is more prone to generating grating lobes. Using the antenna array component provided in the embodiments of this application can improve the problem of grating lobes interfering with the main lobe.

[0020] A second aspect of this application provides an antenna module comprising: a feed network and an antenna array assembly of any one of the types provided in the first aspect of this application. The feed network and the antenna array assembly are connected. This antenna module has the same technical effects as the antenna array assembly provided in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be described again here.

[0021] In some embodiments, the antenna module further includes a processor, and a feed network is connected between the antenna array and the processor. In this case, the processor is used to transmit or process signals, and the feed network is used to transmit signals transmitted by the processor to the antenna array, or signals received by the antenna array to the processor.

[0022] In some embodiments, the antenna module further includes a support structure located in the beam transmission / reception direction of the antenna array. The support structure is connected to the antenna array assembly, and a beam deflection device is disposed on the support structure. In this configuration, the support structure is located in the beam transmission / reception direction of the antenna array and connected to the antenna array, thus fixing the positions of the support structure and the antenna array. Since the beam deflection device is disposed on the support structure, the support structure can be used to determine the position of the beam deflection device within the antenna module, assisting the beam deflection device in deflecting the transmit / receive beams of the antenna array.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the beam deflection device includes a concave lens, and the support structure includes a mounting hole in which the concave lens is disposed. In this way, the mounting hole can be used to fix the concave lens and determine its position within the antenna module.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the beam deflection device includes a metasurface structure, and the support structure includes a mounting surface on which the metasurface structure is attached. In this way, the mounting surface can be used to fix the metasurface structure and determine its position within the antenna module.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the antenna module includes a housing that is reused as a support structure. This reduces the number of structures within the antenna module and lightens its weight.

[0026] A third aspect of this application provides an electronic device including a housing and an antenna module provided in the second aspect of this application, the antenna module being disposed within the housing. This electronic device has the same technical effects as the antenna array assembly provided in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0027] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a processor, and the feed network of the antenna module is connected between the antenna array of the antenna module and the processor.

[0028] A fourth aspect of this application provides a design method for an antenna array assembly, used to design the antenna array assembly provided in the first aspect of this application. The method includes the following steps: First, obtaining the driving model and element spacing to determine a first angle range. Second, obtaining a second angle range and the distance between the antenna array and the beam deflection device to determine the phase distribution of the metasurface structure. Third, quantizing and mapping to determine the phase response of the micro / nano structure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an antenna module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another antenna module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another antenna module provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an antenna array assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beam deflection device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a beam deflection device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another beam deflection device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a design method for an antenna array assembly provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the design principle of the phase distribution of a metasurface structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the phase distribution of another metasurface structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another antenna module provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Hereinafter, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application, components are indicated by arrowed guide lines, and parts are indicated by guide lines only.

[0045] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are defined relative to the orientation in which the components are schematically placed in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these directional terms are relative concepts, used for relative description and clarification, and can change accordingly depending on the orientation in which the components are placed in the accompanying drawings.

[0046] This application provides an electronic device. The electronic device, also known as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device used to provide voice or data connectivity to a user, and can also be an Internet of Things (IoT) device. For example, terminal devices include handheld devices with wireless connectivity, vehicle-mounted devices, etc. Currently, electronic devices can include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), in-vehicle equipment (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), satellite terminals, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, point-of-sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), light user equipment (UE), reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE), wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, robotic arms, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in autonomous driving, wireless terminals in telemedicine, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, and flying equipment (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), etc. Electronic devices can also be vehicle devices, such as vehicle units, vehicle modules, vehicle chips, on-board units (OBUs) or telematics boxes (T-BOXs). Terminal devices can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, electronic devices can also be devices that serve as terminals in D2D communication.

[0047] In one possible scenario, electronic devices can be base stations, evolved NodeBs (eNodeBs), transmitting and receiving points (TRPs), transmitting points (TPs), next-generation NodeBs (gNBs), base stations in future mobile communication systems, satellites, or access points (APs) in WiFi systems, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, and network equipment in mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication systems, i.e., they can be deployed on high-altitude platforms or satellites, etc.

[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1, the electronic device 10 may include a housing 11 and an antenna module 20, the antenna module 20 being disposed within the housing 11. As shown in FIG2, the antenna module 20 may include a processor 12, an antenna array assembly, and a feed network 21. The antenna array assembly includes an antenna array 30. The feed network 21 is connected between the antenna array 30 and the processor 12. The feed network 21 is used to transmit signals sent by the processor 12 to the antenna array 30, or to transmit signals received by the antenna array 30 to the processor 12.

[0049] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG3, the antenna module 20 includes an antenna array assembly 40 and a feed network 21, and the electronic device 10 may further include a processor 12, which is electrically connected to the antenna module 20.

[0050] For ease of explanation, an xyz coordinate axis is established in Figure 2. The xy plane is parallel to the plane containing antenna array 30, and the z direction is perpendicular to the xy plane and points towards the beam transmission and reception direction of antenna array 30. The x direction is called the first direction x, the y direction is called the second direction y, and the z direction is called the third direction z. The coordinate system definitions in subsequent figures are similar and will not be repeated.

[0051] In some embodiments, the processor may be a baseband processor. For example, as shown in FIG4, processor 12 includes one or more digital signal processor (DSP) chips 13. Each DSP chip 13 includes multiple signal transmission terminals 14, for example, each DSP chip 13 includes two signal transmission terminals 14. Feed network 21 includes multiple feed branches 22, and antenna array 30 includes multiple radiators 31. Each feed branch 22 is connected between a signal transmission terminal 14 and a radiator 31.

[0052] In some examples, the feed branch 22 may include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), including a mixer. In the transmit link, the DSP chip 13 transmits baseband digital signals, the DAC receives the digital baseband signals transmitted by the DSP chip 13 and converts them into analog baseband signals, the mixer receives the analog baseband signals transmitted by the DAC and performs up-conversion, and finally the antenna array transmits them to free space. In the receive link, the antenna array 30 receives signals from free space and sends them to the mixer, the mixer down-converts the signals and sends them to the ADC, the ADC converts the analog baseband signals into digital baseband signals and sends them to the DSP chip 13, which processes the baseband digital signals. For ease of explanation, the following description uses the transmit link as an example.

[0053] In some embodiments, the antenna array 30 includes a plurality of radiators 31, each of which can radiate or receive signals individually. The signals radiated (or received) by different radiators 31 in the antenna array 30 can be spatially synthesized into a highly directional, high-gain, rotatable beam, thereby enabling multi-target communication, multi-target detection, or multi-target imaging.

[0054] Multi-target communication refers to communicating with multiple targets simultaneously. In satellite communication, multi-target communication technology can be used to communicate with multiple ground stations simultaneously, improving the coverage and capacity of the communication network. In the Internet of Things (IoT), multi-target communication technology can be used to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, enabling applications such as smart homes and smart cities.

[0055] Multi-target detection refers to the simultaneous detection or tracking of multiple targets. In the radar field, multi-target detection technology can be used to simultaneously detect and track multiple targets, improving combat effectiveness. In traffic management, multi-target detection technology can be used to monitor vehicles and pedestrians on roads in real time, improving traffic management and safety levels.

[0056] Multi-target imaging refers to communicating with multiple targets simultaneously. In medical imaging, multi-target imaging technology can be used to observe multiple organs or tissues at the same time, helping doctors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a patient's health condition. In industrial inspection, multi-target imaging technology can be used to simultaneously inspect multiple products on a production line, improving production efficiency and quality control.

[0057] To achieve a rotatable beam, i.e., beam scanning, it is necessary to weight (i.e., adjust the signal amplitude and phase) the signals transmitted to or from the radiators of the antenna array, so that these signals undergo constructive interference in certain directions and destructive interference in others, achieving spatial selectivity. The angle between the direction of constructive interference and the reference axis is the scanning angle, and the range of all scanning angles that the antenna array can cover is called the scanning range. The lobe in the direction of constructive interference is the main lobe, and the other lobes are side lobes. In this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the antenna array (i.e., the third direction z) is used as the reference axis.

[0058] In some embodiments, the energy intensity of some sidelobes is close to that of the main lobe; these sidelobes are also called grating lobes. The total energy radiated by the antenna array is fixed. If energy is directed to the sidelobes and subsequently forms grating lobes, the energy directed to the main lobe decreases, thus reducing the antenna gain. Furthermore, the close proximity of the grating lobe energy intensity to the main lobe energy intensity can cause confusion between targets in the grating lobe direction and targets in the main lobe direction during beam scanning, interfering with the main lobe. For example, when the array antenna is detecting an obstacle in the grating lobe direction, the grating lobe signal will be reflected, causing the system to interpret the obstacle as appearing in the main lobe direction, resulting in a misjudgment.

[0059] In point-to-point communication scenarios, where the positions of the transmitter and receiver change little, one-dimensional beam scanning is often used to detect targets. One-dimensional beam scanning refers to the antenna array's ability to control beam pointing in one dimension (usually horizontal or vertical). In satellite communication systems and similar scenarios, multi-dimensional beam pointing control is required, and two-dimensional beam scanning is commonly used to detect targets. Two-dimensional beam scanning refers to the antenna array's ability to control beam pointing in two independent dimensions (usually horizontal and vertical). In other words, two-dimensional beam scanning can arbitrarily change the beam direction within a complete three-dimensional space, offering greater flexibility than one-dimensional beam scanning. For ease of explanation, the following uses the relatively simple one-dimensional beam scanning as an example to study the conditions for grating lobe generation.

[0060] For example, as shown in Figure 2, during one-dimensional beam scanning, the radiation pattern function of the antenna array 30 can be expressed as:

[0061] Where f(θ) is the radiation pattern function for each radiator 31. i is the number of the radiator 31. M is the number of radiators 31 in the antenna array 30. e is the natural constant. j is the imaginary unit. k = 2π / λ is the wave constant, and λ is the operating frequency of the antenna module 20. d is the spacing between two adjacent radiators 31, also known as the element spacing. θ is the scanning angle, and kdsinθ is the spacing phase difference. The phase shift provided by the feed network 21. The phase shift provided by the feed network 21 for each radiator 31. When consistent, the scanning angle θ of the antenna array 30 is determined by the element spacing d between two adjacent radiators 31.

[0062] From the pattern function f(θ), it can be seen that the phase shift provided by the feeder network 21 When the phase difference kdsinθ provided by the element spacing d exactly cancels out, that is... When m is a natural number, the electric fields of all radiators 31 can be effectively superimposed, thereby completing beam convergence in the target direction.

[0063] However, in some examples, to reduce interference between radiators 31 in the antenna array 30, or to achieve wider frequency range coverage, the element spacing d needs to meet certain conditions. In this case, the beam of antenna array 30 may also converge in a non-target direction. That is, when At that time, there may be multiple scanning angles θ that can satisfy... For example, when the scan range θ∈[-90°,90°] and the element spacing d=λ, kd=2π. If the target direction is set to θ=0°, it can make To counteract kdsinθ. However, At that time, in the directions θ = 90° and θ = -90°, it is also possible to make This is valid. Therefore, the beam of antenna module 20 will converge in three directions: 0°, 90°, and -90°. That is, the beam of antenna module 20 will generate a main lobe in the target direction of 0°, and grating lobes in the non-target directions of 90° and -90°.

[0064] For example, the element spacing d = λ / 2. Based on this, the effect of the grating lobes on the scanning range is discussed. In some examples, the target direction is set to θ = -10°, making... because A 56° direction will produce grating lobes. In some examples, the target direction is set to θ = -20°, making... because A 41° direction will produce grating lobes. In some examples, the target direction is set to θ = -30°, making... because A grating lobe is generated at a 30° angle. It can be observed that in the examples above, the absolute values ​​of the main lobe angle are 10°, 20°, and 30°, respectively, while the absolute values ​​of the grating lobe angle are 56°, 41°, and 30°, respectively. That is, the absolute value of the grating lobe angle decreases as the absolute value of the main lobe angle increases. Therefore, when the scanning range is small, the absolute value of the grating lobe angle is always greater than the absolute value of the main lobe angle, making it easier to distinguish between the main lobe and the grating lobe, thus mitigating the problem of the grating lobe affecting the main lobe during beam scanning.

[0065] Furthermore, with the development of communication technology, the requirements for spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, and coverage are becoming increasingly stringent in practice. Expanding the size of the antenna array is one way to meet these requirements. Different schemes can be adopted to expand the size of the antenna array 30. For ease of explanation, in Figures 3 and 5, solid lines represent existing structures, and dashed lines represent structures added to expand the size of the antenna array 30. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the number of DSP chips 13 in the processor 12 can be increased, thereby increasing the number of signal transmission terminals 14, with each signal transmission terminal 14 connected to a radiator 31. This scheme is also known as a "one-to-one" scheme, but increasing the number of DSP chips 13 leads to an increase in the power consumption of the antenna module 20.

[0066] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG5, the antenna module 20 may further include a power divider 23 connected to the end of the feed branch 22 near the antenna array 30, so that one signal transmission end 14 can be connected to multiple radiators 31. This scheme is also known as the "one-to-many" scheme, which can expand the scale of the antenna array 30 without increasing the DSP chip 13. However, in the one-to-many scheme, the excitation of multiple radiators 31 connected to the same signal transmission end 14 is the same, and these radiators can be regarded as a whole radiation, which leads to an increase in the element spacing and the generation of grating lobes. For example, in the one-to-n scheme, the actual value of the element spacing d is increased by a factor of n (i.e., the spacing between the whole radiation is nd).

[0067] To address the issue of interference between the grating lobe and the main lobe during beam scanning of the antenna module 20, this application provides an antenna array assembly 40, as shown in FIG6. The antenna array assembly 40 includes an antenna array 30 and a beam deflection device 41, with the beam deflection device 41 located on the beam transceiver side of the antenna array 30. The beam transceiver side of the antenna array 30 refers to the specific spatial direction in which energy is concentrated when the antenna array 30 transmits or receives electromagnetic waves.

[0068] The beam radiated by antenna array 30 has a main lobe 01 and a grating lobe 02. For ease of explanation, the main lobe 01 is represented by a thick solid line and the grating lobe 02 by a thin solid line in Figure 6. The main lobe 01 has a first beam angle θ1, and the grating lobe 02 has a second beam angle θ2. Based on the characteristics of the main lobe and the grating lobe, the first beam angle θ1 and the second beam angle θ2 are not equal. The first beam angle θ1 is located between a and b, and the second beam angle θ2 satisfies θ2 ≥ b or θ2 ≤ a. A beam deflector 41 is used to deflect the beam angle so that the main lobe 01 has a third beam angle θ3 after passing through the beam deflector 41, and the grating lobe 02 has a fourth beam angle θ4 after passing through the beam deflector. The third beam angle is located within the second angle range c to d, where c b, and the fourth beam angle θ4 satisfies θ4 ≥ d or θ4 ≤ c.

[0069] It should be noted that, taking the first angular range a to b as an example, the first angular range a to b may or may not include the endpoint values ​​a and b. Taking θ2≥b as an example, θ2≥b includes two cases: θ2>b and / or θ2=b.

[0070] For example, endpoint values ​​a and b are contained within the first angle range a to b, which can be denoted as [a, b]. The first beam angle θ1 is located within the first angle range [a, b]. The second beam angle θ2 satisfies θ2 > b or θ2 < a. Endpoint values ​​c and d are contained within the second angle range c to d, which can be denoted as [c, d]. The third beam angle θ3 is located within the second angle range [c, d]. The fourth beam angle θ4 satisfies θ4 > d or θ4 < c.

[0071] For example, endpoint values ​​a and b are not included in the first angle range a to b, which can be denoted as (a, b). The first beam angle θ1 is located within the first angle range (a, b), and the second beam angle θ2 satisfies θ2 ≥ b or θ2 ≤ a. Endpoint values ​​c and d are not included in the second angle range c to d, which can be denoted as (c, d). The third beam angle θ3 is located within the second angle range (c, d), and the fourth beam angle θ4 satisfies θ4 ≥ d or θ4 ≤ c.

[0072] In the antenna array assembly 40 provided in this application embodiment, the main lobe 01 has a first beam angle α1, and the grating lobe 02 has a second beam angle α2. During small-angle scanning, the first beam angle α1 is located within the first angle range a to b, and the second beam angle α2 satisfies θ2≥b or θ2≤a. Therefore, the range of the deflection angle (first beam angle θ1) of the main lobe 01 and the range of the deflection angle (second beam angle θ2) of the grating lobe 02 do not overlap, and the main lobe 01 and the grating lobe 02 can be easily distinguished.

[0073] The beam deflector 41 can deflect the beam angle. The main lobe 01 has a third beam angle θ3 after passing through the beam deflector 41, and the grating lobe 02 has a fourth beam angle θ4 after passing through the beam deflector. The third beam angle is located in the second angle range c to d, where c b, and the fourth beam angle θ4 satisfies θ4 ≥ d or θ4 ≤ c.

[0074] After passing through the beam deflector 41, the scanning range of the antenna array 30 expands from the first angular range a~b to the second angular range c~d. Even after this expansion, the deflection angle of the main lobe 01 (third beam angle θ3) still does not overlap with the deflection angle of the grating lobe 02 (fourth beam angle θ4), allowing for relatively easy differentiation between the main lobe 01 and the grating lobe 02. Therefore, the antenna array assembly provided in this embodiment can maintain the characteristic of easily distinguishable main lobe 01 and grating lobe 02 within a larger scanning range, improving the problem of interference from the grating lobe 02 to the main lobe 01 during beam scanning, thereby reducing interference in non-target directions and improving the radiation performance of the antenna array 30.

[0075] The antenna array assembly 40 provided in this application embodiment can be applied to a one-drive-multiple-schemes approach. For example, as shown in FIG5, the antenna array 30 includes A radiators 31 arranged in an array and B signal transmission terminals 32. The signal transmission terminals 32 are used to connect to the signal transmission terminal 14 of the processor 12. In a one-drive-multiple-schemes approach, the number A of radiators 31 is greater than the number B of signal transmission terminals 32 (i.e., A > B), therefore at least two radiators 31 need to be connected to the same signal transmission terminal 32. Using the antenna array assembly provided in this application embodiment can improve the problem of interference between the grating lobe 02 and the main lobe 01 in a one-drive-multiple-schemes approach.

[0076] The antenna array assembly 40 provided in this application embodiment can be applied to scenarios with a large element spacing d. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the antenna array 30 includes multiple radiators 31, and the spacing d between two adjacent radiators 31 satisfies... The operating wavelength of the antenna array 30 is λ. Using the antenna array assembly provided in this embodiment can improve the problem of interference between the grating lobe 02 and the main lobe 01 in scenarios with large element spacing.

[0077] The beam deflection device 41 provided in this application embodiment is used to deflect the angle of a beam. The beam deflection device 41 can have various structures. Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of one possible structure of the beam deflection device 41 according to an example of this application. The beam deflection device 41 includes a concave lens 42. In this way, the concave lens 42 can deflect the beam passing through it and cause it to diverge in all directions around the lens. The concave lens 42 can expand the range of the main lobe deflection angle from a first angle range a~b to a second angle range c~d, that is, expand the scanning range of the antenna array 30. In some examples, the concave lens 42 can be a plano-concave lens, a biconcave lens, or a convex-concave lens.

[0078] During beam scanning, the angle between the beam and the optical axis of the concave lens 42 is constantly changing. For a beam incident parallel to the concave lens 42 (i.e., a beam with an angle of 0° to the principal optical axis of the concave lens), the backward extension of the beam will intersect the virtual focus of the concave lens 42 after passing through the lens 42. For a beam incident at an angle (i.e., a beam with an angle other than 0° to the principal optical axis of the concave lens), calculating the deflection pattern after passing through the concave lens 42 is more complex.

[0079] To address the aforementioned issues, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG8, the beam deflection device 41 further includes a collimating lens 43, located between the concave lens 42 and the antenna array. The distance between the collimating lens 43 and the antenna array 30 is equal to the focal length f1 of the collimating lens 43. In this way, the collimating lens 43 can deflect the beam passing through it and converge it towards the center. When the collimating lens 43 is located between the concave lens 42 and the antenna array, and the distance between the collimating lens 43 and the antenna array is equal to the focal length f2 of the collimating lens, the collimating lens 43 can deflect the beam incident on the concave lens 42 into a parallel-incident beam. The deflection pattern of the beam incident on the concave lens 42 is easier to calculate than that of the beam incident on the obliquely inclined concave lens 42, making it easier to design the architecture of the beam deflection device 41. In some examples, the collimating lens 43 can be a plano-convex lens, a biconvex lens, or a concave-convex lens.

[0080] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the beam deflection device 41 includes a metasurface structure 44.

[0081] The metasurface structure 44 can deflect the beam passing through it. A specific phase distribution within the metasurface structure 44 can expand the deflection angle range of the main lobe from a first angle range to a second angle range. The metasurface structure 44 uses micro / nano structures to control beam deflection, achieving phase delay through the phase response of the micro / nano structures. Since the size of the micro / nano structures is smaller than the wavelength of light, beam deflection can be achieved in materials much thinner than traditional lenses. Therefore, the metasurface structure 44 is thinner and lighter than lenses, effectively reducing the size and weight of the antenna array assembly 40, making it more practical for applications with strict size and weight requirements.

[0082] This application does not limit the metasurface structure 44. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the metasurface structure 44 includes a plurality of micro / nano structures 45. By designing the phase response of each micro / nano structure 45, the phase distribution of the metasurface structure 44 can be designed. This type of metasurface structure is also known as a passive metasurface.

[0083] The phase response of micro / nano structures refers to the phase change of the incident metasurface beam (electromagnetic wave) caused by changes in the geometry, size, or arrangement of the micro / nano structure.

[0084] To determine the phase distribution of the metasurface structure 44, as shown in Figure 10, this application provides a design method for an antenna array assembly.

[0085] S101, obtain the driving model and element spacing, and determine the first angle range.

[0086] For example, as shown in Figure 11, the driving model of antenna array component 40 is "one-to-two", and the element spacing of antenna array 30 is d = λ / 2. From the above analysis, it can be seen that the target direction is set to θ = -30°, making... because A grid lobe will be generated at a 30° angle. Therefore, the first angle range is less than [-30°, 30°]. For example, the first angle range is [-28°, 28°].

[0087] S102, obtain the second angle range, the distance between the antenna array and the beam deflection device, and determine the phase distribution of the metasurface structure.

[0088] For example, the second angle range c to d is obtained. This application embodiment does not limit the value of the second angle scanning range; the value of the second angle range depends on the design requirements of the antenna array application scenario. As shown in Figure 8, the metasurface structure can be equivalent to a concave lens 42 and a collimating lens 43. Let the focal length of the collimating lens be f1, and the focal length of the concave lens be f2. The distance between the antenna array and the beam deflection device 41 is equal to the focal length of the collimating lens, f1. The main lobe has a first beam angle θ1, and after passing through the beam deflection device 41, the main lobe has a third beam angle θ3. The focal length of the concave lens, f2, satisfies... In some examples, as shown in Figure 6, the beam deflection device 41 is a metasurface structure, and f1 is the distance between the metasurface structure and the antenna array 30. This embodiment does not limit the distance f1 between the metasurface structure and the antenna array 30; this distance f1 also depends on the design requirements of the antenna array application scenario.

[0089] Based on this, the phase distribution of the metasurface structure can be determined. As shown in Figure 9, a coordinate system is established with the center of the metasurface structure 44 as the origin O. x represents the position coordinate of the metasurface structure 44 in the first direction x, and y represents the position coordinate of the metasurface structure 44 in the second direction y. The first direction x is parallel to the metasurface structure 44, the second direction y is parallel to the metasurface structure 44, and the first direction x and the second direction y are perpendicular. As shown in Figure 11, the phase distribution in the metasurface structure equivalent to the collimating lens 43 is... Phase distribution of metasurface structure equivalent to concave lens 42 The phase distribution of the metasurface structure, equivalent to a concave lens 42 and a collimating lens 43, is as follows:

[0090] In some examples, as shown in Figure 7, the metasurface structure can be equivalent to a concave lens 42 with a focal length of f. This focal length f is also the equivalent focal length of the metasurface structure. The phase distribution of the metasurface structure is... in, In some examples, the antenna array is used for one-dimensional beam scanning, and the phase distribution of the metasurface structure is as follows:

[0091] In this case, as shown in Figure 8 or Figure 9, the beam emitted by the antenna array reaches the beam deflection device 41 at different first beam angles θ1 within a first angular range, forming a scanning area. The width w of the scanning area satisfies: w = 2 × f1 × tan(θ2). In some examples, the scanning area is circular, and the width w is the diameter of the scanning area. In other examples, the scanning area is strip-shaped, and the width w is the length of the long side of the strip. In still other examples, the scanning area is irregularly shaped.

[0092] The beam deflection device 41 has a length L1 in the first direction x and a length L2 in the second direction y. To ensure that the beam emitted by the antenna array can be deflected by the beam deflection device 41, L1 > w and L2 > w should be satisfied during two-dimensional beam scanning, L1 > w should be satisfied during one-dimensional beam scanning in the first direction x, and L2 > w should be satisfied during one-dimensional beam scanning in the second direction y.

[0093] S103, quantization and mapping, to determine the phase response of micro / nano structures.

[0094] For example, as shown in Figure 12, the phase distribution of the metasurface structure It is a continuous function, relating to the phase distribution of metasurface structures. Quantify to obtain The corresponding discrete function. By mapping each value of the discrete function to a specific micro / nano structure in the metasurface structure (i.e., mapping), the phase response of each micro / nano structure can be obtained. In some examples, In other examples, In other examples,

[0095] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6 and 8, the driving model of the antenna array assembly 40 is "one-to-two". The element spacing of the antenna array 30 is d = λ / 2, the first angle range is less than [-30°, 30°], the equivalent focusing distance is f1 = 0.5m, the first beam angle is θ1 = 20°, and the third beam angle is θ3 = 40°. Therefore, the beamwidth w = 0.364m when the beam emitted by the antenna array reaches the beam deflection device 41. This allows the parallel incident beam to become an equivalent diverging focal length f2 = -0.217m with an tilt angle of θ3. Thus, by using a one-to-two scheme, the number of radiators in the antenna array can be doubled without increasing the signal transmission end. Beam scanning within a smaller scanning range (the first angle range) makes it easier to distinguish the main lobe and the grating lobe, improving the problem of grating lobe interference with the main lobe during beam scanning. By using a beam deflection device, the deflection angle of the main lobe of the antenna array can be increased from the first beam angle θ1 = 20° to the third beam angle θ3 = 40°, thereby expanding the scanning range.

[0096] However, antenna arrays with fixed-angle scanning cannot meet the needs of applications with variable scanning ranges. For example, electronic devices may include radar with a variable scanning range for its antenna array, allowing the radar to adjust the scanning range based on the target's location when detecting targets in different directions. As another example, electronic devices may include base stations with a variable scanning range for their antenna arrays, allowing the base station to adjust its scanning range and thus its coverage area based on user distribution.

[0097] To accommodate antenna arrays with variable scanning ranges, the phase distribution of the metasurface structure also needs to be variable. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9, the metasurface structure further includes one or more driving units 46. The driving unit 46 is used to adjust the phase response of the micro / nano structure 45, and one driving unit 46 is connected to at least one micro / nano structure 45. In this way, the driving unit 46 can adjust the phase response of the micro / nano structure 45, thereby adjusting the phase distribution of the metasurface structure 44 to meet the requirements for beam angle deflection under different conditions. In some examples, the driving unit 46 may include semiconductor materials, liquid crystal materials, or light-controlled materials, etc.

[0098] In some examples, as shown in Figure 9, a driving unit 46 is connected to a micro / nano structure 45, and the phase response of each micro / nano structure 45 can be adjusted independently, resulting in higher precision in adjusting the phase distribution of the metasurface structure 44. In other examples, as shown in Figure 9, a driving unit 46 is connected to multiple micro / nano structures 45, and the phase responses of multiple micro / nano structures 45 connected to the same driving unit 46 can be adjusted as a whole, which can reduce the power consumption and manufacturing cost of the metasurface structure 44.

[0099] To secure the beam deflection device 41 within the antenna module 20, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG13, the antenna module 20 further includes a support structure 24 located in the beam transmission / reception direction of the antenna array 30, and the beam deflection device 41 is disposed on the support structure 24. The support structure 24 is connected to the antenna array 30, for example, the support structure 24 is connected to the array surface of the antenna array 30.

[0100] In some examples, the beam deflector 41 includes a concave lens, and the support structure 24 includes a mounting hole 25 in which the concave lens is disposed. In some examples, the beam deflector 41 includes a metasurface structure, and the support structure 24 includes a mounting surface on which the metasurface structure is attached. In some examples, the antenna module 20 includes a housing that is reused as the support structure 24.

[0101] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0102] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An antenna array assembly, characterized in that, include: Antenna array; The beam radiated by the antenna array has a main lobe and a grating lobe. The main lobe has a first beam angle θ1, which is located in a first angle range of a to b; the grating lobe has a second beam angle θ2, which satisfies θ2≥b or θ2≤a. A beam deflector is located on the beam transceiver side of the antenna array. The beam deflector is used to deflect the angle of the beam so that the main lobe has a third beam angle θ3 after passing through the beam deflector, and the grating lobe has a fourth beam angle θ4 after passing through the beam deflector. The third beam angle is located in the second angle range c to d, where c b. The fourth beam angle θ4 satisfies θ4 ≥ d or θ4 ≤ c.

2. The antenna array assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beam deflection device includes a concave lens.

3. The antenna array assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The beam deflection device further includes a collimating lens, which is located between the concave lens and the antenna array; the distance between the collimating lens and the antenna array is equal to the focal length of the collimating lens.

4. The antenna array assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The beam deflection device includes a metasurface structure.

5. The antenna array assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The metasurface structure includes: a plurality of micro / nano structures and at least one driving unit; one driving unit is connected to at least one of the micro / nano structures; the driving unit is used to adjust the phase response of the micro / nano structures.

6. The antenna array assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Phase response of the micro / nano structure satisfy: The plurality of micro- and nanostructures are distributed in a coordinate system with the center of the metasurface structure as the origin, x is the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in a first direction, the first direction is parallel to the metasurface structure, and f is the equivalent focal length of the metasurface structure.

7. The antenna array assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Phase response of the micro / nano structure satisfy: The plurality of micro-nano structures are distributed in a coordinate system with the center of the metasurface structure as the origin, x is the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in the first direction, y is the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in the second direction, the first direction is parallel to the metasurface structure, the second direction is parallel to the metasurface structure, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular; f is the equivalent focal length of the metasurface structure.

8. The antenna array assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, Phase response of the micro / nano structure satisfy: The plurality of micro-nano structures are distributed in a coordinate system with the center of the metasurface structure as the origin, x is the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in the first direction, y is the position coordinate of the metasurface structure in the second direction, the first direction is parallel to the metasurface structure, the second direction is parallel to the metasurface structure, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. f1 is the distance between the metasurface structure and the antenna array; 9. The antenna array assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The beams transmitted and received by the antenna array reach the metasurface structure to form a scanning region, and the width w of the scanning region satisfies: w=2×f1×tan(θ2); The metasurface structure has a length L1 in the first direction and a length L2 in the second direction; L1 > w, and / or L2 > w.

10. The antenna array assembly according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The antenna array includes A radiators arranged in an array and B signal transmission terminals, the signal transmission terminals being used to connect to the processor; A > B, and at least two of the radiators are connected to the same signal transmission terminal.

11. The antenna array assembly according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The operating wavelength of the antenna array is λ; The antenna array includes multiple radiators, and the spacing d between two adjacent radiators satisfies...

12. An antenna module, characterized in that, include: A power supply network, and an antenna array assembly as described in any one of claims 1-11; The power supply network is connected to the antenna array assembly.

13. The antenna module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The antenna module also includes a processor, and the feed network is connected between the antenna array and the processor.

14. The antenna module according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The antenna module further includes a support structure located in the beam transmission and reception direction of the antenna array. The support structure is connected to the antenna array, and the beam deflection device is disposed on the support structure.

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

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes a processor, and the feed network in the antenna module is connected between the antenna array assembly in the antenna module and the processor.

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