Antenna unit, array, beam scannng method, communication apparatus, and storage medium

A beam scanning method, applicable to an antenna array comprising a plurality of antenna units;

• wherein
• each of the antenna units comprises a microstrip patch antenna and a phase shifter;
• wherein
• the phase shifter comprises:
• a microstrip line;
• a liquid crystal layer, arranged between the microstrip line and the microstrip patch antenna;
• and
• a metal layer, arranged between the liquid crystal layer and the microstrip patch antenna;
• a first through hole is formed in the metal layer, and the microstrip patch antenna and an output end of the microstrip line are coupled via the first through hole;
• wherein the antenna array further comprises a power distribution network, wherein the power distribution network comprises an input end and a plurality of output ends, wherein the input end of the power distribution network is configured to receive a radio frequency signal, and the output ends of the power distribution network are configured to transmit the radio frequency signal to the input end of the microstrip line;
• wherein the power distribution network is located at a same layer as the microstrip patch antenna, wherein a second through hole is formed in the metal layer, and the output ends of the power distribution network and the input end of the microstrip line are coupled via the second through hole;
• wherein the second through hole is strip-shaped, and projections of the output end of the power distribution network and the input end of the microstrip line on the metal layer are perpendicular to the second through hole;
• wherein the beam scanning method comprises:
• adjusting a dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer by controlling an electrical signal on the metal layer and/or the electrical signal on the microstrip line in each of the antenna units;
• and
• wherein the electric signal on the microstrip line is phase-shifted by the liquid crystal layer and then coupled to the microstrip patch antenna for radiation, and after phases of the electrical signal radiated by the microstrip patch antennas in the plurality of antenna units are superimposed, a beam emitted in a target direction is formed.