Phase shifter and electronic device
By employing a large capacitor series structure in the phase shifter, the performance inconsistency caused by the manufacturing tolerance of small capacitors is solved, resulting in higher performance and a longer service life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-06-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
The manufacturing tolerance of small-sized capacitors in existing phase shifters affects the capacitor size, resulting in poor performance and consistency of the phase shifter, and has a significant impact on production and processing.
By replacing small capacitors with two or more large capacitors connected in series, the design becomes more flexible by increasing the capacitor area and adjusting the relative area of the overlapping parts of the capacitors. This reduces the impact of manufacturing tolerances on the consistency of the phase shifter and extends its service life by reducing current density through large capacitors.
It improves the performance and consistency of the phase shifter, reduces the current density near the capacitor, reduces heat generation, and extends service life.
Smart Images
Figure CN117317545B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure belongs to the field of communication technology, specifically relating to a phase shifter and electronic device. Background Technology
[0002] Phase shifters are used in a variety of electronic devices in the field of communication. Taking phased array antennas as an example, they occupy an important position in modern wireless communication systems due to their excellent characteristics such as fast beam scanning. As an important component of phased array antennas, the structure and performance of phase shifters directly affect the performance of the entire phased array antenna. Therefore, it is very necessary to design a compact and flexible phase shifter.
[0003] Phase shifters require many matching links, involving many small capacitors. The manufacturing tolerances of these small capacitors affect their size, thus impacting the performance and consistency of the phase shifter, and significantly affecting actual production and processing. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a phase shifter and electronic device.
[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a phase shifter, which includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, and an adjustable dielectric layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate;
[0006] The first substrate includes a first dielectric substrate and a first electrode layer disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer; the first electrode layer includes a first transmission line and a second transmission line disposed side by side, and at least one first electrode disposed between the first transmission line and the second transmission line.
[0007] The second substrate includes a second dielectric substrate and a second electrode layer disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer; the second electrode layer includes at least one second electrode and at least one third electrode; wherein...
[0008] The first electrode includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; the first end of the first electrode and the first transmission line both overlap at least partially with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode on the first dielectric substrate; the second end of the first electrode and the second transmission line both overlap at least partially with the orthographic projection of the same third electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
[0009] The first transmission line includes a first main body and at least one first branch connected in the extending direction of the first main body; the first branch is located on the side of the first main body near the first electrode; a first branch and a first end of the first electrode at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
[0010] The first transmission line includes a first main body and at least one first branch connected in the extending direction of the first main body; the first branch is located on the side of the first main body near the first electrode; the first main body, the first branch, and the first end of the first electrode at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
[0011] The second transmission line includes a second main body and at least one second branch connected in the extension direction of the second main body; the second branch is located on the side of the second main body closer to the first electrode; a second branch and a second end of the first electrode at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
[0012] The second transmission line includes a second main body and at least one second branch connected in the extending direction of the second main body; the second branch is located on the side of the second main body closer to the first electrode; the second main body, the second branch, and the second end of the first electrode at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
[0013] The number of first electrodes is multiple, and the spacing between adjacent first electrodes is equal.
[0014] Wherein, the overlapping area of the first end of the first electrode and the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the first dielectric substrate is equal to the overlapping area of the second end of the first electrode and the orthographic projection of the third electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
[0015] The number of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are all multiple; the overlap area between the second electrode and the first transmission line on the first dielectric substrate is equal, and / or the overlap area between the third electrode and the second transmission line on the first dielectric substrate is equal.
[0016] The number of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are all multiple; the overlap area of the second electrode and the first end of the first electrode on the first dielectric substrate is equal, and / or the overlap area of the third electrode and the second end of the first electrode on the first dielectric substrate is equal.
[0017] The tunable dielectric layer includes a liquid crystal layer.
[0018] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an electronic device that includes any of the phase shifters described above.
[0019] The electronic device further includes a reference electrode layer disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate opposite to the tunable dielectric layer. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is an exemplary liquid crystal phase shifter in the prior art;
[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of AA';
[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of a first phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of BB';
[0026] Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of a second type of phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0027] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0028] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0029] Figure 10 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of CC';
[0030] Figure 11 This is a partial schematic diagram of a third phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] Figure 12 for Figure 11 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0032] Figure 13 for Figure 11 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0033] Figure 14 for Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of DD';
[0034] Figure 15 This is a partial schematic diagram of a plurality of first electrodes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0035] Figure 16 for Figure 15 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0036] Figure 17 for Figure 15 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0037] Figure 18 for Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of EE';
[0038] Figure 19 This is a partial schematic diagram of a plurality of first electrodes, second electrodes and third electrodes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0039] Figure 20 for Figure 19 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0040] Figure 21 for Figure 19 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown;
[0041] Figure 22 for Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of FF';
[0042] The reference numerals in the figures are as follows: first dielectric substrate 10; second dielectric substrate 20; adjustable dielectric layer 30; first transmission line 11; second transmission line 12; first main body 111; first branch 112; second main body 121; second branch 122; first electrode 21; second electrode 22; third electrode 23; patch structure 24. Detailed Implementation
[0043] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0044] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an,” “a,” or “the,” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “including,” “comprising,” or “containing,” and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms “connected,” “linked,” or similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes.
[0045] Figure 1 This is an exemplary liquid crystal phase shifter in the prior art; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of AA'; as shown Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the phase shifter includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, and an adjustable dielectric layer 30 disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first dielectric substrate 10 and a first electrode layer disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate 10 near the adjustable dielectric layer 30. The first electrode layer includes a first transmission line 11 and a second transmission line 12 disposed side by side and extending along the microwave signal transmission direction. The second substrate includes a second dielectric substrate 20 disposed opposite to the first dielectric substrate 10, and a plurality of patch structures 24 disposed on the second dielectric substrate 20 side by side along the microwave signal transmission direction. The two ends of each patch structure 24 at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12 on the first dielectric substrate 10, so the patch structure 24 forms a plurality of capacitors with the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12 respectively. In this case, a DC bias voltage can be applied to the first transmission line 11, the second transmission line 12, and the patch structure 24 to control the dielectric constant of the tunable dielectric layer 30, thereby adjusting the total capacitance per unit length and achieving phase shifting of the microwave signals output from the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12. In the prior art, phase shifters include multiple capacitors, typically small-sized capacitors. During the manufacturing process of the phase shifter, the manufacturing tolerances of these small capacitors affect their size, causing variations in capacitance among the individual capacitors, thus affecting the performance and consistency of the phase shifter.
[0046] Phase shifters are used in various electronic devices in the field of communication. Taking phased array antennas as an example, the phase shifter, as an important component of a phased array antenna, directly affects the performance of the entire antenna. Therefore, a compact, flexible, and more reliable phase shifter is needed. Consequently, it is necessary to improve the performance, consistency, and lifespan of phase shifters.
[0047] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a phase shifter that uses two or more large capacitors connected in series to replace a small capacitor, thereby reducing the impact of capacitor manufacturing tolerances on the consistency of the phase shifter product and improving the performance of the phase shifter; and because a large capacitor is used, the current density near the capacitor is reduced compared to when a small capacitor is used, thereby increasing the lifespan of the phase shifter.
[0048] The phase shifter of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0049] The first phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 3 This is a top view of a first phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 6 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of BB'; as shown Figure 3-6 As shown, the phase shifter in this application includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, and an adjustable dielectric layer 30 disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first dielectric substrate 10, and the second substrate includes a second dielectric substrate 20; a first electrode layer is disposed on the first dielectric substrate 10 near the adjustable dielectric layer 30, and a second electrode layer is disposed on the second dielectric substrate 20 near the adjustable dielectric layer 30. The first electrode layer includes a first transmission line 11 and a second transmission line 12 disposed side by side, and at least one first electrode 21 disposed between the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12; the second electrode layer includes at least one second electrode 22 and at least one third electrode 23.
[0050] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the projected area of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 located on the second dielectric substrate 20 on the first dielectric substrate 10 is larger than that shown below. Figure 1 The area of the patch electrode 24 shown is the projected area on the first dielectric substrate 10; in this embodiment, the first dielectric substrate 10 also includes a first electrode 21, therefore the area directly opposite to the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 on the second dielectric substrate 20 is larger than that shown. Figure 1The patch electrode 24 shown is directly opposite to the area of the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12. In this application, because the electrode area that can form a capacitor is increased, the size of the capacitor can be adjusted by adjusting the relative areas of the overlapping parts, making the design of the phase shifter more flexible. Since the electrode area of the capacitor is increased, the current density near the capacitor is reduced, thereby reducing the heat generated by the phase shifter during operation and increasing the service life of the phase shifter.
[0051] Furthermore, the first electrode 21 includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; the first end of the first electrode 21 and the first transmission line 11 both at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode 22 on the first dielectric substrate 10; the second end of the first electrode 21 and the second transmission line 12 both at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same third electrode 23 on the first dielectric substrate 10. The opposing portions of the first transmission line 11 and the second electrode 22 form a capacitor; the first end of the first electrode 21 and the opposing portion of the second electrode 22 form a capacitor; the second end of the first electrode 21 and the opposing portion of the third electrode 23 form a capacitor; and the opposing portions of the second transmission line 12 and the third electrode 23 form a capacitor. The two capacitors formed by the first end of the first electrode 21 opposite to the second electrode 22 and the first transmission line 11 are connected in parallel to form a large capacitor; the two capacitors formed by the second end of the first electrode 21 opposite to the third electrode 23 and the second transmission line 12 are connected in parallel to form a large capacitor; and the two large capacitors are connected in series to form a small capacitor suitable for a phase shifter. By using a large capacitor connected in series to be equivalent to a small capacitor, the impact of the small capacitor manufacturing tolerance on the consistency of the phase shifter is reduced, thus improving product consistency.
[0052] The second phase shifter provided in this disclosure embodiment, Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of a second type of phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 9 for Figure 7 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 10 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of CC'; as shown Figure 7-10As shown, the first transmission line 11 includes a first main body 111 and at least one first branch 112 connected in the extending direction of the first main body 111, the first branch 112 being located on the side of the first main body 111 near the first electrode 21; the second transmission line 12 includes a second main body 121 and at least one second branch 122 connected in the extending direction of the second main body 121, the second branch 122 being located on the side of the second main body 121 near the first electrode 21. The first end of the first main body 111, one first branch 112, and one first electrode 21 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode 22 on the first dielectric substrate 10. The second end of the second main body 121, one second branch 122, and one first electrode 21 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the same third electrode 23 on the first dielectric substrate 10.
[0053] Furthermore, the first main body 111 and the first branch 112 form a capacitor with the portion directly opposite the second electrode 22, and the first end of the first electrode 21 and the portion directly opposite the second electrode 22 form a capacitor. These two capacitors are connected in parallel to form a large capacitor. The second main body 121 and the second branch 122 form a capacitor with the portion directly opposite the third electrode 23, and the second end of the first electrode 21 and the portion directly opposite the third electrode 23 form a capacitor. These two capacitors are connected in parallel to form a large capacitor. The two parallel capacitors are connected in series with each other, which is equivalent to a small capacitor suitable for a phase shifter. By setting a branch structure on the main body structure of the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12, the area on which the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12 can form capacitors is increased.
[0054] The third embodiment provided in this disclosure, Figure 11 This is a partial schematic diagram of a third phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 12 for Figure 11 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 13 for Figure 11 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 14 for Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of DD'; as shown Figure 11-14As shown, the first transmission line 11 includes a first main body 111 and at least one first branch 112 connected in the extending direction of the first main body 111, the first branch 112 being located on the side of the first main body 111 near the first electrode 21; the second transmission line 12 includes a second main body 121 and at least one second branch 122 connected in the extending direction of the second main body 121, located on the side of the second main body 121 near the first electrode 21. A first branch 112 and a first end of a first electrode 21 at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode 22 on the first dielectric substrate 10. A second branch 122 and a second end of a first electrode 21 at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same third electrode 23 on the first dielectric substrate 10.
[0055] Furthermore, the first branch 112 and the portion directly opposite the second electrode 22 form a capacitor, the first end of the first electrode 21 and the portion directly opposite the second electrode 22 form a capacitor, and the two capacitors are connected in parallel to form a large capacitor; the second branch 122 and the portion directly opposite the third electrode 23 form a capacitor, the second end of the first electrode 21 and the portion directly opposite the third electrode 23 form a capacitor, and the two capacitors are connected in parallel to form a large capacitor; the two large capacitors are connected in series with each other, equivalent to a small capacitor suitable for a phase shifter. The first main body portion 111 and the second main body portion 121 of the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12 are no longer used as part of the capacitor, and the capacitor is formed only by the first branch 112 and the second branch 122 with the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 23 of the second electrode layer. Therefore, in this embodiment of the disclosure, the area of the first branch 112 and the second branch 122 is appropriately increased.
[0056] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, no further limitations are made on the area ratio of the first main body 111 and the second main body to the first branch 112 and the second branch 122, as well as the materials and manufacturing process.
[0057] In some examples, Figure 15 This is a partial schematic diagram of a plurality of first electrodes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 16 for Figure 15 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 17 for Figure 15 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 18 for Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of EE'; as shown Figure 15-18As shown, multiple first electrodes 21 can be arranged side-by-side on the first electrode layer of the first dielectric substrate 10, with equal distances between adjacent first electrodes 21. Taking three first electrodes 21 arranged side-by-side as an example, the second electrode 22 forms three parallel capacitors at the first end of the first transmission line 11, the first electrode 21 near the first transmission line 11, and the middle first electrode 21, respectively. The third electrode 23 forms three parallel capacitors at the second end of the second transmission line 12, the first electrode 21 near the second transmission line 12, and the middle first electrode 21, respectively. The two parallel capacitors are connected in series, equivalent to a small capacitor suitable for a phase shifter. By providing multiple first electrodes 21 on the first electrode layer, the electrode area on the first dielectric substrate 10 that can form capacitors is increased, further reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on the consistency of the phase shifter.
[0058] In some examples, Figure 19 This is a partial schematic diagram of a plurality of first electrodes, second electrodes and third electrodes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 20 for Figure 19 A top view of the first substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 21 for Figure 19 A top view of the second substrate of the phase shifter shown; Figure 22 for Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of FF'; as shown Figure 19-22As shown, on the first electrode layer of the first dielectric substrate 10, multiple first electrodes 21 can be arranged side by side, and the distance between adjacent first electrodes 21 is equal. Multiple second electrodes 22 can be arranged side by side, and the distance between adjacent second electrodes 22 is equal. Multiple third electrodes 23 can be arranged side by side, and the distance between adjacent third electrodes 23 is equal. Taking a configuration of three first electrodes 21, two second electrodes 22, and two third electrodes 23 arranged side by side as an example, the second electrode 22 closer to the first transmission line 11 forms two parallel capacitors at the first end of the first transmission line 11 and the first end of the first electrode 21 closer to the first transmission line 11, respectively. The second electrode 22 farther from the first transmission line 11 forms two parallel capacitors at the second end of the first electrode 21 closer to the first transmission line 11 and the first end of the first electrode 21 in the middle, respectively. The third electrode 23 closer to the second transmission line 12 forms two parallel capacitors at the second end of the second transmission line 12 and the second end of the first electrode 21 closer to the second transmission line 12, respectively. The third electrode 23 farther from the second transmission line 12 forms two parallel capacitors at the first end of the first electrode 21 closer to the second transmission line 12 and the second end of the first electrode 21 in the middle, respectively. The four parallel capacitors are connected in series with each other, which is equivalent to a small capacitor suitable for a phase shifter. By providing multiple first electrodes 21, second electrodes 22, and third electrodes 23 on the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, the electrode area on the first dielectric substrate 10 and the second dielectric substrate 20 that can form capacitors is increased, further reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances on the consistency of the phase shifter.
[0059] It should be noted that in all the aforementioned disclosed embodiments, the first end of all the first electrodes 21 is on the side closer to the first transmission line 11, and the second end of all the first electrodes 21 is on the side closer to the second transmission line 12.
[0060] In some examples, the overlap area of the first end of the first electrode 21 and the orthographic projection of the second electrode 22 on the first dielectric substrate 10 is equal to the overlap area of the second end of the first electrode 21 and the orthographic projection of the third electrode 23 on the dielectric.
[0061] In some examples, there are multiple first electrodes 21, second electrodes 22 and third electrodes 23; the overlap area of the second electrode 22 and the first transmission line 11 on the first dielectric substrate 10 is equal, and / or the overlap area of the third electrode 23 and the second transmission line 12 on the first dielectric substrate 10 is equal.
[0062] In some examples, there are multiple first electrodes 21, second electrodes 22 and third electrodes 23; the overlap area of the second electrode 22 and the first end of the first electrode 21 on the first dielectric substrate 10 is equal, and / or the overlap area of the third electrode 23 and the second end of the first electrode 21 on the first dielectric substrate 10 is equal.
[0063] It should be noted that the overlapping area of the first end of the first electrode 21 and the orthographic projection of the second electrode 22 on the first dielectric substrate 10, the overlapping area of the second end of the first electrode 21 and the orthographic projection of the third electrode 23 on the first dielectric substrate 10, the overlapping area of the second electrode 22 and the first transmission line 11 on the first dielectric substrate 10, the overlapping area of the third electrode 23 and the second transmission line 12 on the first dielectric substrate 10, the overlapping area of the second electrode 22 and the first end of the first electrode 21 on the first dielectric substrate 10, and the overlapping area of the third electrode 23 and the second end of the first electrode 21 on the first dielectric substrate 10, the size of each overlapping area and the ratio of each overlapping area are not further limited in this embodiment of the disclosure, and can be adjusted according to the specific product.
[0064] In some examples, the tunable dielectric layer 30 includes a liquid crystal layer. An electric field is formed between the capacitors formed by the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the liquid crystal layer to drive the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer to deflect, thereby changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer and realizing phase shifting of the microwave signals transmitted by the first transmission line 11 and the second transmission line 12.
[0065] In some examples, the materials of the first dielectric substrate 10 and the second dielectric substrate 20 include, but are not limited to, rigid materials with low microwave loss such as quartz and glass.
[0066] In some examples, the materials for both the first and second electrode layers can be low-resistance, low-loss metals such as copper, gold, and silver, and can be prepared by magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, electroplating, or other methods.
[0067] This disclosure also provides an electronic device that includes an antenna, which includes any of the phase shifters described above.
[0068] In some examples, in order for the electronic device to function properly, a reference electrode layer needs to be provided on the side of the first dielectric substrate 10 opposite to the tunable dielectric layer 30, which is used as a metal reference ground.
[0069] The electronic device in this disclosure can be any device that requires the use of a phase shifter, such as a phased array antenna.
[0070] The electronic device implemented in this disclosure uses the phase shifter described above. By replacing small capacitors with multiple large capacitors connected in series during manufacturing, the product tolerance is reduced and the product consistency is improved. Furthermore, the use of large capacitors reduces the current density near the capacitors, thereby reducing the heat generation of the electronic device to some extent and extending its lifespan.
[0071] The antenna in this electronic device also includes a transceiver unit, an RF transceiver, a signal amplifier, a power amplifier, and a filtering unit. This antenna can function as either a transmitting or receiving antenna. The transceiver unit can include a baseband and a receiving end. The baseband provides signals in at least one frequency band, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G signals, and transmits these signals to the RF transceiver. After receiving the signal, the transparent antenna in the communication system processes it through the filtering unit, power amplifier, signal amplifier, and RF transceiver (not shown in the diagram) before transmitting it to the receiving end in the transceiver unit. The receiving end could be, for example, a smart gateway.
[0072] Furthermore, the RF transceiver is connected to the transceiver unit and is used to modulate the signals transmitted by the transceiver unit, or to demodulate the signals received by the transparent antenna before transmitting them to the transceiver unit. Specifically, the RF transceiver may include a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a modulation circuit, and a demodulation circuit. After the transmitting circuit receives various types of signals provided by the baseband, the modulation circuit can modulate the various types of signals provided by the baseband before transmitting them to the antenna. The transparent antenna receives the signals and transmits them to the receiving circuit of the RF transceiver. The receiving circuit then transmits the signals to the demodulation circuit, which demodulates the signals before transmitting them to the receiving end.
[0073] Furthermore, the RF transceiver is connected to a signal amplifier and a power amplifier, which are then connected to a filtering unit. The filtering unit is connected to at least one antenna. During signal transmission in the communication system, the signal amplifier improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the RF transceiver's output signal before transmitting it to the filtering unit; the power amplifier amplifies the power of the RF transceiver's output signal before transmitting it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit may specifically include a duplexer and a filtering circuit. The filtering unit combines the signals output from the signal amplifier and power amplifier, filters out clutter, and transmits them to the transparent antenna, which radiates the signal. During signal reception in the communication system, the antenna receives the signal and transmits it to the filtering unit. The filtering unit filters out clutter from the received signal and transmits it to the signal amplifier and power amplifier. The signal amplifier increases the gain of the received signal, improving the SNR; the power amplifier amplifies the power of the received signal. The signal received by the antenna, after processing by the power amplifier and signal amplifier, is transmitted to the RF transceiver, which then transmits it to the transceiver unit.
[0074] In some examples, the signal amplifier may include various types of signal amplifiers, such as low-noise amplifiers, without limitation.
[0075] In some examples, the antenna provided in this disclosure also includes a power management unit connected to a power amplifier to provide voltage to the power amplifier for amplifying signals.
[0076] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary implementations used to illustrate the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A phase shifter comprising a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, and an adjustable dielectric layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; The first substrate includes a first dielectric substrate and a first electrode layer disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer; the first electrode layer includes a first transmission line and a second transmission line disposed side by side, and at least one first electrode disposed between the first transmission line and the second transmission line. The second substrate includes a second dielectric substrate and a second electrode layer disposed on the side of the second dielectric substrate near the tunable dielectric layer; the second electrode layer includes at least one second electrode and at least one third electrode; wherein... The first electrode includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other; the first end of the first electrode and the first transmission line both at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode on the first dielectric substrate; The second end of the first electrode and the second transmission line both at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same third electrode onto the first dielectric substrate.
2. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The first transmission line includes a first body portion and at least one first branch connected in the extension direction of the first body portion; the first branch is located on the side of the first body portion near the first electrode; a first branch and a first end of the first electrode at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
3. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The first transmission line includes a first body portion and at least one first branch connected in the extending direction of the first body portion; the first branch is located on the side of the first body portion near the first electrode; the first body portion, the first branch, and a first end of the first electrode at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same second electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
4. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The second transmission line includes a second main body and at least one second branch connected in the extension direction of the second main body; the second branch is located on the side of the second main body closer to the first electrode; a second branch and a second end of the first electrode at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same third electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
5. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The second transmission line includes a second main body and at least one second branch connected in the extension direction of the second main body; the second branch is located on the side of the second main body closer to the first electrode; the second main body, the second branch and the second end of the first electrode at least partially overlap with the orthographic projection of the same third electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
6. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, There are multiple first electrodes, and the spacing between adjacent first electrodes is equal.
7. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The overlapping area of the first end of the first electrode and the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the first dielectric substrate is equal to the overlapping area of the second end of the first electrode and the orthographic projection of the third electrode on the first dielectric substrate.
8. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The number of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are all multiple; the overlap area between the second electrode and the first transmission line on the first dielectric substrate is equal, and / or the overlap area between the third electrode and the second transmission line on the first dielectric substrate is equal.
9. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The number of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are all multiple; the overlap area of the second electrode and the first end of the first electrode on the first dielectric substrate is equal, and / or the overlap area of the third electrode and the second end of the first electrode on the first dielectric substrate is equal.
10. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The adjustable dielectric layer includes a liquid crystal layer.
11. An electronic device comprising the phase shifter according to any one of claims 1-10.
12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The electronic device further includes a reference electrode layer disposed on the side of the first dielectric substrate opposite to the tunable dielectric layer.