Phase shifter and electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses a phase shifter and an electronic device, and belongs to the field of phase shifters. The phase shifter comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a tunable medium, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of control switches. The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in a laminated mode, and a gap is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate has a first mounting surface facing the second substrate, and the second substrate has a second mounting surface facing the first substrate. The tunable medium is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The plurality of first electrodes are arranged on the first mounting surface and are distributed at intervals. The plurality of second electrodes are arranged on the second mounting surface and are distributed at intervals. One first electrode corresponds to one second electrode, and the projection of each second electrode on the first mounting surface overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface. The plurality of control switches are arranged on the first mounting surface, and each first electrode is electrically connected to the corresponding control switch.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of phase shifters, and particularly relates to a phase shifter and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of science and technology, antennas are applied more and more widely. Generally, after an antenna is installed in an electronic device, the electronic device can transmit or receive signals through the antenna, so that the electronic device has a communication function. In the related art, a phase shifter is arranged in the antenna, and the phase shifter is used to change the phase of current. Generally, the phase shifter has a plurality of phase shift units, the plurality of phase shift units are connected through a transmission line, and the phase shift units change the phase by means of a tunable medium in the phase shifter, so that the phase of a signal passing through the phase shifter is changed. However, in the related art, the accuracy of the phase shifter in changing the phase of the signal passing through the phase shifter is low. SUMMARY

[0003] The purpose of the embodiments of the application is to provide a phase shifter and an electronic device, which can solve the problem of low accuracy of a phase shifter in changing the phase of a signal passing through the phase shifter.

[0004] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the application provide a phase shifter, which comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a tunable medium, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of control switches.

[0005] The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in a stack, and there is a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate has a first mounting surface facing the second substrate, and the second substrate has a second mounting surface facing the first substrate.

[0006] The tunable medium is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The plurality of first electrodes are arranged on the first mounting surface and are spaced apart. The plurality of second electrodes are arranged on the second mounting surface and are spaced apart. One first electrode corresponds to one second electrode, and the projection of each second electrode on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface.

[0007] The plurality of control switches are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one control switch corresponds to one first electrode. Each first electrode is electrically connected to the corresponding control switch.

[0008] Optionally, the phase shifter further comprises a plurality of third electrodes, the plurality of third electrodes are arranged on the first mounting surface, the plurality of third electrodes are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the first mounting surface, one third electrode corresponds to one first electrode, and the third electrode and the first electrode have a gap along a direction from the second mounting surface to the first mounting surface, and a projection of each third electrode on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps with a projection of a corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface.

[0009] Optionally, an interlayer dielectric layer is arranged on the first mounting surface, the control switch part is arranged in the interlayer dielectric layer, and the first electrode is arranged on the interlayer dielectric layer.

[0010] Optionally, the control switch comprises an active layer, a non-metallic layer, a gate layer, a source and a drain.

[0011] The active layer, the non-metallic layer and the gate layer are all located in the interlayer dielectric layer, and the active layer, the non-metallic layer and the gate layer are arranged in layers, the non-metallic layer is located between the gate layer and the active layer, the non-metallic layer is in contact with the active layer and the gate layer respectively, and the active layer is in contact with the first mounting surface.

[0012] The source and the drain are both located on the interlayer dielectric layer, and the source and the drain are both connected with the active layer, and the drain is electrically connected with the first electrode.

[0013] Optionally, a first insulating layer is arranged on the interlayer dielectric layer, and the first insulating layer is in contact with the interlayer dielectric layer, the source and the drain are both located in the first insulating layer, and the first electrode is on the first insulating layer.

[0014] Optionally, a through hole is arranged in the first insulating layer, the through hole is provided with a connecting line, one end of the connecting line is electrically connected with the drain, and the other end of the connecting line is electrically connected with the first electrode.

[0015] Optionally, the phase shifter further comprises a plurality of third electrodes, an organic flat layer is arranged on the first insulating layer, the organic flat layer is in contact with the first insulating layer, the plurality of third electrodes are arranged in the organic flat layer, the plurality of third electrodes are spaced apart, one third electrode corresponds to one first electrode, and a projection of each third electrode on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps with a projection of a corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface, and the first electrode is on the organic flat layer.

[0016] Optionally, a second insulating layer is disposed on the organic flat layer, the second insulating layer being in contact with the organic flat layer, and the first electrode is disposed in the second insulating layer.

[0017] Optionally, a first alignment layer is disposed on the second insulating layer, the first alignment layer being in contact with the second insulating layer.

[0018] Optionally, a third insulating layer is disposed on the second mounting surface of the second substrate, and the plurality of second electrodes are disposed in the third insulating layer.

[0019] Optionally, a second alignment layer is disposed on the third insulating layer.

[0020] Optionally, the plurality of first electrodes are arranged in an array, and along a first direction, the plurality of first electrodes have a plurality of columns, and along a second direction, the plurality of first electrodes have a plurality of rows; the plurality of second electrodes are arranged in an array, and along the first direction, the plurality of second electrodes have a plurality of columns, and along the second direction, the plurality of second electrodes have a plurality of rows; and the plurality of third electrodes are arranged in an array, and along the first direction, the plurality of third electrodes have a plurality of columns, and along the second direction, the plurality of third electrodes have a plurality of rows.

[0021] The first direction and the second direction are both parallel to the first mounting surface, and an included angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90 degrees.

[0022] Optionally, control switches corresponding to each column of the first electrodes are connected by a same transmission line, control switches corresponding to each row of the first electrodes are connected by a gate line, each column of the second electrodes is connected by a same microstrip line, and each column of the third electrodes is connected by a same common line.

[0023] Optionally, a support column is disposed between the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, one end of the support column being connected to the first mounting surface, and the other end of the support column being connected to the second mounting surface.

[0024] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, the electronic device comprising the phase shifter of any one of the first aspect.

[0025] In the embodiment of the present application, since the first substrate and the second substrate are stacked and there is a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate, the tunable medium can be arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. Since the plurality of first electrodes are arranged on the first mounting surface and spaced apart, the plurality of second electrodes are arranged on the second mounting surface and spaced apart, one first electrode corresponds to one second electrode, and the projection of each second electrode on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface, therefore, the overlapping part of one first electrode and one second electrode in the direction from the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface forms an overlapping capacitor, so that after inputting the driving voltage, the dielectric constant of the tunable medium between the overlapping capacitors changes, so that the electromagnetic wave phase constant changes, thereby changing the phase of the signal passing through the phase shifter after inputting the voltage to the plurality of overlapping capacitors. Since the plurality of control switches are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one control switch corresponds to one first electrode, each first electrode is electrically connected to the corresponding control switch, so that when the voltage is input to the plurality of first electrodes, the corresponding control switch can be controlled to be turned on or off, thereby controlling whether the voltage is input to the first electrode, and different control switches can be controlled according to actual needs, and the input voltages of different first electrodes are different, thereby making the phase adjustment of the signal passing through the phase shifter more accurate, and the signal intensity passing through the phase shifter can be improved.

[0026] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, a plurality of first electrodes are arranged on the first mounting surface, a plurality of second electrodes are arranged on the second mounting surface, the projection of each second electrode on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface, thereby each first electrode and the corresponding second electrode form a plurality of overlapping capacitors, which is equivalent to forming a plurality of overlapping capacitors, and a plurality of control switches are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one first electrode corresponds to one control switch, and one control switch is electrically connected to one first electrode, thereby each overlapping capacitor is connected to one control switch, so that when the voltage is input to the overlapping capacitor, the opening or closing of the control switch can be controlled, and the plurality of overlapping capacitors are independent of each other, different voltages can be input to different overlapping capacitors through corresponding controls, so that the signal passing through the phase shifter can be changed in different phases, thereby making the phase change of the signal passing through the phase shifter more accurate, and the voltage input to different overlapping capacitors can be adjusted to improve the signal intensity passing through the phase shifter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a planar design diagram of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Reference signs:

[0032] 10: first substrate; 20: second substrate; 30: tunable medium; 40: first electrode; 50: second electrode; 60: control switch; 61: active layer; 62: non-metal layer; 63: gate layer; 64: source; 65: drain; 70: third electrode; 80: support column; 101: interlayer dielectric layer; 102: first insulating layer; 103: organic planarization layer; 104: second insulating layer; 105: first orientation layer; 201: third insulating layer; 202: second orientation layer; 001: transmission line; 002: gate line; 003: microstrip line; 004: common line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0034] It should be understood that the "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application; Figures 1 to 4As shown, the phase shifter comprises a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, a tunable medium 30, a plurality of first electrodes 40, a plurality of second electrodes 50 and a plurality of control switches 60.

[0036] The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are arranged in a stacked manner, and there is a gap between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The first substrate 10 has a first mounting surface facing the second substrate 20, and the second substrate 20 has a second mounting surface facing the first substrate 10. The tunable medium 30 is located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The plurality of first electrodes 40 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and the plurality of first electrodes 40 are spaced apart. The plurality of second electrodes 50 are arranged on the second mounting surface, and the plurality of second electrodes 50 are spaced apart. One first electrode 40 corresponds to one second electrode 50, and the projection of each second electrode 50 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface. The plurality of control switches 60 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one control switch 60 corresponds to one first electrode 40. Each first electrode 40 is electrically connected to the corresponding control switch 60.

[0037] In the embodiments of the present application, since the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are arranged in a stacked manner, and there is a gap between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, the tunable medium 30 can be arranged between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Since the plurality of first electrodes 40 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and the plurality of first electrodes 40 are spaced apart, the plurality of second electrodes 50 are arranged on the second mounting surface, and the plurality of second electrodes 50 are spaced apart, one first electrode 40 corresponds to one second electrode 50, and the projection of each second electrode 50 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, so that the overlapping part of one first electrode 40 and one second electrode 50 in the direction from the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface forms an overlapping capacitor. Therefore, after inputting a driving voltage, the dielectric constant of the tunable medium 30 between the overlapping capacitors changes, so that the electromagnetic wave phase constant changes, thereby changing the phase of the signal passing through the phase shifter after inputting the voltage to the plurality of overlapping capacitors. Since the plurality of control switches 60 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one control switch 60 corresponds to one first electrode 40, each first electrode 40 is electrically connected to the corresponding control switch 60. Therefore, when inputting the voltage to the plurality of first electrodes 40, the corresponding control switch 60 can be controlled to be turned on or turned off, so as to control whether the voltage is input to the first electrode 40, and different control switches 60 can be controlled according to actual needs, and the input voltages of different first electrodes 40 are different, thereby making the phase adjustment of the signal passing through the phase shifter more accurate, and the signal intensity passing through the phase shifter can also be improved.

[0038] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, by arranging the plurality of first electrodes 40 on the first mounting surface and the plurality of second electrodes 50 on the second mounting surface, the projection of each second electrode 50 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, so that each first electrode 40 and the corresponding second electrode 50 form a plurality of overlapping capacitors, which are equivalent to a plurality of overlapping capacitors. The plurality of control switches 60 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one first electrode 40 corresponds to one control switch 60, and one control switch 60 is electrically connected to one first electrode 40, so that each overlapping capacitor is connected to one control switch 60, so that when a voltage is input to the overlapping capacitor, the opening or closing of the control switch 60 can be controlled, and the plurality of overlapping capacitors are independent of each other, and different voltages can be input to different overlapping capacitors through corresponding control, so that the signal passing through the phase shifter can be changed in different phases, thereby making the phase change of the signal passing through the phase shifter more accurate, and the voltage input to different overlapping capacitors can be adjusted to improve the signal strength passing through the phase shifter.

[0039] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the tunable medium 30 can be liquid crystal, which will deflect after input of a driving voltage, thereby causing a change in the phase constant to realize the phase shift function.

[0040] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 can both be glass plates, and of course, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 can also be formed of other materials, for example, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are both resin plates. The specific type of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0041] In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the first electrode 40 can be a signal transmission band, and the second electrode 50 can be a ground band.

[0042] In addition, in some embodiments, the phase shifter can further include a plurality of third electrodes 70, the plurality of third electrodes 70 are arranged on the first mounting surface, the plurality of third electrodes 70 are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the first mounting surface, one third electrode 70 corresponds to one first electrode 40, and the third electrode 70 and the first electrode 40 have a gap along the direction from the second mounting surface to the first mounting surface, and the projection of each third electrode 70 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface.

[0043] Since the plurality of third electrodes 70 are arranged on the first mounting surface, one third electrode 70 corresponds to one first electrode 40, and the third electrode 70 and the first electrode 40 have a certain distance between them along the direction from the second mounting surface to the first mounting surface, the projection of each third electrode 70 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, so that after the first electrode 40 is energized, the first electrode 40 not only forms an overlapping capacitor with the corresponding second electrode 50, but also forms a storage capacitor with the corresponding third electrode 70, that is, electrical energy can be stored in the storage capacitor formed by the first electrode 40 and the third electrode 70, and when the voltage of the overlapping capacitor formed by the first electrode 40 and the second electrode 50 decreases, the electrical energy stored in the storage capacitor can be transferred to the overlapping capacitor, so that the voltage of the overlapping capacitor remains stable. That is, by arranging the third electrode 70, and the projection of the third electrode 70 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, so that the third electrode 70 and the first electrode 40 can form a storage capacitor, the storage capacitor can store electrical energy, so that when the voltage of the overlapping capacitor formed by the first electrode 40 and the second electrode 50 decreases, the overlapping capacitor is charged, so that the voltage of the overlapping capacitor is stable, which is conducive to changing the dielectric constant of the tunable medium 30, and thus is conducive to changing the phase.

[0044] It should be noted that the first electrode 40 and the corresponding second electrode 50 form an overlapping capacitor, and the first electrode 40 and the corresponding third electrode 70 form a storage capacitor, and since the first electrode 40 is shared, it is equivalent to that the storage capacitor and the overlapping capacitor are electrically connected, so that when the voltage of the overlapping capacitor decreases, the electrical energy stored in the storage capacitor can be transferred to the overlapping capacitor.

[0045] In addition, in some embodiments, an interlayer dielectric layer 101 can be arranged on the first mounting surface, and part of the control switch 60 is arranged in the interlayer dielectric layer 101, and the first electrode 40 is arranged on the interlayer dielectric layer 101.

[0046] Since the first mounting surface is provided with the interlayer dielectric layer 101, when the control switch 60 is arranged, part of the control switch 60 can be arranged in the interlayer dielectric layer 101, thereby facilitating the arrangement of the control switch 60. That is, by arranging the interlayer dielectric layer 101, the arrangement of the control switch 60 can be facilitated.

[0047] It should be noted that each control switch 60 can be partially located in the interlayer dielectric layer 101, that is, each control switch 60 can only be partially located in the interlayer dielectric layer 101, and the interlayer dielectric layer 101 is also located outside. In addition, the first electrode 40 is arranged on the interlayer dielectric layer 101, that is, the first electrode 40 can be located on the interlayer dielectric layer 101 and in contact with the interlayer dielectric layer 101, and the first electrode 40 can also not be in contact with the interlayer dielectric layer 101.

[0048] In addition, in some embodiments, the control switch 60 can include an active layer 61, a non-metal layer 62, a gate layer 63, a source 64 and a drain 65. The active layer 61, the non-metal layer 62 and the gate layer 63 are all located in the interlayer dielectric layer 101, and the active layer 61, the non-metal layer 62 and the gate layer 63 are stacked, and the non-metal layer 62 is located between the gate layer 63 and the active layer 61, and the non-metal layer 62 is in contact with the active layer 61 and the gate layer 63 respectively, and the active layer 61 is in contact with the first mounting surface. The source 64 and the drain 65 are both located on the interlayer dielectric layer 101, and the source 64 and the drain 65 are both connected with the active layer 61, and the drain 65 is electrically connected with the first electrode 40.

[0049] When the active layer 61, the non-metal layer 62 and the gate layer 63 are stacked, and the non-metal layer 62 is located between the gate layer 63 and the active layer 61, and the non-metal layer 62 is in contact with the active layer 61 and the gate layer 63 respectively, and the active layer 61 is in contact with the first mounting surface, and the source 64 and the drain 65 are both connected with the active layer 61, it is equivalent to that the active layer 61, the non-metal layer 62, the gate layer 63, the source 64 and the drain 65 form a thin film transistor (TFT) structure, and the TFT structure can be used as the control switch 60, and the first electrode 40 is electrically connected with the drain 65 of the TFT structure.

[0050] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, the material of the active layer 61 can be monocrystalline silicon, and can also be oxide, and of course, the material of the active layer 61 can also be other materials, for example, the material of the active layer 61 is polycrystalline silicon, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0051] In addition, in some embodiments, the interlayer dielectric layer 101 can be provided with a first insulating layer 102, and the first insulating layer 102 is in contact with the interlayer dielectric layer 101, and the source 64 and the drain 65 are both located in the first insulating layer 102, and the first electrode 40 is on the first insulating layer 102.

[0052] Because the interlayer dielectric layer 101 is provided with the first insulating layer 102, the source 64 and the drain 65 are both located in the first insulating layer 102, and the first electrode 40 is on the first insulating layer 102, therefore, after one first electrode 40 is connected with the drain 65 of the control switch 60 corresponding to the first electrode 40, it can avoid that other control switches 60 interfere with the signal of the first electrode 40 when transmitting the signal to the corresponding first electrode 40. That is, by setting the first insulating layer 102, and setting the source 64 and the drain 65 in the first insulating layer 102, and setting the first electrode 40 on the first insulating layer 102, it can avoid the mutual interference between the signals transmitted to the adjacent two first electrodes 40.

[0053] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the first insulating layer 102 can be provided with a through hole, and the through hole is provided with a connecting line, one end of the connecting line is electrically connected with the drain electrode 65, and the other end of the connecting line is electrically connected with the first electrode 40, so as to electrically connect the first electrode 40 with the drain electrode 65. Of course, the way of electrically connecting the first electrode 40 with the drain electrode 65 can also be other ways, for example, a metal foil is provided in the through hole, and the two ends of the metal foil are respectively connected with the first electrode 40 and the drain electrode 65. In this regard, the embodiments of the present application are not limited here.

[0054] In addition, in some embodiments, the phase shifter can further include a plurality of third electrodes 70, the first insulating layer 102 is provided with an organic planar layer 103, the organic planar layer 103 is in contact with the first insulating layer 102, the plurality of third electrodes 70 are arranged in the organic planar layer 103, the plurality of third electrodes 70 are distributed at intervals, one third electrode 70 corresponds to one first electrode 40, and the projection of each third electrode 70 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, and the first electrode 40 is on the organic planar layer 103.

[0055] Since the first insulating layer 102 is provided with the organic planar layer 103, the plurality of third electrodes 70 are arranged in the organic planar layer 103, the projection of each third electrode 70 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, and the first electrode 40 is on the organic planar layer 103, therefore, the third electrode 70 and the corresponding first electrode 40 will have the material of the organic planar layer 103 therebetween, thereby facilitating the first electrode 40 and the third electrode 70 to have a gap therebetween, and further facilitating the first electrode 40 and the corresponding third electrode 70 to form a storage capacitor. That is, by providing the organic planar layer 103, it is equivalent to providing a setting carrier for the third electrode 70, thereby facilitating the third electrode 70 and the corresponding first electrode 40 to have a gap therebetween, and further facilitating the third electrode 70 and the corresponding first electrode 40 to form a storage capacitor.

[0056] It should be noted that the organic planar layer 103 is formed of an organic material, and the organic material between the third electrode 70 and the corresponding first electrode 40 will not affect the third electrode 70 and the corresponding first electrode 40 to form a storage capacitor.

[0057] In addition, in some embodiments, the organic planar layer 103 can be provided with a second insulating layer 104, the second insulating layer 104 is in contact with the organic planar layer 103, and the first electrode 40 is arranged in the second insulating layer 104.

[0058] When the second insulating layer 104 is arranged on the organic planarization layer 103 and is in contact with the organic planarization layer 103, the first electrode 40 can be arranged in the second insulating layer 104 at this time, so as to avoid the first electrode 40 from being affected by other electric signals, and facilitate the first electrode 40 to form an overlapping capacitance with the corresponding second electrode 50 after being electrified.

[0059] In addition, in some embodiments, the second insulating layer 104 can be arranged with a first orientation layer 105, and the first orientation layer 105 is in contact with the second insulating layer 104.

[0060] When the second insulating layer 104 is arranged with the first orientation layer 105, the first orientation layer 105 can limit the initial deflection angle of the molecules of the tunable medium 30 at this time, facilitate the angle change of the molecules of the tunable medium 30 between the first electrode 40 and the second electrode 50 after the first electrode 40 is electrified, and further facilitate the change of the dielectric constant of the tunable medium 30.

[0061] In addition, in some embodiments, the second mounting surface of the second substrate 20 can be arranged with a third insulating layer 201, and the plurality of second electrodes 50 are arranged in the third insulating layer 201.

[0062] When the second mounting surface is arranged with the third insulating layer 201, the second electrode 50 can be arranged in the third insulating layer 201 at this time, so as to avoid the second electrode 50 from being affected by other electric signals, and facilitate the second electrode 50 to form an overlapping capacitance with the first electrode 40 after being electrified.

[0063] In addition, in some embodiments, the third insulating layer 201 can be arranged with a second orientation layer 202.

[0064] When the third insulating layer 201 is arranged with the second orientation layer 202, the second orientation layer 202 can limit the initial deflection angle of the molecules of the tunable medium 30 at this time, further facilitate the angle change of the molecules of the tunable medium 30 between the first electrode 40 and the second electrode 50 after the first electrode 40 is electrified, and further facilitate the change of the dielectric constant of the tunable medium 30.

[0065] It should be noted that when the second insulating layer 104 is arranged with the first orientation layer 105 and the third insulating layer 201 is arranged with the second orientation layer 202, the tunable medium 30 can be located between the first orientation layer 105 and the second orientation layer 202 at this time, so that the first orientation layer 105 and the second orientation layer 202 simultaneously act on the tunable medium 30, so that the angle of the molecules of the tunable medium 30 changes.

[0066] In addition, in some embodiments, as Figure 1As shown, the plurality of first electrodes 40 can be arranged in an array, and have a plurality of columns of first electrodes 40 along a first direction and a plurality of rows of first electrodes 40 along a second direction, the plurality of second electrodes 50 can be arranged in an array, and have a plurality of columns of second electrodes 50 along the first direction and a plurality of rows of second electrodes 50 along the second direction, and the plurality of third electrodes 70 can be arranged in an array, and have a plurality of columns of third electrodes 70 along the first direction and a plurality of rows of third electrodes 70 along the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are both parallel to the first mounting surface, and the angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90 degrees.

[0067] When the first electrodes 40, the second electrodes 50, and the third electrodes 70 are all arranged in an array, and form a plurality of columns of first electrodes 40, a plurality of columns of second electrodes 50, and a plurality of columns of third electrodes 70, at this time, each column of first electrodes 40 and second electrodes 50 can form a phase-shifting unit, so that the phase shifter can have a plurality of phase-shifting units. In addition, the third electrode 70 and the corresponding first electrode 40 form a storage capacitor, which can supply power to the corresponding phase-shifting unit. That is, by arranging the plurality of first electrodes 40 and the plurality of second electrodes 50 in an array, it is beneficial to form a plurality of phase-shifting units, and each phase-shifting unit has a self-power supply function.

[0068] In addition, in some embodiments, as shown, Figure 1 As shown, the control switches 60 corresponding to each column of first electrodes 40 can be connected by the same transmission line 001, the control switches 60 corresponding to each row of first electrodes 40 can be connected by the gate line 002, each column of second electrodes 50 can be connected by the same microstrip line 003, and each column of third electrodes 70 can be connected by the same common line 004.

[0069] Since the control switches 60 corresponding to each column of first electrodes 40 are connected by the same transmission line 001, the first electrodes 40, the second electrodes 50, and the transmission line 001 of this column can form a phase-shifting unit, so that the plurality of columns of first electrodes 40 can form a plurality of phase-shifting units. Since the control switches 60 corresponding to each column of first electrodes 40 are connected by the gate line 002, the opening or closing of the control switches 60 can be controlled by the gate line 002. When the control switch 60 is opened, an electrical signal can be input to the first electrode 40 through the transmission line 001, which is equivalent to inputting an electrical signal to the phase-shifting unit through the transmission line 001. In this way, different electrical signals can be input to the plurality of phase-shifting units, so that the plurality of phase-shifting units change the phase of the same electromagnetic wave differently, making the phase of the electromagnetic wave change accurately, and also allowing the phase to be stacked away, so that the signal strength of the electromagnetic wave is improved after the phase of the electromagnetic wave is changed by the plurality of phase-shifting units. That is, each phase-shifting unit can be accurately controlled, so that the phase shifter changes the phase of the electromagnetic wave more accurately, and the signal strength of the electromagnetic wave can be improved according to actual needs.

[0070] In addition, each column of third electrodes 70 is connected by the same common line 004, so as to be equivalent to each phase shift unit also having a self-balancing voltage function, that is, when the voltage of the overlapping capacitor formed by each column of first electrodes 40 and corresponding second electrodes 50 decreases, the third electrode 70 of this column and the corresponding first electrode 40 form a storage capacitor, which can charge the overlapping capacitor, so that the voltage of the overlapping capacitor is stable.

[0071] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the column switch can be equivalent to the gate line 002, and the row switch can be equivalent to the transmission line 001. Figure 3

[0072] In addition, in some embodiments, a support column 80 can be arranged between the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, one end of the support column 80 being connected with the first mounting surface, and the other end of the support column 80 being connected with the second mounting surface.

[0073] Since the support column 80 is arranged between the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, and the two ends of the support column 80 are respectively connected with the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, the support column 80 can support the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface, which is equivalent to supporting the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, thereby avoiding the problem that the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are forced to approach each other.

[0074] It should be noted that when the phase shifter includes the first orientation layer 105 and the second orientation layer 202, at this time, the two ends of the support column 80 are respectively in contact with the first orientation layer 105 and the second orientation layer 202.

[0075] ​In the embodiment of the present application, since the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are stacked, and there is a gap between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, the tunable medium 30 can be arranged between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Since the plurality of first electrodes 40 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and the plurality of first electrodes 40 are spaced apart, the plurality of second electrodes 50 are arranged on the second mounting surface, and the plurality of second electrodes 50 are spaced apart, one first electrode 40 corresponds to one second electrode 50, and the projection of each second electrode 50 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, therefore, the overlapping part of one first electrode 40 and one second electrode 50 in the direction from the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface forms an overlapping capacitor, so that after inputting the driving voltage, the dielectric constant of the tunable medium 30 between the overlapping capacitors changes, so that the electromagnetic wave phase constant changes, so that after inputting the voltage to the plurality of overlapping capacitors, the phase of the signal passing through the phase shifter changes. Since the plurality of control switches 60 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one control switch 60 corresponds to one first electrode 40, each first electrode 40 is electrically connected to the corresponding control switch 60, therefore, when inputting the voltage to the plurality of first electrodes 40, the corresponding control switch 60 can be controlled to be turned on or off, so as to control whether the voltage is input to the first electrode 40, and different control switches 60 can be controlled according to actual needs, and the input voltages of different first electrodes 40 are different, so as to make the phase adjustment of the signal passing through the phase shifter more accurate, and the signal intensity passing through the phase shifter can be improved.

[0076] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, the plurality of first electrodes 40 are arranged on the first mounting surface, the plurality of second electrodes 50 are arranged on the second mounting surface, the projection of each second electrode 50 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, so that each first electrode 40 and the corresponding second electrode 50 form a plurality of overlapping capacitors, which are equivalent to a plurality of overlapping capacitors. The plurality of control switches 60 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one first electrode 40 corresponds to one control switch 60, and one control switch 60 is electrically connected to one first electrode 40, so that each overlapping capacitor is connected to one control switch 60, so that when the voltage is input to the overlapping capacitor, the opening or closing of the control switch 60 can be controlled, and the plurality of overlapping capacitors are independent of each other, different voltages can be input to different overlapping capacitors through corresponding control, so that the signal passing through the phase shifter can be changed in different phases, so that the phase change of the signal passing through the phase shifter is more accurate, and the voltage input to different overlapping capacitors can be adjusted, so that the signal intensity passing through the phase shifter is improved.

[0077] The electronic device includes the phase shifter in any of the above embodiments.

[0078] In the embodiment, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are stacked, and there is a gap between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, so that the tunable medium 30 can be arranged between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Since the plurality of first electrodes 40 are arranged on the first mounting surface and spaced apart, the plurality of second electrodes 50 are arranged on the second mounting surface and spaced apart, one first electrode 40 corresponds to one second electrode 50, and the projection of each second electrode 50 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, so that the overlapping part of one first electrode 40 and one second electrode 50 in the direction from the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface forms an overlapping capacitor. Therefore, after inputting the driving voltage, the dielectric constant of the tunable medium 30 between the overlapping capacitors changes, so that the electromagnetic wave phase constant changes, thereby changing the phase of the signal passing through the phase shifter after inputting the voltage to the plurality of overlapping capacitors. Since the plurality of control switches 60 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one control switch 60 corresponds to one first electrode 40, each first electrode 40 is electrically connected to the corresponding control switch 60. Therefore, when the voltage is input to the plurality of first electrodes 40, the corresponding control switch 60 can be controlled to be turned on or turned off, so as to control whether the voltage is input to the first electrode 40. Different control switches 60 can be controlled according to actual needs, and the input voltages of different first electrodes 40 are different, so as to make the phase adjustment of the signal passing through the phase shifter more accurate, and the signal intensity passing through the phase shifter is also improved.

[0079] That is, in the embodiment of the present application, by arranging the plurality of first electrodes 40 on the first mounting surface and the plurality of second electrodes 50 on the second mounting surface, the projection of each second electrode 50 on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps with the projection of the corresponding first electrode 40 on the first mounting surface, so that each first electrode 40 and the corresponding second electrode 50 form a plurality of overlapping capacitors, which are equivalent to a plurality of overlapping capacitors. The plurality of control switches 60 are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one first electrode 40 corresponds to one control switch 60, and one control switch 60 is electrically connected to one first electrode 40, so that each overlapping capacitor is connected to one control switch 60, so that when a voltage is input to the overlapping capacitor, the opening or closing of the control switch 60 can be controlled, and the plurality of overlapping capacitors are independent of each other, and different voltages can be input to different overlapping capacitors through corresponding control, so that the signal passing through the phase shifter can be changed in different phases, thereby making the phase change of the signal passing through the phase shifter more accurate, and the voltage input to different overlapping capacitors can be adjusted, so that the signal strength passing through the phase shifter is improved, thereby improving the user's experience of using the electronic device.

[0080] It should be noted that each of the embodiments in the present specification is described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the difference from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts between each embodiment can be referred to each other.

[0081] Although alternative embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art can make further changes and modifications to these embodiments once they know the basic inventive concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all alternative embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that in this document, relationship terms such as first and second are used only to distinguish one entity from another, and do not necessarily require or imply that there is any such actual relationship or order between these entities. Moreover, the terms "include", "contain" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the article or terminal device including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed or inherent to such article or terminal device. Without more limitation, the element defined by the statement "including a" does not exclude the presence of another identical element in the article or terminal device including the element.

[0083] The technical solutions provided by the present application are described in detail above, and the principles and implementation manners of the present application are described by using specific examples. Meanwhile, for those skilled in the art, the principles and implementation manners of the present application can be changed in specific implementation manners and application ranges, and therefore, the content of the specification should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, characterized by, The phase shifter comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a tunable medium, a plurality of first electrodes, a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of control switches; The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged in a stacked manner, and the first substrate and the second substrate have a gap therebetween, the first substrate has a first mounting surface facing the second substrate, and the second substrate has a second mounting surface facing the first substrate; The tunable medium is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, a plurality of the first electrodes are arranged on the first mounting surface and spaced apart, a plurality of the second electrodes are arranged on the second mounting surface and spaced apart, one first electrode corresponds to one second electrode, and the projection of each second electrode on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface; A plurality of the control switches are arranged on the first mounting surface, and one control switch corresponds to one first electrode, each first electrode is electrically connected to the corresponding control switch; The first mounting surface is provided with an interlayer dielectric layer, the interlayer dielectric layer is provided with a first insulating layer, and the first insulating layer is in contact with the interlayer dielectric layer, the phase shifter further comprises a plurality of third electrodes, one third electrode corresponds to one first electrode, and the projection of each third electrode on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface, the first insulating layer is provided with an organic planarization layer, the organic planarization layer is in contact with the first insulating layer, a plurality of third electrodes are arranged in the organic planarization layer, and the first electrode is on the organic planarization layer.

2. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein A plurality of the third electrodes are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the first mounting surface, one third electrode corresponds to one first electrode, and the third electrode and the first electrode have a gap along the direction from the second mounting surface to the first mounting surface, and the projection of each third electrode on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface.

3. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein, Part of the control switches are arranged in the interlayer dielectric layer, and the first electrode is arranged on the interlayer dielectric layer.

4. The phase shifter of claim 3, wherein, The control switch comprises an active layer, a non-metal layer, a gate layer, a source and a drain; The active layer, the non-metal layer and the gate layer are located in the interlayer dielectric layer, and the active layer, the non-metal layer and the gate layer are arranged in a stacked manner, and the non-metal layer is located between the gate layer and the active layer, and the non-metal layer is in contact with the active layer and the gate layer, and the active layer is in contact with the first mounting surface; The source and the drain are located on the interlayer dielectric layer, and the source and the drain are connected to the active layer, and the drain is electrically connected to the first electrode.

5. The phase shifter of claim 4, wherein, The source and the drain are located in the first insulating layer.

6. The phase shifter of claim 5, wherein, The first insulating layer is provided with a through hole, and the through hole is provided with a connecting line, one end of the connecting line is electrically connected with the drain electrode, and the other end of the connecting line is electrically connected with the first electrode.

7. The phase shifter of claim 2, wherein The third electrodes are distributed in the organic flat layer, one third electrode corresponds to one first electrode, and the projection of each third electrode on the first mounting surface at least partially overlaps the projection of the corresponding first electrode on the first mounting surface.

8. The phase shifter of claim 7, wherein, The organic flat layer is provided with a second insulating layer, the second insulating layer is in contact with the organic flat layer, and the first electrode is arranged in the second insulating layer.

9. The phase shifter of claim 8, wherein, The second insulating layer is provided with a first alignment layer, and the first alignment layer is in contact with the second insulating layer.

10. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein, The second mounting surface of the second substrate is provided with a third insulating layer, and the second electrodes are arranged in the third insulating layer.

11. The phase shifter of claim 10, wherein, The third insulating layer is provided with a second alignment layer.

12. The phase shifter of claim 2, wherein, The first electrodes are arranged in an array, and a plurality of columns of the first electrodes are arranged along a first direction, and a plurality of rows of the first electrodes are arranged along a second direction; the second electrodes are arranged in an array, and a plurality of columns of the second electrodes are arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of rows of the second electrodes are arranged along the second direction; and the third electrodes are arranged in an array, and a plurality of columns of the third electrodes are arranged along the first direction, and a plurality of rows of the third electrodes are arranged along the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are both parallel to the first mounting surface, and the included angle between the first direction and the second direction is 90 degrees.

13. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein The control switches corresponding to each column of the first electrodes are connected by the same transmission line, the control switches corresponding to each row of the first electrodes are connected by gate lines, each column of the second electrodes is connected by the same microstrip line, and each column of the third electrodes is connected by the same common line.

14. The phase shifter of claim 1, wherein, The first mounting surface and the second mounting surface are provided with a support column, one end of the support column is connected with the first mounting surface, and the other end of the support column is connected with the second mounting surface.

15. An electronic device, comprising: The electronic device comprises the phase shifter of any one of claims 1-14.

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