META-SURFACE, ANTENNA MODULE, AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Provided is a meta-surface. The meta-surface includes: a first substrate and a second substrate, and a tunable dielectric layer; wherein the first substrate includes a first dielectric substrate and a first electrode layer on a side, close to the tunable dielectric layer, of the first dielectric substrate, and the second substrate includes a second dielectric substrate and a second electrode layer on a side, close to the tunable dielectric layer, of the second dielectric substrate; wherein the first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode strips juxtaposed in a first direction, and the second electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode strips juxtaposed in a second direction, wherein the plurality of first electrode strips and the plurality of second electrode strips are crossed to define a plurality of resonant units; and the meta-surface further includes a filling structure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, in particular to a meta-surface, an antenna module, and an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

With rapid development of mobile communication and increasingly complex communication environments, digital meta-surface and reconfigurable meta-surface have received more and more attention of researchers in the wireless communication technology field, and smart reconfigurable meta-surface technologies having the commercial application value have been developed in recent years.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a meta-surface. The meta-surface includes: a first substrate, a second substrate, and a tunable dielectric layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein

the first substrate includes a first dielectric substrate and a first electrode layer on a side, close to the tunable dielectric layer, of the first dielectric substrate, and the second substrate includes a second dielectric substrate and a second electrode layer on a side, close to the tunable dielectric layer, of the second dielectric substrate; wherein

the first electrode layer includes a plurality of first electrode strips juxtaposed in a first direction, and the second electrode layer includes a plurality of second electrode strips juxtaposed in a second direction, wherein the plurality of first electrode strips and the plurality of second electrode strips are crossed to define a plurality of resonant units; and

the meta-surface further includes a filling structure, wherein an orthographic projection of the filling structure on the first dielectric substrate is between orthographic projections of adjacent first electrode strips in the plurality of first electrode strips on the first dielectric substrate.

In some embodiments, the first electrode layer includes the filling structure between the adjacent first electrode strips.

In some embodiments, the filling structure includes a first filling strip and a second filling strip juxtaposed in the first direction, wherein a first gap is present between the first filling strip and the second filling strip; and

for the adjacent first electrode strips and the filling structure between the adjacent first electrode strips, one of the adjacent first electrode strips and the first filling strip are connected to form an integrated structure, and the other of the adjacent first electrode strips and the second filling strip are connected to form an integrated structure.

In some embodiments, a width of the first gap in the first direction is less than a width of each of the plurality of first electrode strips in the first direction.

In some embodiments, a second gap is present between the filling structure and at least one adjacent first electrode strip in the plurality of first electrode strips.

In some embodiments, a width of the second gap in the first direction is less than a width of each of the plurality of first electrode strips in the first direction.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of second electrode strips includes a plurality of electrode portions and connection portions configured to connect two adjacent electrode portions in the plurality of electrode portions, wherein an orthographic projection of each of the plurality of electrode portions on the first dielectric substrate is overlapped with an orthographic projection of each of the plurality of first electrode strips on the first dielectric substrate.

In some embodiments, a ratio of a width of the each of the plurality of electrode portions to a width of each of the connection portions in the second direction ranges from 2.57 to 2.58.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of resonant units further includes a first via defined in each of the plurality of first electrode strips and a second via defined in each of the plurality of second electrode strips, wherein an orthographic projection of the first via on the first dielectric substrate is intersected with an orthographic projection of the second via on the first dielectric substrate.

In some embodiments, a ratio of a width of the first via to a width of the each of the plurality of first electrode strips in the first direction ranges from 0.02 to 0.06, and a ratio of the width of the first via to a width of the each of the plurality of resonant units in the second direction ranges from 0.3 to 0.5.

In some embodiments, a ratio of a width of the second via to a width of the each of the plurality of resonant units in the first direction ranges from 0.05 to 0.85, and a ratio of the width of the second via to the width of the each of the plurality of resonant units in the second direction ranges from 0.05 to 0.15.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an antenna module. The antenna module includes: at least one meta-surface in any of the above embodiments and the antenna.

In some embodiments, the antenna module includes: a plurality of meta-surfaces, wherein the antenna is disposed in a region defined by the plurality of meta-surfaces, wherein the second electrode layer is closer to the antenna than the first electrode layer.

In some embodiments, the antenna module includes: two opposite meta-surfaces in the plurality of meta-surfaces, wherein the antenna is disposed between the two opposite meta-surfaces.

In some embodiments, a distance between the antenna and each of the plurality of meta-surfaces ranges from 0.45 to 0.55 radiation wavelengths.

In some embodiments, the antenna module includes: two of the plurality of meta-surfaces, wherein extension surfaces of the two of the plurality of meta-surfaces are intersected; andthe antenna is disposed in a region defined by the two of the plurality of meta-surfaces.

In some embodiments, the antenna is a dipole antenna.

In some embodiments, the antenna module includes: the plurality of meta-surfaces sequentially connected to form an annular structure, wherein the antenna is disposed in the annular structure formed by the plurality of meta-surfaces.

In some embodiments, the antenna module further includes: a drive module, configured to sequential supply incrementing bias voltages to the plurality of first electrode strips in accordance with an arrangement sequence of the plurality of first electrode strips, such that a scanning range of a beam formed by the antenna module is offset by +12° in a direction perpendicular to a normal of the meta-surface.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an electronic device. The electronic device includes the antenna array in any of the above embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For clearer descriptions of the objects, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of present disclosure, the present disclosure is described in detail hereinafter in combination with the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. It is obvious that the described embodiments are merely part but not all of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Generally, assemblies of the embodiments of the present disclosure described and shown in the accompanying drawings herein can be arranged and designed in various configurations. Thus, detailed descriptions of the embodiments of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings hereinafter are not intended to limit the claimed protection scope, and only represent the specific embodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments derived by those skilled in the art without creative efforts based on the embodiments in the present disclosure are within the protection scope of the disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in the present disclosure shall have ordinary meaning understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are merely used to distinguish the different components. The terms “a,” “an,” and the like are not intended to limit the quantity, and only represent that at least one exists. The terms “comprise” or “include” and the like are used to indicate that the element or object preceding the terms covers the element or object following the terms and its equivalents, and shall not be understood as excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connect” or “contact” and the like are not intended to be limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, either direct or indirect connection. The terms “on,” “under,” “left,” and “right” are only used to indicate the relative positional relationship. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may change accordingly.

The term “a plurality of or several” herein means two or more. The term “and/or” describes associations between associated objects, and indicates three types of relationships. For example, “A and/or B” indicates that A alone, A and B, or B alone. The character “/” generally indicates that the associated objects are in an “or” relationship.

In some practices, a reconfigurable meta-surface based on a simplified drive circuit is composed of multiple resonant unit arrays in series. This meta-surface is similar to a passive matrix drive structure in early liquid crystal displays, and is referred to as the crossbar structure. However, due to the limitation of the layout of the electrode strips in the metal gate, the insertion loss (S21) of the traditional crossbar structure is generally great, and thus the traditional crossbar structure does not meet requirements of the increasingly developed high-gain antennas.FIG.1ais a schematic diagram of a crossbar structure of a traditional meta-surface. As shown inFIG.1a, the crossbar structure includes a gate structure having two upper and lower metal layers and a liquid crystal layer between the two upper and lower metal layers. The lower metal layer includes a plurality of first electrode strips01juxtaposed in a first direction X, and the upper metal layer includes a plurality of second electrode strips02juxtaposed in a second direction Y. A first gap is present between two adjacent first electrode strips01, and a width H1of the first gap is greater than a width H2of the first electrode strip01. The plurality of first electrode strips01and the plurality of second electrode strips02are crossed to define a plurality of resonant units03. The resonant unit03further includes a first via011defined in the first electrode strip01and a second via021defined in the second electrode strip02. An orthographic projection of the first via011is intersected with an orthographic projection of the second via021. A width of the first via011in the first direction X is equal to a width of the second via021in the second direction Y.

In this case, a liquid crystal dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer ε|=3.582 (tan δ=0.006), and ε⊥=2.453 (tan δ=0.011). The transmission (S21) and the reflection (S11) of the crossbar structure are detected in the case that the crossbar structure operates at 20 GHZ. As shown inFIG.1bandFIG.1c,FIG.1bis a schematic diagram of a transmission (S21) curve and reflection (S11) curve of the structure inFIG.1aoperating at different communication frequencies. As shown inFIG.1b, in the case that the voltage is not supplied on the crossbar structure, the transmission (S21) is highest at the frequency of 28.7 GHZ, that is, 47%; and the reflection (S11) is lowest at the frequency of 28.7 GHZ, that is, 4%.FIG.1cis a schematic diagram of a transmission (S21) curve and a reflection (S11) curve of the structure inFIG.1aoperating at different communication frequencies. As shown inFIG.1c, in the case that a saturation voltage of 6 V is supplied on the crossbar structure, the transmission (S21) is lowest at the frequency of 25.7 GHz, that is, 45%; and the reflection (S11) is highest at the frequency of 27 GHZ, that is, 80%. It can be seen that the transmission and the reflection of the crossbar structure inFIG.1aare less, and thus the antenna with high gain is not achieved by the crossbar structure inFIG.1a.

Thus, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a meta-surface. A filling structure is added to increase a radiation area of an outermost side of the traditional meta-surface in a millimeter wave radiation direction, such that the insertion loss (S21) is reduced to improve the transmission of the millimeter wave in the transmission operation mode, and the reflection of the millimeter wave is improved in the reflection operation mode. Thus, the radiation gain of the antenna module including the meta-surface is further improved.

In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a meta-surface. The meta-surface includes a first substrate and a second substrate, and a tunable dielectric layer30between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first dielectric substrate10and a first electrode layer101on a side, close to the tunable dielectric layer30, of the first dielectric substrate10, and the second substrate includes a second dielectric substrate20and a second electrode layer102on a side, close to the tunable dielectric layer30, of the second dielectric substrate20. The first electrode layer101includes a plurality of first electrode strips1juxtaposed in a first direction X, and the second electrode layer102includes a plurality of second electrode strips2juxtaposed in a second direction Y. The plurality of first electrode strips1and the plurality of second electrode strips2are crossed to define a plurality of resonant units3. The meta-surface further includes a filling structure4. An orthographic projection of the filling structure4on the first dielectric substrate10is between orthographic projections of adjacent first electrode strips1on the first dielectric substrate10.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first substrate and the second substrate in the meta-surface are opposite, or extension surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate are intersected. The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by taking the first substrate and the second substrate in the meta-surface being opposite as an example.

Illustratively, the filling structure4is disposed between the first electrode layer101and the second electrode layer102, and the orthographic projection of the filling structure4on the first dielectric substrate10is between the orthographic projections of the adjacent first electrode strips1on the first dielectric substrate10.

Illustratively, the first electrode layer101includes the filling structure4between the adjacent first electrode strips1.

The following embodiments are illustrated by taking the first electrode layer101including the first electrode strip1and the filling structure4as an example.

In the case that the meta-surface is applicable to the antenna module, the first electrode layer101is farther to the antenna40than the second electrode layer102, and the millimeter wave radiated by the antenna40is transmitted by successively passing through the second electrode layer102and the first electrode layer101. As the filling structure4is disposed, compared with some practices (a first gap is present between two adjacent first electrode strips1, and a width of the first gap is greater than a width of the first electrode strip1), the distance between two adjacent first electrode strips1is shortened in the embodiments, such that the capacitance is increased, and the transmission is improved in the transmission operation mode. In the reflection mode, the millimeter wave radiated by the antenna40is reflected by the first electrode layer101upon passing through the second electrode layer102. As the filling structure4is disposed, compared with some practices (a first gap is present between two adjacent first electrode strips1, and a width of the first gap is greater than a width of the first electrode strip1), a reflection area of the first electrode layer101is increased, and the reflection is increased.

In addition, the meta-surface in the embodiments of the present disclosure is acquired by improving the crossbar structure. The reconfiguration of the meta-surface using the passive matrix-driven structure (the crossbar structure) has the two following advantages. At first, the meta-surface includes a large amount of deep subwavelength units (that is, the resonant units3), such that the device with reconfigurable resonant units3is flexibly achieved in a corresponding frequency in the meta-surface. A size of the resonant unit3is significant for controlling the beam, different sizes of the resonant units3achieve diffraction for the electromagnetic wave at different angles, and the resonant unit3with nonuniform sizes are used to cause enhanced scattering of the electromagnetic wave in a specific direction. Secondly, as the passive matrix-drive is used, a number of control lines required by the meta-surface including a large amount of deep subwavelength units is less, such that the control lines and control ports are greatly saved, the device with a large aperture is facilitated to be achieved, and the difficult arrangement of the lines under the premise of setting a large number of resonant units3is alleviated.

In some embodiments,FIG.2ais a schematic diagram of a meta-surface array according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.2bis a schematic diagram of a first electrode layer101inFIG.2a. As shown inFIG.2aandFIG.2b, the first electrode layer101includes the filling structure4between the adjacent first electrode strips1. The filling structure4includes a first filling strip42and a second filling strip42juxtaposed in the first direction X. A first gap43is present between the first filling strip41and the second filling strip42. For the adjacent first electrode strips1and the filling structure4between the adjacent first electrode strips1, one of the adjacent first electrode strips1and the first filling strip41are connected to form an integrated structure, and the other of the adjacent first electrode strips1and the second filling strip42are connected to form an integrated structure.

In the embodiments, the width of the first electrode strip1is increased in the first direction X on the basis ofFIG.1, and the first electrode strip1and the first filling strip41that are juxtaposed in the first direction X and are connected to form an integrated structure are formed, such that an overall layer coverage area of the layer of the first electrode layer101in the meta-surface is increased, and the transmission and the reflection of the meta-surface in operating are simultaneously improved.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.2b, a width Px1of the first gap43in the first direction X is less than a width Px2of the first electrode strip1and the first filling strip41in the first direction X. By disposing the filling structure4, the first gap43as narrow as possible is set to improve the transmission and the reflection. Illustratively, a size of the first gap43in the first direction X ranges from 0 to 0.1 mm (not including 0). For example, the size of the first gap43in the first direction X ranges from 20 μm to 50 μm in the case that the process preparation conditions permit.

FIG.3is a schematic diagram of a transmission (S21) curve and reflection (S11) curve of the structure inFIG.2aoperating at different communication frequencies. As shown inFIG.3, in the case that the voltage is not supplied on the meta-surface, the transmission (S21) is highest at the frequency of 25.8 GHZ, that is, 87%; and the reflection (S11) is lowest and is close to 0. In this case, the meta-surface operates in the transmission mode. Compared with the result indicated inFIG.1b, the filling structure4is added in the embodiments, such that the transmission of the meta-surface is improved, and the radiation gain of the antenna module including the meta-surface is further improved.

FIG.4is a schematic diagram of a transmission (S21) curve and a reflection (S11) curve of the structure inFIG.2aoperating at different communication frequencies. As shown inFIG.4, in the case that a saturation voltage of 6 V is supplied on the meta-surface, the reflection (S11) is highest at the frequency of 25.8 GHZ, that is, 91%. In this case, the meta-surface operates in the reflection mode. Compared with the result indicated inFIG.1c, the filling structure4is added in the embodiments, such that the reflection of the meta-surface is improved, and the radiation gain of the dual-beam and multi-beam of the antenna module including the meta-surface is further improved.

In addition to the meta-surface array structure shown inFIG.2a, any design with the high transmission in a specific frequency and the high reflection in the adjacent frequency is desirable. For example, inFIG.5a, the position of the transmission seam (the first gap43) of the crossbar changes, the changed structure also shows the desired transmission curve and reflection curve, and thus the designed structure inFIG.5acan be used to achieve the configuration of the multi-beam switch scan system.

In some embodiments,FIG.5ais a schematic diagram of a meta-surface array according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,FIG.5bis a schematic diagram of a first electrode layer inFIG.5a,FIG.6ais a schematic diagram of a meta-surface array according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, andFIG.6bis a schematic diagram of a first electrode layer inFIG.6a. As shown inFIG.5a,FIG.5b,FIG.6a, andFIG.6b, a second gap44is present between the filling structure4and at least one adjacent first electrode strip1.

Illustratively, as shown inFIG.5aandFIG.5b, the second gap44is present between the filling structure4and one adjacent first electrode strip1, and the filling structure4and the other adjacent first electrode strip1are connected to form an integrated structure.

Illustratively, as shown inFIG.6aandFIG.6b, the second gap44is respectively present between the filling structure4and two adjacent first electrode strips1.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.5borFIG.6b, a width Px3of the second gap44in the first direction X is less than a width Px4of the first electrode strip1in the first direction X. The transmission and the reflection are improved by disposing the filling structure4and the first gap43as narrow as possible. Illustratively, the size of the first gap43in the first direction X ranges from 0 to 0.1 mm (not including 0). For example, the size of the first gap43in the first direction X ranges from 20 μm to 50 μm in the case that the process preparation conditions permit.

In some embodiments,FIG.7is a schematic diagram of a second electrode layer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.7, the second electrode strip2includes a plurality of electrode portions21and connection portions22configured to connect two adjacent electrode portions21. An orthographic projection of the electrode portion21on the first dielectric substrate10is overlapped with an orthographic projection of the first electrode strip1on the first dielectric substrate10.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.7, a width wt2of the electrode portion21in the second direction Y is greater than a width wt1of the connection portion22in the second direction Y. In some embodiments, a ratio of the width of the electrode portion21to the width of the connection portion22in the second direction Y ranges from 2.57 to 2.58. Illustratively, the width wt2of the electrode portion21in the second direction Y is 0.49 mm, and the width wt1of the connection portion22in the second direction Y is 0.19 mm. compared with the structure shown inFIG.1a, in the embodiments, the width wt1of the connection portion22in the second direction Y is reduced, and the width wt2of the electrode portion21in the second direction Y is increased, such that the transmission is improved, and the radiation gain of the antenna module including the meta-surface is further improved.

In some embodiments,FIG.8ais a schematic diagram of a meta-surface array according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.8bis a schematic diagram of a first electrode layer inFIG.8a.FIG.8cis a schematic diagram of a second electrode layer inFIG.8a. As shown inFIG.8a,FIG.8b, andFIG.8c, the resonant unit3further includes a first via11defined in the first electrode strip1and a second via23defined in the second electrode strip2. An orthographic projection of the first via11on the first dielectric substrate10is intersected with an orthographic projection of the second via23on the first dielectric substrate10.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.8aandFIG.8b, a ratio of a width of the first via11to a width of the first electrode strip1in the first direction X ranges from 0.02 to 0.06, and a ratio of the width of the first via11to a width of the resonant unit3in the second direction Y ranges from 0.3 to 0.5.

Illustratively, the width wbs of the first via11in the first direction X is 0.05 mm, and the width wb of the first electrode strip1in the first direction X is 1.1 mm, and wbs/wb=0.0455.

Illustratively, the width Lbs of the first via11in the second direction Y is 0.6 mm, and the width Lb of the resonant unit3in the second direction Y is 1.2 mm or 2.0 mm. In the case that Lb is 1.2 mm, Lbs/Lb=0.5. In the case that Lb is 2.0 mm, and Lbs/Lb=0.3. The width and the length of the first via11affect the resonant frequency of the electrode structure.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG.8bandFIG.8c, a ratio of a width of the second via23to a width of the resonant unit3in the first direction X ranges from 0.05 to 0.85, and a ratio of the width of the second via23to the width of the resonant unit3in the second direction Y ranges from 0.05 to 0.15.

Illustratively, the width Lts of the second via23in the first direction X is 0.6 mm, and the width Lt of the resonant unit3in the first direction X is 1.2 mm, Lts/Lt=0.5.

Illustratively, the width Wts of the second via23in the second direction Y is 0.05 mm, the width Wt2of the resonant unit3in the second direction Y is 0.49 mm, and Wts/Wt2=0.102. The width and the length of the second via23affect the resonant frequency of the electrode structure.

In some embodiments,FIG.9is a section view of a meta-surface array in a section direction of A-A inFIG.2a. As shown inFIG.9, the meta-surface includes a first substrate and a second substrate, and a tunable dielectric layer30between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first dielectric substrate10and a first electrode layer101on a side, close to the tunable dielectric layer30, of the first dielectric substrate10, and the second substrate includes a second dielectric substrate20and a second electrode layer102on a side, close to the tunable dielectric layer30, of the second dielectric substrate20. The first electrode layer101includes a plurality of first electrode strips1juxtaposed in a first direction X and a filling structure4disposed between the adjacent first electrode strips1.

Illustratively, as shown inFIG.9, the tunable dielectric layer30is a liquid crystal layer, and a thickness d of the liquid crystal layer ranges from 8 μm to 10 μm. The liquid crystal layer in the embodiments has a lower thickness of sub-9 μm. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer is a factor for affecting the resonant frequency. The thinner the liquid crystal layer, the more the shift of the resonant frequency to the lower frequency. The thinner the liquid crystal layer, the lower the drive voltage, and the faster the response time of the liquid crystal layer.

Illustratively, the thickness of the first electrode layer101is represented by h, and h ranges from 2 μm to 5 μm, a distance between the first electrode layer101and the second electrode layer102is represented by d−2h. The thickness of the first electrode strip1is equal to the thickness of the filling structure4, that is, the thickness of the first electrode layer101is h.

It should be noted that in the case that the crossbar is used to reconfigure the array, the voltages are respectively supplied on the first electrode strip1in the first electrode layer101and the second electrode strip2in the second electrode layer102, and the difference in the voltage between the upper and lower electrodes causes liquid crystal molecules in the overlapped region of the upper and lower electrodes to be deflected, such that the capacitance between the upper and lower electrodes is changed, and the amplitude and phase of transmitted the electromagnetic wave are regulated.

Illustratively, in manufacturing the meta-surface, a first substrate is first formed, which includes providing a first dielectric substrate10and forming a material of the first electrode layer101on the first dielectric substrate10. The material of the first electrode layer101includes the metal material, such as silicon nitride (SiN), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), and the like. A first electrode strip1is formed by patterning process, and a first alignment layer is formed on a side, facing away from the first dielectric substrate10, of the first electrode strip1. A pillar spacer is formed on the first gap43(or the second gap44) to support the first substrate and the second substrate. The process of forming the second substrate is the same as the process of forming the first substrate, which includes providing a second dielectric substrate20and forming a material of the second electrode layer102on the second dielectric substrate20. The material of the second electrode layer102includes the metal material, such as silicon nitride (SiN), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), and the like. A second electrode strip2is formed by patterning process, and a second alignment layer is formed on a side, facing away from the second dielectric substrate20, of the second electrode strip2. The first substrate and the second substrate are attached, supported by the pillar spacer, and sealed to form a sealed space. The liquid crystal is poured into the sealed space to form the liquid crystal layer, and thus the meta-surface is acquired. Compared with other phase-shifting structure, the meta-surface is used in the embodiments of the present disclosure to achieve the beam tuning, and the manufacturing process of the meta-surface is simple.

In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an antenna module. The antenna module includes at least one meta-surface00according to any of the above embodiments and an antenna40.

The antenna40is a dipole antenna or an omni antenna, and is set as required to ensure that the antenna module can achieve radiation modes, such as multi-beam radiation, single-beam radiation, switch from multi-beam to single-beam, switch from single-beam to multi-beam, and the like.

In some embodiments, the antenna module includes a plurality of meta-surfaces00, the antenna is disposed in a region defined by the plurality of meta-surfaces00, and the second electrode layer102is closer to the antenna40than the first electrode layer101.

The multi-beam radiation is achieved in the case that the plurality of meta-surfaces00operate in the transmission mode. As the antenna module in the embodiments of the present disclosure uses the meta-surface00provided in the first aspect, the insertion loss (S21) is reduced to improve the transmission of the millimeter wave in the transmission operation mode, and the gain of the multi-beam antenna40of the antenna module is further improved.

The single-beam radiation is achieved in the case that one meta-surface00operates in the transmission mode and another meta-surfaces00operate in the reflection mode. As the antenna module in the embodiments of the present disclosure uses the meta-surface00provided in the first aspect, the reflection of the millimeter wave is improved in the reflection operation mode, and the gain of the single-beam antenna40of the antenna module is further improved.

In some embodiments,FIG.10is a schematic diagram of an antenna module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.10, the antenna module includes two opposite meta-surfaces00, and the antenna40is disposed between the two opposite meta-surfaces00. The second electrode layer102is closer to the antenna40than the first electrode layer101.

The switch from multi-beam to single-beam is achieved in the case that one of the two opposite meta-surfaces00operates in the transmission mode and the other of the two opposite meta-surfaces00operates in the reflection mode. In the case that the two meta-surfaces00are opposite to each other, the meta-surface operating in the reflection mode completely reflects all beams to the other meta-surface00to be transmitted, and the gain of the single-beam antenna40is improved by virtue of the high transmission and high reflection of the meta-surface00.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.10, the antenna module further includes a structure support50configured to secure the meta-surface00and the antenna40. A wave-absorbing structure60is also disposed between the antenna40and the meta-surface00, the wave-absorbing structure60is attached to the structure support50and is configured to absorb the reflective wave of the meta-surface00.

Furthermore, an outline of an orthographic projection of the wave-absorbing structure60on the meta-surface00is annular, and the wave-absorbing structure60is connected to an edge of the meta-surface00.

The antenna40in the embodiments of the present disclosure uses the dipole antenna40.FIG.11ais a top view of a front view of a dipole antenna according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.11bis a top view of a rear view of a dipole antenna. As shown inFIG.11aandFIG.11b, illustratively, the dipole antenna40includes a third dielectric substrate401, a radiation electrode402and a feed structure on a side of the third dielectric substrate401, and a reference electrode403on a side, facing away from the radiation electrode402, of the third dielectric substrate401. The radiation electrode402is electrically connected to the feed structure.

A third via4031is defined in the reference electrode403, an orthographic projection of the third via4031on the third dielectric substrate401is at least partially overlapped with an orthographic projection of the radiation electrode402on the third dielectric substrate401. The radiation wave generated by the antenna is radiated in a direction of the radiation electrode402facing away from the third dielectric substrate401. Meanwhile, the radiation wave generated by the antenna is radiated in a direction of the third dielectric substrate401facing away from the radiation electrode402through the third via4031. In the case that the two opposite meta-surfaces00operate in the transmission mode, the radiation wave is irradiated from the two meta-surfaces00. In the case that one of the two opposite meta-surfaces00operates in the transmission mode, and the other of the two opposite meta-surfaces00operates in the reflection mode, the meta-surface00operating in the reflection mode reflects the radiation wave and irradiates the radiation wave to the other meta-surface00through the third via4031to be transmitted, such that the switch from dual-beam to single-beam is achieved.

Illustratively, two third vias4031are defined in the reference electrode403, and orthographic projections of the two third vias4031on the third dielectric substrate401are overlapped with the orthographic projection of the radiation electrode402on the third dielectric substrate401.

Illustratively, the feed structure uses a coplanar waveguide (CPW) structure. The feed structure includes a transmission line404, and a first reference sub-electrode451and a second reference sub-electrode452that are disposed on two sides of the transmission line404in the first direction X. A fourth via4032is further defined in the reference electrode403, and an orthographic projection of the fourth via4032on the third dielectric substrate401covers an orthographic projection of the transmission line404on the third dielectric substrate401. The transmission line404includes a first transmission portion4041and a second transmission portion4042that are electrically connected to each other. The first transmission portion4041is electrically connected to an external feed source, and the second transmission portion4042is electrically connected to the radiation electrode402. A width of the first transmission portion4041, a width of the first reference sub-electrode451, and a width of the second reference sub-electrode452in the second direction Y are equal. Illustratively, a width Sxof the radiation electrode402in the first direction X is 3.2 mm, and a width Syof the radiation electrode402in the second direction Y is 1.6 mm. A width Wcof the first transmission portion4041in the first direction X is 0.5 mm, and a width Lcof the first transmission portion4041in the second direction Y is 6 mm. A width Wmsof the second transmission portion4042in the first direction X is 0.046 mm, and a width Lmsof the second transmission portion4042in the second direction Y is 1.6 mm. A width Wsof the third via4031in the first direction X is 0.1 mm, and a width Ls of the third via4031in the second direction Y is 4.2 mm. a minimum distance Wssbetween two third vias4031in the first direction X is 3.06 mm. A width Waof the fourth via4032in the first direction X is 1.4 mm, and a width Le of the fourth via4032in the second direction Y is 6 mm. Furthermore, a distance between the antenna40and the meta-surface00ranges from 0.45 to 0.55 radiation wavelength. By taking the above exemplar parameters as an example, the radiation gain of the antenna module operating in the transmission mode was tested.FIG.12ais a schematic diagram of radiation direction gain of the structure inFIG.10operating in a transmission mode. As shown inFIG.12a, in the case that the distance between the antenna40and the meta-surface00is ½ radiation wavelength, and the two opposite meta-surfaces00operate in the transmission mode, 2.5 dBi radiation gain is acquired.FIG.12bis a schematic diagram of radiation directions of one of the two meta-surfaces inFIG.10operating in a transmission mode and the other of the two meta-surfaces inFIG.10operating in a reflection mode.FIG.12cis a schematic diagram of radiation direction gain of one of the two meta-surfaces inFIG.10operating in a transmission mode and the other of the two meta-surfaces inFIG.10operating in a reflection mode. As shown inFIG.12bandFIG.12c, in the case that the distance between the antenna40and the meta-surface00is ½ radiation wavelength, one of the two opposite meta-surfaces00operates in the transmission mode, and the other of the two opposite meta-surfaces00operates in the reflection mode, 4.3 dBi radiation gain is acquired.

In some embodiments, the antenna module includes two meta-surfaces00, and extension surfaces of the two meta-surfaces00are intersected. The antenna40is disposed in a region defined by the two meta-surfaces00. The second electrode layer102is closer to the antenna40than the first electrode layer101.

The antenna40uses the dipole antenna40, and detailed structure of the dipole antenna40is referred toFIG.11, which are not repeated herein.

It should be noted that, compared with the opposite meta-surfaces00, the transmission of the switch from multi-beam to single-beam is less in the embodiments. However, the greater radiation gain is not better in various application scenarios, and thus the antenna module with the proper structure is selected according to the actual demands.

Illustratively,FIGS.13a-13care schematic diagrams of an antenna module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.13a-13c, an included angle between the extension surfaces of the two meta-surfaces00is less than 90°. As shown inFIG.13a, for the meta-surfaces00all operate in the transmission mode, the gain of the dual-beam antenna40is improved by virtue of the high transmission of the meta-surface00. As shown inFIG.13bandFIG.13c, for two meta-surfaces00with an included angle between the extension surfaces of the two meta-surfaces00less than 90°, one of the two meta-surfaces00operates in the transmission mode, and the other of the two meta-surfaces00operates in the reflection mode, such that the switch from multi-beam to single-beam is achieved. Meanwhile, the meta-surface operating in the reflection mode reflects partial beams to the other of the two meta-surfaces00to be transmitted, and the gain of the single-beam antenna40is improved by virtue of the high transmission and high reflection of the meta-surface00.

Illustratively, an included angle between the extension surfaces of the two meta-surfaces00is greater than or equal to 90°. By taking the included angle between the extension surfaces of the two meta-surfaces00being equal to 90°, that is, the extension surfaces of the two meta-surfaces00being orthometric as an example,FIGS.14a-14dare schematic diagrams of an antenna module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS.14a-14d, the antenna module includes two meta-surfaces00, and the extension surfaces of the two meta-surfaces00are intersected. As shown inFIG.14a, for the meta-surfaces00all operate in the transmission mode, the gain of the dual-beam antenna40is improved by virtue of the high transmission of the meta-surface00. As shown inFIG.14bandFIG.14c, for two meta-surfaces00with the extension surfaces of the two meta-surfaces00being intersected, one of the two meta-surfaces00operates in the transmission mode, and the other of the two meta-surfaces00operates in the reflection mode, such that the switch from multi-beam to single-beam is achieved. Meanwhile, the meta-surface00operating in the reflection mode reflects the beams in a direction perpendicular to the transmitted beams, and the gain of the antenna40is reduced compared with the case that the meta-surfaces00are opposite and the included angle between the extension surfaces is less than 90°. As shown inFIG.14d, for the meta-surfaces00all operate in the reflection mode, the gain of the dual-beam antenna40operating in the reflection mode is improved by virtue of the high reflection of the meta-surface00.

Furthermore, two dihedral angles formed by extension surfaces of the antenna40and the extension surfaces of the two meta-surfaces00are equal.

In some embodiments,FIG.15ais a schematic diagram of an antenna module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.15a, the antenna module includes a plurality of meta-surfaces00. The plurality of meta-surfaces00are sequentially connect to form an annular structure, and the antenna40is disposed in the annular structure formed by the plurality of meta-surfaces00.

The antenna is an omni antenna, that is, 360° uniform radiation performed in the horizontal pattern, which is commonly referred to as non-directional. In some embodiments, the antenna40in the embodiments is other multi-beam antennas40, which are not limited.

The plurality of annular meta-surfaces00structure are combined with the omni-radiation antenna40to configure a system for switching from the single-beam to multi-beam.

Illustratively, the plurality of annular meta-surfaces00structure are combined with the omni-radiation antenna40. For all meta-surfaces00operate in the transmission mode, the gain of the multi-beam antenna40is improved and the omni-radiation is achieved by virtue of the high transmission and high reflection of the meta-surfaces00.

Illustratively, the multi-beam is switched to the multi-beam.FIG.15bis a schematic diagram of radiation direction gain in switching from multi-beam to multi-beam according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.15aandFIG.15b, for the meta-surfaces00in the transmission mode, the meta-surface00A, the meta-surface00C, and the meta-surface00E are tuned to be in the reflection mode, and the transmission modes of the meta-surface00B, the meta-surface00D, and the meta-surface00D are unchanged, such that the switch from the omni beams to three beams is achieved. The radiation gain of 5.43 dBi is acquired by virtue of the high transmission and high reflection of the meta-surfaces00.

Illustratively, the multi-beam is switched to the single-beam.FIG.15cis a schematic diagram of radiation direction gain in switching from multi-beam to single-beam according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.15aandFIG.15c, for the meta-surfaces00in the transmission mode, the meta-surface00E, the meta-surface00B, the meta-surface00C, the meta-surface00D, and the meta-surface00F are tuned to be in the reflection mode, and the transmission mode of the meta-surface00A is unchanged, such that the switch from the omni beams to one beam is achieved. The radiation gain of 5.43 dBi is acquired by virtue of the high transmission and high reflection of the meta-surfaces00. In a communication scenario requiring greater gain, the high gain of the single beam is used. Meanwhile, a main lobe direction of the single beam is controllable.FIG.15dis a schematic diagram of radiation direction gain of switch of single-beam according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.15aandFIG.15d, for the meta-surfaces00B, the meta-surface00C, the meta-surface00D, the meta-surface00E, and the meta-surface00F in the reflection mode, and the meta-surface00A in the transmission mode, the meta-surfaces00B is tuned to be in the transmission mode, and the transmission mode of the meta-surface00A is unchanged, such that a switch of the beam deflecting by 60° is achieved. That is, the switch of the radiation direction from the single-beam to single-beam improves the coverage range of the beam of the antenna module. Meanwhile, the radiation gain of 10.2 dBi is acquired by virtue of the high transmission of the meta-surfaces00.

It should be noted that the free switch between the single-beam and the multi-beam is significant because the single-beam with greater gain is required rather than multi-beam with less gain in specific scenarios.

Furthermore, the omni antenna40is disposed in a geometric center position of the annular structure formed by sequentially connecting the plurality of meta-surfaces00to balance the radiation gain of the meta-surfaces00.

In some embodiments, the antenna module further includes a drive module. The drive module is configured to sequential supply incrementing bias voltages to the plurality of first electrode strips1in accordance with an arrangement sequence of the plurality of first electrode strips1, such that a scanning range of a beam formed by the antenna module is offset by +12° in a direction perpendicular to a normal of the meta-surface00.

FIG.16is a schematic diagram of drive of a meta-surface according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.16, the drive module is configured to sequential supply incrementing bias voltages to the first electrode strips1in accordance with an arrangement sequence of the first electrode strips1and to load the same voltage to the second electrode strips2. A minimum voltage in the incrementing bias voltages is 0 V, and a maximum voltage in the incrementing bias voltages is 0 V, 2 V, or 4 V. The voltage of 0 V is loaded to the second electrode strips2. For example,FIG.17is a schematic diagram of beam scan in the drive mode shown inFIG.16.FIG.18is a schematic diagram of radiation direction gain in the drive mode shown inFIG.16. As shown inFIG.17andFIG.18, for the case that the maximum voltage in the incrementing bias voltages is 0 V, 2 V, or 4 V, the meta-surface00is driven in the above drive mode, such that the beam scans in the first direction X, and the formed scan range of the beam is offset by +12° in the direction perpendicular to the normal of the meta-surface00.

For the antenna40generating multi-beam, for example, the lens antenna40, a plurality of feed sources are required near the focus to generate beams with different directions, such that the overall volume is increased, and the beam direction is fixed once formed. Thus, the meta-surface00in the embodiments of the present disclosure achieves the free switch between the multi-beam and the single-beam, each beam has a beam scan angle, and more coherent communication services are provided for users in high speed mobile state. Meanwhile, the insertion loss (S21) of each beam is less.

In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an electronic device. The electronic device includes the antenna according to any of the above embodiments. The electronic device is any product with communication functions, such as a mobile phone, a vehicle-mounted equipment, and the like. Persons of ordinary skill in the art shall understand other essential components of the electronic device, which are not repeated herein and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the antenna in the electronic device further includes a transceiver unit, a radio frequency transceiver, a signal amplifier, a power amplifier, and a filter unit. The antenna in the communication device is a sending antenna or a receiving antenna. The transceiver unit includes a base band and a receiving terminal. The base band provides at least one frequency band signal, such as the 2G signal, the 3G signal, the 4G signal, the 5G signal, and the like, and sends at least one frequency band signal to the radio frequency transceiver. Upon receiving the signal, the antenna in the communication system transmits the signal to the receiving terminal of the transceiver unit upon processing by the filter unit, the power amplifier, the signal amplifier, and the radio frequency transceiver, and the receiving terminal is a smart gateway.

Furthermore, the radio frequency transceiver is connected to the transceiver unit for modulating the signal sent by the transceiver unit or demodulating the signal received by the antenna and transmitting the signal back to the transceiver unit. Specifically, the radio frequency transceiver includes 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 modulates various types of signals provided by the baseband and then sends to the antenna. The antenna receives the signal and transmits to the receiving circuit of the radio frequency transceiver, the receiving circuit transmits the signal to the demodulation circuit, and the demodulation circuit demodulates the signal and then transmits to the receiving terminal.

Furthermore, the radio frequency transceiver is connected to the signal amplifier and the power amplifier, and the signal amplifier and the power amplifier are connected to the filter unit, and the filter unit is connected to at least one antenna. In sending signals by the communication system, the signal amplifier is used to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the signals output by the radio frequency transceiver and then transmit to the filter unit. The power amplifier is used to amplify the power of the signal output by the radio frequency transceiver and then transmit to the filter unit. The filter unit specifically includes a duplexer and a filter circuit. The filter unit combines the signals output by the signal amplifier and the power amplifier, filters the noise wave and transmits to the antenna, and the antenna radiates the signal. In receiving signals by the communication system, the antenna transmits the signals to the filter unit upon receiving the signals, and the filter unit filters the noise wave from the signals received by the antenna and transmits to the signal amplifier and the power amplifier, and the signal amplifier gains the signals received by the antenna to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the signals. The power amplifier amplifies the power of the signal received by the antenna. The signal received by the antenna is processed by the power amplifier and signal amplifier and transmits to the radio frequency transceiver, and the radio frequency transceiver then transmits to the transceiver unit.

In some embodiments, the signal amplifier includes various types of signal amplifiers, such as a low noise amplifier, which is not limited herein.

In some embodiments, the antenna in the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a power management unit, and the power management unit is connected to the power amplifier to provide the voltage with amplified signal for the power amplifier.

It can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. A person of ordinary skill in the art can obtain variations and improvements without departing from the spirit or essence of the present disclosure, the variations and improvements are within the scope of the protection of the present disclosure.