Multilayer Cross-Patch Antenna Unit for Dual-Polarized Wideband Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metasurface antennas face limitations in meeting dual polarization and wide bandwidth requirements, resulting in a narrow operating bandwidth and poor phase shift linearity, as well as high cross-polarization components, making it difficult to independently regulate electromagnetic waves with different polarizations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a cross metal patch structure with multiple layers of cross metal patches and dielectric substrates in the antenna unit allows for independent regulation of electromagnetic waves with different polarizations, enhancing the operating bandwidth and phase shift feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional metasurface antenna unit is used, then the structure is simple, but the operating bandwidth is narrow and phase shift linearity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna unit is divided into multiple layers (first dielectric substrate layer, first metal layer, second dielectric substrate layer, second metal layer) with each layer performing specific functions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer for bandwidth and phase shift characteristics while maintaining overall structural manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane metasurface structure to a multi-layer stacked structure with vertical dimensionality. By adding layers in the vertical dimension, the antenna achieves enhanced bandwidth and phase shift linearity without significantly increasing horizontal footprint, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and performance versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional metasurface antenna unit works in dual-polarized state, then polarization coverage is provided, but cross polarization component is large
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers are designed with different local qualities: the first metal layer has a first pattern optimized for one polarization, while the second metal layer has a second pattern optimized for the orthogonal polarization. This local quality differentiation enables independent regulation of electromagnetic waves with different polarizations, reducing cross-polarization interference
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna uses composite structures combining multiple dielectric substrate layers with different metal pattern layers. This composite approach allows the structure to handle both polarizations effectively while minimizing cross-polarization components through careful design of each layer's electromagnetic characteristics
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of layers is increased to improve bandwidth, then operating bandwidth expands, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses exactly two metal layers and two dielectric substrate layers, which is sufficient to achieve the desired bandwidth and phase shift linearity without excessive complexity. This partial action approach avoids the need for three or more layers that would further increase complexity while providing more than enough performance improvement over single-layer designs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves the antenna's polarization characteristics and expands its operating bandwidth, achieving a good phase shift feature and reducing cross-polarization components, enabling effective communication across a wider frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
the antenna unit includes M layers of cross metal patches, M layers of dielectric substrates, and a metal ground layer that are sequentially stacked
Data Source
Figure 1~2(a)
Figure 2(b)~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This application provides an antenna unit and an antenna array. The antenna unit includes M layers of cross metal patches, M layers of dielectric substrates, and a metal ground layer, where M is an integer greater than 1. In addition, an ith-layer dielectric substrate is disposed between an ith-layer cross metal patch and an (i+1)th-layer cross metal patch. The ith-layer cross metal patch, the ith-layer dielectric substrate, and the (i+1)th-layer cross metal patch are sequentially stacked, and i is an integer ranging from 1 to M-1. An Mth-layer cross metal patch, an Mth-layer dielectric substrate, and the metal ground layer are sequentially stacked. The antenna unit provided in this application and the antenna array formed by units provided in this application may have a good polarization feature, a relatively wide operating bandwidth, and a relatively good phase shift feature.