Phase shifter and preparation method thereof

Abstract

A phase shifter and its manufacturing method. The phase shifter includes: a printed circuit board, a flexible film, and at least one liquid crystal cell. The liquid crystal cell is located on one side of the printed circuit board, the liquid crystal cell includes a first transmission line, and the printed circuit board includes a second transmission line, both configured to transmit radio frequency signals. The flexible film is attached to the liquid crystal cell and the printed circuit board, and a connecting line is provided on the side of the flexible film closest to the printed circuit board, configured to electrically connect the first and second transmission lines. The connecting line is used to electrically connect the first and second transmission lines. By attaching the flexible film to the liquid crystal cell and the printed circuit board, the first transmission line is connected to the second transmission line via a flexible connection. This avoids deformation and cracking of the glass substrate caused by rigid solder connections and helps relieve stress when the phase shifter operates at high or low temperatures.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a phase shifter, and more particularly to a phase shifter and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] A phase shifter is a device that adjusts the phase of a wave and has a wide range of applications in radar, missile attitude control, accelerators, communications, instrumentation, and other fields. Liquid crystal phase shifters operate by varying the electric field strength to control the dielectric constant of liquid crystal, thereby achieving phase shift adjustment. Liquid crystal phase shifters have broad application prospects in the microwave and millimeter wave bands.

[0003] Current liquid crystal phase shifters typically use a glass substrate to prepare a liquid crystal cell, which is then connected to a printed circuit board (PCB). The inventors of this application have discovered that the glass substrate of the liquid crystal phase shifter is prone to cracking. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a phase shifter and a method for manufacturing the same, which can solve the problem that the glass substrate of the liquid crystal phase shifter is prone to cracking.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a phase shifter, comprising: a printed circuit board, a flexible film, and at least one liquid crystal box; the liquid crystal box is located on one side of the printed circuit board, the liquid crystal box includes a first transmission line, the printed circuit board includes a second transmission line, and the first transmission line and the second transmission line are configured to transmit radio frequency signals; the flexible film is attached to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board, and a connecting line is provided on a side of the flexible film close to the printed circuit board, and the connecting line is configured to electrically connect the first transmission line and the second transmission line.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid crystal box includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate and a liquid crystal layer; the upper substrate and the lower substrate are arranged opposite to each other, the liquid crystal layer is sealed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and the printed circuit board is located on the side of the lower substrate away from the upper substrate; the first transmission line is arranged on the surface of the lower substrate on the side away from the printed circuit board.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board is within the range of the orthographic projection of the lower substrate on the printed circuit board, and the orthographic projection of the first transmission line on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, an orthographic projection of the second transmission line on the printed circuit board does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the lower substrate on the printed circuit board.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, an orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with an orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible film includes a first sub-flexible film and a second sub-flexible film; the connecting line includes a first sub-connecting line, a second sub-connecting line, a third sub-connecting line and a fourth sub-connecting line; the first sub-connecting line and the second sub-connecting line are located in the first sub-flexible film, and the third sub-connecting line and the fourth sub-connecting line are located in the second sub-flexible film.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board, and the orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projections of the first transmission line and the second transmission line on the printed circuit board.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible film includes a third sub-flexible film, a fourth sub-flexible film, a fifth sub-flexible film and a sixth sub-flexible film; the connecting line includes a first sub-connecting line, a second sub-connecting line, a third sub-connecting line and a fourth sub-connecting line; the first sub-connecting line is located in the third sub-flexible film, the second sub-connecting line is located in the fourth sub-flexible film, the third sub-connecting line is located in the fifth sub-flexible film, and the fourth sub-connecting line is located in the sixth sub-flexible film.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the first transmission line includes a first sub-transmission line, a second sub-transmission line, a third sub-transmission line and a fourth sub-transmission line, the first sub-transmission line and the second sub-transmission line are located on one side of the lower substrate, and the third sub-transmission line and the fourth sub-transmission line are located on the other side opposite to the lower substrate; the second transmission line includes a fifth sub-transmission line, a sixth sub-transmission line, a seventh sub-transmission line and an eighth sub-transmission line, the fifth sub-transmission line and the sixth sub-transmission line are located on one side of the printed circuit board, and the seventh sub-transmission line and the eighth sub-transmission line are located on the other side opposite to the printed circuit board.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sub-connection line is configured to connect the first sub-transmission line and the fifth sub-transmission line, the second sub-connection line is configured to connect the second sub-transmission line and the sixth sub-transmission line, the third sub-connection line is configured to connect the third sub-transmission line and the seventh sub-transmission line, and the fourth sub-connection line is configured to connect the fourth sub-transmission line and the eighth sub-transmission line.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, an orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board covers an orthographic projection of the upper substrate and the lower substrate on the printed circuit board.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the phase shifter includes two or more liquid crystal cells; the two or more liquid crystal cells are arranged along a straight line on the printed circuit board, or a plurality of liquid crystal cells are arranged in an array on the printed circuit board.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting wire and the first transmission wire are fixed with a first adhesive, and the connecting wire and the second transmission wire are fixed with the first adhesive; the flexible film is attached to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board with a second adhesive.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower substrate is adhered and fixed to the printed circuit board by a third adhesive.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a phase shifter, the method comprising: providing at least one liquid crystal box, the liquid crystal box comprising a first transmission line; providing a printed circuit board, and placing the printed circuit board on one side of the liquid crystal box; the printed circuit board comprising a second transmission line, the first transmission line and the second transmission line being configured to transmit radio frequency signals; providing a flexible film, and attaching the flexible film to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board, wherein a connecting line is provided on a side of the flexible film close to the printed circuit board, the connecting line being configured to electrically connect the first transmission line and the second transmission line.

[0020] The phase shifter provided in the disclosed embodiments achieves an electrical connection between a first transmission line and a second transmission line through a connecting wire. By attaching a flexible film to a liquid crystal box and a printed circuit board, the first transmission line is connected to the second transmission line via a flexible connection, thus avoiding deformation and cracking of the glass substrate caused by rigid connections using solder. Furthermore, attaching the flexible film to the liquid crystal box and printed circuit board also helps relieve stress when the phase shifter operates at high or low temperatures, reducing the degree of deformation of the glass liquid crystal box and printed circuit board, and thus increasing the service life of the phase shifter. This solves the problem of the glass substrate of the liquid crystal phase shifter being prone to cracking.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and in part will become apparent from the description, or will be understood by practicing the present invention. The purposes and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained by the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solution of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present disclosure, they are used to explain the technical solution of the present disclosure and do not constitute a limitation to the technical solution of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 1 is the three-dimensional structure diagram of the phase shifter;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Main view of the mid-phaser;

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of connecting a first transmission line and a second transmission line by welding;

[0026] Figure 4 A front view of a phase shifter provided for an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5 is a front view of a phase shifter in yet another exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Top view of the mid-phase shifter;

[0029] Figure 7 is a top view of a phase shifter in yet another exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of setting up two liquid crystal cells on a single printed circuit board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments can be implemented in a variety of different forms. A person skilled in the art can easily understand that the methods and contents can be transformed into various forms without departing from the purpose and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other in any way.

[0032] In the drawings, the sizes of various components, layer thicknesses, or regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, one embodiment of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these dimensions, and the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings do not reflect true proportions. Furthermore, the drawings schematically illustrate idealized examples, and one embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the shapes or numerical values ​​shown in the drawings.

[0033] In this specification, ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second” and “third” are provided to avoid confusion among constituent elements, and are not intended to limit the number.

[0034] In this specification, for convenience, words and phrases indicating orientation or positional relationships, such as "middle," "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," and "outside," are used to illustrate the positional relationships of constituent elements with reference to the accompanying drawings. This is merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this specification and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The positional relationships of constituent elements may be appropriately changed depending on the direction in which each constituent element is described. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the words and phrases described in the specification and may be appropriately replaced according to the circumstances.

[0035] In this specification, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed, removable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct connections, indirect connections through intermediaries, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this disclosure.

[0036] In this specification, "electrically connected" includes components connected together via an element having some electrical function. There are no particular limitations on the "element having some electrical function" as long as it enables transmission of electrical signals between the connected components. Examples of "element having some electrical function" include not only electrodes and wiring, but also switching elements such as transistors, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and other components with various functions.

[0037] In this specification, "parallel" refers to a state where the angle formed by two straight lines is greater than -10° and less than 10°, and thus also includes a state where the angle is greater than -5° and less than 5°. Furthermore, "perpendicular" refers to a state where the angle formed by two straight lines is greater than 80° and less than 100°, and thus also includes a state where the angle is greater than 85° and less than 95°.

[0038] The triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, pentagons or hexagons in this specification are not in the strict sense, but may be approximate triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, pentagons or hexagons, etc. There may be some small deformations caused by tolerances, and there may be chamfers, arc edges and deformations.

[0039] Figure 1 The three-dimensional structure diagram of the phase shifter. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The main view of the phase shifter. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in some technologies, the phase shifter includes a liquid crystal cell and a printed circuit board. The liquid crystal cell has a double-glass sandwich structure with a liquid crystal layer disposed between the two layers of glass. The double-glass sandwich structure includes an upper substrate 4 and a lower substrate 3. The liquid crystal layer 6 is sealed between the upper and lower substrates 4 and 3. A first transmission line 5 can be disposed on the surface of the lower substrate 3 facing the upper substrate 4. The first transmission line 5 can receive signals from the outside to control the operation of the liquid crystal phase shifter. The printed circuit board 1 is located on the side of the lower substrate 3 away from the upper substrate 4. The surface of the printed circuit board 1 facing the upper substrate 4 is provided with a second transmission line 2. The second transmission line 2 can be electrically connected to the first transmission line 5 to transmit signals to the liquid crystal phase shifter. In a direction perpendicular to the upper substrate 4, the orthographic projection of the upper substrate 4 on the printed circuit board 1 may be located within the range of the orthographic projection of the lower substrate 3 on the printed circuit board 1, the orthographic projection of at least part of the first transmission line 5 on the printed circuit board 1 may be located outside the range of the orthographic projection of the upper substrate 4 on the printed circuit board 1, the orthographic projection of the lower substrate 3 may be located within the range of the printed circuit board 1, and the orthographic projection of the second transmission line 2 on the printed circuit board 1 may be located outside the range of the orthographic projection of the lower substrate 3 on the printed circuit board 1.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of connecting the first transmission line and the second transmission line by welding. Figure 3 Only the connection on one side of the phase shifter is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the first transmission line 5 may include multiple sub-transmission lines, which may be located on opposite sides of the lower substrate 3. Solder 9 is typically used to connect the first transmission line 5 to the corresponding second transmission line 2 to achieve radio frequency signal transmission. The inventors of this application have discovered that cracks in the glass substrate of a liquid crystal phase shifter typically occur near the solder joints. This is due to the different thermal expansion coefficients of the glass, solder, and printed circuit board. When the phase shifter operates in a high or low temperature environment, the upper substrate 4, lower substrate 3, solder 9, and printed circuit board 1 expand or contract to different degrees. This accumulated stress can cause cracks in the glass substrate.

[0041] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a phase shifter, comprising: a printed circuit board, a flexible film, and at least one liquid crystal box; the liquid crystal box is located on one side of the printed circuit board, the liquid crystal box includes a first transmission line, and the printed circuit board includes a second transmission line, and the first and second transmission lines are configured to transmit radio frequency signals; the flexible film is attached to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board, and a connecting line is provided on a side of the flexible film close to the printed circuit board, and the connecting line is configured to electrically connect the first and second transmission lines.

[0042] The phase shifter provided in the disclosed embodiments utilizes a connecting wire to electrically connect the first and second transmission lines. By attaching a flexible film to the liquid crystal cell and printed circuit board, the first transmission line is connected to the second transmission line via a flexible connection, thus avoiding the deformation and cracking of the glass substrate caused by rigid solder connections. Furthermore, attaching the flexible film to the liquid crystal cell and printed circuit board facilitates stress relief during operation at high or low temperatures, reducing deformation of the glass liquid crystal cell and printed circuit board, and thus extending the lifespan of the phase shifter.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, a liquid crystal box includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The upper substrate and the lower substrate are arranged opposite to each other, the liquid crystal layer is sealed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and the printed circuit board is located on a side of the lower substrate away from the upper substrate; the first transmission line is arranged on a surface of the lower substrate on a side away from the printed circuit board, and the flexible film is attached to at least the lower substrate and the printed circuit board.

[0044] In other embodiments, the first transmission line may be disposed on the upper substrate, and the position of the first transmission line may be set as needed, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the PCB is within the range of the orthographic projection of the lower substrate on the PCB, and the orthographic projection of the first transmission line on the PCB partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the PCB.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, an orthographic projection of the second transmission line on the printed circuit board does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the lower substrate on the printed circuit board.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, an orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with an orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible film includes a first sub-flexible film and a second sub-flexible film; the connecting line includes a first sub-connecting line, a second sub-connecting line, a third sub-connecting line and a fourth sub-connecting line; the first sub-connecting line and the second sub-connecting line are located in the first sub-flexible film, and the third sub-connecting line and the fourth sub-connecting line are located in the second sub-flexible film.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board, and the orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projections of the first transmission line and the second transmission line on the printed circuit board.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible film includes a third sub-flexible film, a fourth sub-flexible film, a fifth sub-flexible film and a sixth sub-flexible film; the connecting line includes a first sub-connecting line, a second sub-connecting line, a third sub-connecting line and a fourth sub-connecting line; the first sub-connecting line is located in the third sub-flexible film, the second sub-connecting line is located in the fourth sub-flexible film, the third sub-connecting line is located in the fifth sub-flexible film, and the fourth sub-connecting line is located in the sixth sub-flexible film.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the first transmission line includes a first sub-transmission line, a second sub-transmission line, a third sub-transmission line, and a fourth sub-transmission line, the first sub-transmission line and the second sub-transmission line are located on one side of the lower substrate, and the third sub-transmission line and the fourth sub-transmission line are located on the other side opposite to the lower substrate.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the second transmission line includes a fifth sub-transmission line, a sixth sub-transmission line, a seventh sub-transmission line, and an eighth sub-transmission line, the fifth sub-transmission line and the sixth sub-transmission line are located on one side of the printed circuit board, and the seventh sub-transmission line and the eighth sub-transmission line are located on the other side opposite the printed circuit board.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sub-connection line is configured to connect the first sub-transmission line and the fifth sub-transmission line, the second sub-connection line is configured to connect the second sub-transmission line and the sixth sub-transmission line, the third sub-connection line is configured to connect the third sub-transmission line and the seventh sub-transmission line, and the fourth sub-connection line is configured to connect the fourth sub-transmission line and the eighth sub-transmission line.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, an orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board covers an orthographic projection of the upper substrate and the lower substrate on the printed circuit board.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the phase shifter includes two or more liquid crystal cells; the two or more liquid crystal cells are arranged along a straight line on the printed circuit board, or a plurality of liquid crystal cells are arranged in an array on the printed circuit board.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting wire and the first transmission wire are fixed with a first adhesive, and the connecting wire and the second transmission wire are fixed with the first adhesive; the flexible film is attached to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board with a second adhesive.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower substrate is adhered and fixed to the printed circuit board by a third adhesive.

[0058] Figure 4 The front view of the phase shifter provided by the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates the case where a single liquid crystal cell is included. Figure 4As shown, the phase shifter includes: a liquid crystal cell, a printed circuit board 1, and a flexible film 7; the liquid crystal cell includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 3, and a liquid crystal layer 6. The upper substrate 4 and the lower substrate 3 are arranged opposite each other, and the liquid crystal layer 6 is sealed between the upper substrate 4 and the lower substrate 3. The printed circuit board 1 is located on the side of the lower substrate 3 away from the upper substrate 4; a first transmission line 5 is provided on the surface of the lower substrate 3 on the side away from the printed circuit board 1, and a second transmission line 2 is provided on the printed circuit board 1. The first transmission line 5 and the second transmission line 2 are configured to transmit radio frequency signals. The radio frequency signal can enter the liquid crystal cell from the second transmission line 2 of the printed circuit board 1 via the first transmission line 5; the flexible film 7 is attached to the liquid crystal cell and the printed circuit board 1. A connecting line 8 is provided on the side of the flexible film 7 close to the printed circuit board 1. The connecting line 8 is configured to electrically connect the first transmission line 5 and the second transmission line 2.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the upper substrate 4 on the printed circuit board 1 is located within the range of the orthographic projection of the lower substrate 3 on the printed circuit board 1 , and the orthographic projection of the first transmission line 5 on the printed circuit board 1 partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate 4 on the printed circuit board 1 .

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, an orthographic projection of the second transmission line 2 on the printed circuit board 1 does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the lower substrate 3 on the printed circuit board 1 .

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the extension direction of the second transmission line 2 may be substantially parallel to the extension direction of the first transmission line 5 , which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projections of the second transmission line 2 and the first transmission line 5 on the printed circuit board 1 may be rectangular. In other embodiments, the orthographic projections of the second transmission line 2 and the first transmission line 5 on the printed circuit board 1 may be triangular, circular, elliptical, trapezoidal, other polygonal or irregular shapes, etc., and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the connecting line 8 on the printed circuit board 1 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first transmission line 5 on the printed circuit board 1 , and the orthographic projection of the connecting line 8 on the printed circuit board 1 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second transmission line 2 on the printed circuit board 1 .

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, a first adhesive can be used to secure the connecting wire 8 to the first transmission wire 5, and a first adhesive can be used to secure the connecting wire 8 to the second transmission wire 2. The provision of the first adhesive can enhance the stability of the connection between the connecting wire and the first and second transmission wires, thereby ensuring the reliability of the phase shifter. The first adhesive can be, for example, a conductive adhesive, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the flexible film 7 on the printed circuit board 1 may cover the orthographic projections of the upper substrate 4 and the lower substrate 3 on the printed circuit board 1 .

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible film 7 can be bonded to the printed circuit board 1, lower substrate 3, and upper substrate 4 using a second adhesive. The provision of the second adhesive can enhance the stability of the connection between the flexible film 7, the printed circuit board 1, and the liquid crystal cell. The second adhesive can be a self-adhesive adhesive material within the flexible film 7, i.e., the flexible film 7 itself possesses adhesive properties. Alternatively, the second adhesive can be applied to the surface of the flexible film 7 facing the printed circuit board 1. The material of the second adhesive can be selected as desired and is not limited in this disclosure.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the lower substrate 3 can be attached and fixed to the printed circuit board 1 using a third adhesive. Providing the third adhesive can increase the stability of the connection between the lower substrate 3 and the printed circuit board 1. The material of the third adhesive can be selected as needed and is not limited in this disclosure.

[0068] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a front view of a phase shifter in yet another exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 for Figure 5 Top view of the mid-phase shifter. Figure 5 and Figure 4 The difference lies in the structure of the flexible membrane 7. Figure 5 The orthographic projection of the middle flexible film 7 on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board. For other structures, please refer to Figure 4 The description in , will not be repeated here.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the flexible film 7 may include a first sub-flexible film 71 and a second sub-flexible film 72. The first sub-flexible film 71 and the second sub-flexible film 72 may be located on opposite sides of the upper substrate 4. In this embodiment, the flexible film 7 is attached only to the connection between the liquid crystal cell and the printed circuit board 1. This saves material and reduces costs while ensuring a stable connection between the flexible film, the liquid crystal cell, and the printed circuit board.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the first transmission line 5 may include a first sub-transmission line 51, a second sub-transmission line 52, a third sub-transmission line 53, and a fourth sub-transmission line 54. The first sub-transmission line 51 and the second sub-transmission line 52 may be located on one side of the lower substrate 3, and the third sub-transmission line 53 and the fourth sub-transmission line 54 may be located on the other side opposite the lower substrate 3. In other embodiments, the first transmission line 5 may include any number of sub-transmission lines as needed, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the second transmission line 2 may include a fifth sub-transmission line 21, a sixth sub-transmission line 22, a seventh sub-transmission line 23, and an eighth sub-transmission line 24. The fifth sub-transmission line 21 and the sixth sub-transmission line 22 are located on one side of the printed circuit board 1, and the seventh sub-transmission line 23 and the eighth sub-transmission line 24 are located on the opposite side of the printed circuit board 1. In other embodiments, the second transmission line 2 may include any number of sub-transmission lines as needed, and the number of the second transmission lines 2 may correspond to the number of sub-transmission lines of the first transmission line 5. This is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, the connection line 8 may include a first sub-connection line 81, a second sub-connection line 82, a third sub-connection line 83, and a fourth sub-connection line 84. The first sub-connection line 81 and the second sub-connection line 82 may be located on the first sub-flexible film 71, and the third sub-connection line 83 and the fourth sub-connection line 84 may be located on the second sub-flexible film 72. The first sub-connection line 81 may be configured to connect the first sub-transmission line 51 and the fifth sub-transmission line 21, the second sub-connection line 82 may be configured to connect the second sub-transmission line 52 and the sixth sub-transmission line 22, the third sub-connection line 83 may be configured to connect the third sub-transmission line 53 and the seventh sub-transmission line 23, and the fourth sub-connection line 84 may be configured to connect the fourth sub-transmission line 54 and the eighth sub-transmission line 24.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the first transmission line may include multiple sub-transmission lines, the second transmission line may include multiple sub-transmission lines, and the connecting line may include multiple sub-connecting lines, thereby achieving corresponding connections between different sub-lines of the first transmission line and the second transmission line. In practical applications, the shape, size, number, and matching relationship of the first transmission line, the second transmission line, and the connecting line can be configured as needed, and this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0074] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a top view of a phase shifter in yet another exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 and Figure 5 The difference lies in the structure of the flexible membrane 7. Figure 7 The orthographic projection of the middle flexible film 7 on the printed circuit board does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board. Other structures can refer to Figure 5 The description in , will not be repeated here.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 7As shown, the orthographic projection of the flexible film 7 on the printed circuit board 1 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate 4 on the printed circuit board 1, but partially overlaps with the orthographic projections of the first transmission line 5 and the second transmission line 2 on the printed circuit board. By configuring the flexible film 7 to cover only the connection points of the first transmission line 5 and the second transmission line 2, the flexible film 7 can be more flexibly and conveniently attached to the liquid crystal cell, further saving materials and allowing for targeted design of the flexible film attached to different connection points.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, the flexible film 7 may include a third sub-flexible film 73, a fourth sub-flexible film 74, a fifth sub-flexible film 75 and a sixth sub-flexible film 76. The third sub-flexible film 73 and the fourth sub-flexible film 74 may be located on one side of the lower substrate 3, and the fifth sub-flexible film 75 and the sixth sub-flexible film 76 may be located on the other side opposite to the lower substrate 3.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sub-connection line 81 may be located on the third sub-flexible film 73 , the second sub-connection line 82 may be located on the fourth sub-flexible film 74 , the third sub-connection line 83 may be located on the fifth sub-flexible film 75 , and the fourth sub-connection line 84 may be located on the sixth sub-flexible film 76 .

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the third sub-flexible film 73 on the printed circuit board 1 may partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the first sub-transmission line 51 and the fifth sub-transmission line 21 on the printed circuit board 1 , the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-flexible film 74 on the printed circuit board 1 may partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the second sub-transmission line 52 and the sixth sub-transmission line 22 on the printed circuit board 1 , the orthographic projection of the fifth sub-flexible film 75 on the printed circuit board 1 may partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the third sub-transmission line 53 and the seventh sub-transmission line 23 on the printed circuit board 1 , and the orthographic projection of the sixth sub-flexible film 76 on the printed circuit board 1 may partially overlap with the orthographic projections of the fourth sub-transmission line 54 and the eighth sub-transmission line 24 on the printed circuit board 1 .

[0079] In other embodiments, the number, size, and position of the sub-transmission lines included in the first transmission line can be set as needed, the number, size, and position of the sub-transmission lines included in the second transmission line can be set as needed, the number, size, and position of the sub-connection lines included in the connecting line can be set as needed, the number, size, and position of the sub-flexible films included in the flexible film can be set as needed, and the number, size, and position of the sub-connection lines included in a single sub-flexible film can be set as needed, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0080] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of setting up two liquid crystal cells on a single printed circuit board. Figure 8 The structure of a single liquid crystal cell and the connection between the liquid crystal cell and the printed circuit board are Figure 7 The same, no need to repeat here, Figure 8 In other embodiments, Figure 8 The connection between the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board can be compared with Figure 4 or Figure 5 Same, or Figure 8 The connection between the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board can include Figure 4 、 Figure 5 and Figure 7 The situation in the above example can be set as needed, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, when two liquid crystal cells are provided on a single printed circuit board, the two liquid crystal cells can be arranged parallel to each other. In other embodiments, a single printed circuit board can be provided with multiple liquid crystal cells, and the multiple liquid crystal cells can be arranged along a straight line or in an array, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, in the case where at least two liquid crystal boxes are arranged on a single printed circuit board, a flexible film can be provided separately for each liquid crystal box; alternatively, a single flexible film can be provided for any number of liquid crystal boxes; alternatively, all liquid crystal boxes located on the printed circuit board can share one flexible film, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0083] The phase shifter provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure utilizes connecting wires to achieve electrical connections between different components. The flexible film at least covers the connection between the connecting wires and the components, thereby achieving flexible connections between the different components. This design concept can be applied to other devices with similar structures, such as other glass-based RF devices, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0084] The following preparation Figure 4 Taking the phase shifter shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the preparation process of the phase shifter in the embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0085] (1) Attaching the liquid crystal cell to the printed circuit board. In an exemplary embodiment, attaching the liquid crystal cell to the printed circuit board includes:

[0086] A liquid crystal cell is provided, which may include an upper substrate 3, a lower substrate 4, and a liquid crystal layer 6. The upper substrate 3 and the lower substrate 4 are arranged opposite to each other, and the liquid crystal layer 6 is sealed between the upper substrate 3 and the lower substrate 4. The liquid crystal cell includes a first transmission line 5, which is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal.

[0087] A printed circuit board 1 is provided. The printed circuit board 1 includes a second transmission line 2. The second transmission line 2 is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal.

[0088] The printed circuit board 1 is placed on a side of the lower substrate 3 away from the upper substrate 4 , and the lower substrate 3 and the printed circuit board 1 can be adhered and fixed by using a third adhesive.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the upper substrate 4 on the printed circuit board 1 is located within the range of the orthographic projection of the lower substrate 3 on the printed circuit board 1 , the orthographic projection of the first transmission line 5 on the printed circuit board 1 partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate 4 on the printed circuit board 1 , and the first transmission line 5 can be provided on the surface of the lower substrate 3 away from the printed circuit board 1 .

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, an orthographic projection of the second transmission line on the printed circuit board does not overlap with an orthographic projection of the lower substrate on the printed circuit board.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the first transmission line 5 may include a first sub-transmission line 51, a second sub-transmission line 52, a third sub-transmission line 53, and a fourth sub-transmission line 54. The first sub-transmission line 51 and the second sub-transmission line 52 are located on one side of the lower substrate 3, and the third sub-transmission line 53 and the fourth sub-transmission line 54 are located on the other side opposite the lower substrate 3. The second transmission line 2 includes a fifth sub-transmission line 21, a sixth sub-transmission line 22, a seventh sub-transmission line 23, and an eighth sub-transmission line 24. The fifth sub-transmission line 21 and the sixth sub-transmission line 22 are located on one side of the printed circuit board 1, and the seventh sub-transmission line 23 and the eighth sub-transmission line 24 are located on the other side opposite the printed circuit board 1.

[0092] (2) Attaching the flexible film to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board. In an exemplary embodiment, attaching the flexible film to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board includes:

[0093] A flexible film 7 is provided and attached to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board. A connecting line 8 is provided on one side of the flexible film 7 close to the printed circuit board 1 . The connecting line 8 is configured to electrically connect the first transmission line 5 and the second transmission line 2 .

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible film 7 may be attached to the liquid crystal cell and the printed circuit board 1 by a second adhesive.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting wire 8 and the first transmission wire 5 may be fixed by using a first adhesive, and the connecting wire 8 and the second transmission wire 2 may be fixed by using a first adhesive.

[0096] In the exemplary embodiment, the orthographic projection of the flexible film 7 on the printed circuit board 1 covers the orthographic projections of the upper substrate 4 and the lower substrate 3 on the printed circuit board 1 .

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting line 8 includes a first sub-connecting line 81, a second sub-connecting line 82, a third sub-connecting line 83 and a fourth sub-connecting line 84; the first sub-connecting line 81 is configured to connect the first sub-transmission line 51 and the fifth sub-transmission line 21, the second sub-connecting line 82 is configured to connect the second sub-transmission line 52 and the sixth sub-transmission line 22, the third sub-connecting line 83 is configured to connect the third sub-transmission line 53 and the seventh sub-transmission line 23, and the fourth sub-connecting line 84 is configured to connect the fourth sub-transmission line 54 and the eighth sub-transmission line 24.

[0098] So far, the formation Figure 4 Phase shifter shown.

[0099] An embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a method for preparing a phase shifter, the method comprising: providing at least one liquid crystal box, the liquid crystal box comprising a first transmission line; providing a printed circuit board, and placing the printed circuit board on one side of the liquid crystal box; the printed circuit board comprising a second transmission line, the first transmission line and the second transmission line being configured to transmit radio frequency signals; providing a flexible film, and attaching the flexible film to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board, wherein a connecting line is provided on a side of the flexible film close to the printed circuit board, the connecting line being configured to electrically connect the first transmission line and the second transmission line.

[0100] Although the embodiments disclosed herein are as described above, the contents described herein are merely embodiments for facilitating understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make any modifications and variations in the form and details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. However, the scope of patent protection of the present invention shall remain subject to the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, characterized in that: include: a printed circuit board, a flexible film, and at least one liquid crystal cell; The liquid crystal box is located on one side of the printed circuit board, the liquid crystal box includes a first transmission line, and the printed circuit board includes a second transmission line, and the first transmission line and the second transmission line are configured to transmit radio frequency signals; the liquid crystal box includes an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer; the upper substrate and the lower substrate are arranged opposite to each other, the liquid crystal layer is sealed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate, and the printed circuit board is located on a side of the lower substrate away from the upper substrate; the first transmission line is arranged on a surface of the lower substrate away from the printed circuit board; the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board is located within the range of the orthographic projection of the lower substrate on the printed circuit board, and the orthographic projection of the first transmission line on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board; the orthographic projection of the second transmission line on the printed circuit board does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the lower substrate on the printed circuit board; The flexible film is attached to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board, and a connecting line is provided on a side of the flexible film close to the printed circuit board, and the connecting line is configured to electrically connect the first transmission line and the second transmission line; The orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board; the flexible film includes a first sub-flexible film and a second sub-flexible film; the connecting wire includes a first sub-connecting wire, a second sub-connecting wire, a third sub-connecting wire, and a fourth sub-connecting wire; the first sub-connecting wire and the second sub-connecting wire are located on the first sub-flexible film, and the third sub-connecting wire and the fourth sub-connecting wire are located on the second sub-flexible film; or, The orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board, and the orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projections of the first transmission line and the second transmission line on the printed circuit board; the flexible film includes a third sub-flexible film, a fourth sub-flexible film, a fifth sub-flexible film, and a sixth sub-flexible film; the connecting line includes a first sub-connecting line, a second sub-connecting line, a third sub-connecting line, and a fourth sub-connecting line; the first sub-connecting line is located on the third sub-flexible film, the second sub-connecting line is located on the fourth sub-flexible film, the third sub-connecting line is located on the fifth sub-flexible film, and the fourth sub-connecting line is located on the sixth sub-flexible film.

2. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein: The first transmission line includes a first sub-transmission line, a second sub-transmission line, a third sub-transmission line, and a fourth sub-transmission line, wherein the first sub-transmission line and the second sub-transmission line are located on one side of the lower substrate, and the third sub-transmission line and the fourth sub-transmission line are located on the other side opposite to the lower substrate; The second transmission line includes a fifth sub-transmission line, a sixth sub-transmission line, a seventh sub-transmission line and an eighth sub-transmission line, the fifth sub-transmission line and the sixth sub-transmission line are located on one side of the printed circuit board, and the seventh sub-transmission line and the eighth sub-transmission line are located on the other side opposite to the printed circuit board.

3. The phase shifter according to claim 2, wherein: The first sub-connection line is configured to connect the first sub-transmission line and the fifth sub-transmission line, the second sub-connection line is configured to connect the second sub-transmission line and the sixth sub-transmission line, the third sub-connection line is configured to connect the third sub-transmission line and the seventh sub-transmission line, and the fourth sub-connection line is configured to connect the fourth sub-transmission line and the eighth sub-transmission line.

4. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein: The orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board covers the orthographic projections of the upper substrate and the lower substrate on the printed circuit board.

5. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein: The phase shifter includes two or more liquid crystal cells; Two or more liquid crystal cells are arranged along a straight line on the printed circuit board, or a plurality of liquid crystal cells are arranged in an array on the printed circuit board.

6. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting wire is fixed to the first transmission wire by using a first adhesive, and the connecting wire is fixed to the second transmission wire by using the first adhesive; the flexible film is attached to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board by using a second adhesive.

7. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein: The lower substrate is adhered and fixed to the printed circuit board by a third adhesive.

8. A method for preparing a phase shifter, characterized in that: The method comprises: Providing at least one liquid crystal cell, the liquid crystal cell comprising a first transmission line; the liquid crystal cell comprising an upper substrate, a lower substrate, and a liquid crystal layer; the upper substrate and the lower substrate are disposed opposite to each other, and the liquid crystal layer is sealed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate; A printed circuit board is provided and placed on one side of the liquid crystal cell; the printed circuit board includes a second transmission line, and the first transmission line and the second transmission line are configured to transmit radio frequency signals; the printed circuit board is located on a side of the lower substrate away from the upper substrate, and the first transmission line is provided on a surface of the lower substrate away from the printed circuit board; the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board is located within the range of the orthographic projection of the lower substrate on the printed circuit board, and the orthographic projection of the first transmission line on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board; the orthographic projection of the second transmission line on the printed circuit board does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the lower substrate on the printed circuit board; Providing a flexible film, attaching the flexible film to the liquid crystal box and the printed circuit board, wherein a connecting line is provided on a side of the flexible film close to the printed circuit board, and the connecting line is configured to electrically connect the first transmission line and the second transmission line; The orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board; the flexible film includes a first sub-flexible film and a second sub-flexible film; the connecting wire includes a first sub-connecting wire, a second sub-connecting wire, a third sub-connecting wire, and a fourth sub-connecting wire; the first sub-connecting wire and the second sub-connecting wire are located on the first sub-flexible film, and the third sub-connecting wire and the fourth sub-connecting wire are located on the second sub-flexible film; or The orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the upper substrate on the printed circuit board, and the orthographic projection of the flexible film on the printed circuit board partially overlaps with the orthographic projections of the first transmission line and the second transmission line on the printed circuit board; the flexible film includes a third sub-flexible film, a fourth sub-flexible film, a fifth sub-flexible film, and a sixth sub-flexible film; the connecting line includes a first sub-connecting line, a second sub-connecting line, a third sub-connecting line, and a fourth sub-connecting line; the first sub-connecting line is located on the third sub-flexible film, the second sub-connecting line is located on the fourth sub-flexible film, the third sub-connecting line is located on the fifth sub-flexible film, and the fourth sub-connecting line is located on the sixth sub-flexible film.

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