A phase shifter and antenna

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a phase shifter and an antenna, because the metal electrode layer has a grid pattern, and a plurality of coupling openings are arranged on the side of the second substrate away from the first substrate, so that electromagnetic waves can propagate in two dimensions, that is, the phase shifter of the present disclosure is a phase shifter based on a two-dimensional transmission line, and the coupling transmission of signal energy can be carried out on the surface of the two-dimensional transmission line, so that the coupling of signal energy with different phase change amounts can be realized through the plurality of coupling openings, so that signal and energy can be extracted at different coupling opening positions, and electromagnetic waves with different phases can be output at the same time at different coupling opening positions, which is equivalent to the simultaneous operation of multiple phase shifters, so compared with the traditional phase shifter based on a one-dimensional transmission line, the phase shifter based on a two-dimensional transmission line of the present disclosure has higher flexibility, and the phase shifter based on a two-dimensional transmission line of the present disclosure has a relatively simple structure, lower manufacturing cost, can be laid in a large area, and has high practicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a phase shifter and antenna. Background Technology

[0002] A phase shifter is a device that can adjust the phase of microwave signals (electromagnetic waves). It is widely used in electronic communication systems and is a core component in phased array radar, synthetic aperture radar, radar electronic countermeasures, satellite communication, and receivers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a phase shifter and antenna in which microwave signals and energy can propagate in two-dimensional space, greatly improving the flexibility of the phase shifter.

[0004] This disclosure provides a phase shifter, including: a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, a dielectric layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a plurality of coupling ports disposed on the side of the second substrate away from the first substrate and spaced apart from each other;

[0005] The first substrate includes a first substrate and a ground metal layer located on the side of the first substrate facing the dielectric layer; the second substrate includes a second substrate and an electrode structure located on the side of the second substrate facing the dielectric layer;

[0006] The electrode structure includes a metal electrode layer and a transparent electrode layer. The metal electrode layer has a grid pattern, and the transparent electrode layer includes a plurality of transparent conductive parts distributed in an array. The orthographic projection of the transparent conductive parts on the first substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the metal pattern of the metal electrode layer on the first substrate.

[0007] In one possible implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the metal electrode layer includes a plurality of metal lines arranged horizontally and vertically at intervals, the plurality of metal lines forming the grid pattern;

[0008] The transparent conductive part is disposed within the mesh of the grid pattern.

[0009] In one possible implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the width of the metal wire is less than one-thirtieth of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the phase shifter.

[0010] In one possible implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the shape of the mesh includes at least one of square, circular, triangular, and Z-shaped, wherein the side length of the square, the diameter of the circle, the side length of the triangle, and the vertical distance between the two horizontal sides of the Z-shape are all less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the phase shifter.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of the transparent conductive parts arranged in each mesh is greater than or equal to one.

[0012] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the metal wire includes a straight line or a curve.

[0013] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orthographic projection of one coupling port on the first substrate covers the orthographic projections of a plurality of the meshes on the first substrate.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the metal electrode layer includes a plurality of block-shaped sub-electrodes distributed in an array, and the gaps between the plurality of block-shaped sub-electrodes form the grid-shaped pattern;

[0015] The transparent conductive part is arranged at the gap between the plurality of block-shaped sub-electrodes.

[0016] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orthographic projection of one coupling port on the first substrate covers the orthographic projections of a plurality of the transparent conductive parts on the first substrate.

[0017] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the shape of the coupling port includes at least one of the following: a "one" - shaped port, a rectangular port, a "cross" - shaped port, and a "work" - shaped port.

[0018] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, it further includes a bias voltage line arranged in the same layer and made of the same material as the transparent conductive part. The second substrate is divided into a plurality of regions, and the transparent conductive parts in the same region are electrically connected to the same bias voltage line, and the transparent conductive parts in different regions are electrically connected to different bias voltage lines.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the shape of the transparent conductive part includes at least one of the following: a rhombus, a rectangle, a circle, and a triangle.

[0020] In a possible implementation manner, in the above-mentioned phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the thicknesses of both the grounding metal layer and the metal electrode layer are greater than

[0021] where ω is the angular frequency, μ is the magnetic permeability, and γ is the conductivity.

[0022] In one possible implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are flexible materials.

[0023] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides an antenna, including the phase shifter described above in this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a planar schematic diagram of the metal electrode layer;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a planar schematic diagram of the transparent electrode layer;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a planar schematic diagram of the metal electrode layer and the transparent electrode layer;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0030] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image;

[0031] Figure 7 This is another enlarged schematic diagram of the mesh and transparent conductive parts.

[0032] Figure 8 This is another enlarged schematic diagram of the mesh and transparent conductive parts.

[0033] Figure 9 This is another enlarged schematic diagram of the mesh and transparent conductive parts.

[0034] Figure 10 This is another enlarged schematic diagram of the mesh and transparent conductive parts.

[0035] Figure 11 This is another enlarged schematic diagram of the mesh and transparent conductive parts.

[0036] Figure 12 This is another enlarged schematic diagram of the mesh and transparent conductive parts.

[0037] Figure 13 This is another enlarged schematic diagram of the mesh and transparent conductive parts.

[0038] Figure 14 This is another planar schematic diagram of a metal electrode layer;

[0039] Figure 15 This is another planar schematic diagram of a metal electrode layer;

[0040] Figure 16 This is another planar schematic diagram of a metal electrode layer;

[0041] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a planar structure for a coupling port;

[0042] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of another planar structure for the coupling port;

[0043] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of another planar structure for the coupling port;

[0044] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of another planar structure for the coupling port;

[0045] Figure 21 This is another planar schematic diagram of a transparent electrode layer;

[0046] Figure 22 For liquid crystal phase shifters based on two-dimensional transmission lines Figure 1 The diagram shows a simulation of the reflection coefficient between the electromagnetic wave input port (port1) and the electromagnetic wave output port (port2).

[0047] Figure 23 For liquid crystal phase shifters based on two-dimensional transmission lines Figure 1 The diagram shows a simulation of the transmission coefficient between the electromagnetic wave input port (port1) and the electromagnetic wave output port (port2).

[0048] Figure 24 For liquid crystal phase shifters based on two-dimensional transmission lines Figure 1 The diagram shows a simulation of the phase shift between the electromagnetic wave input port (port1) and the electromagnetic wave output port (port2). Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other without conflict. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0050] 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. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that an element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0051] It should be noted that the dimensions and shapes of the figures in the accompanying drawings do not reflect actual scale and are intended only to illustrate the content of this disclosure. Furthermore, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0052] Commonly used microwave transmission lines in phase shifters include microstrip lines, coaxial lines, and metallic waveguides. Microwaves propagate one-dimensionally along these lines, offering stable and excellent transmission performance for point-to-point signal transmission, such as antenna feeding and analog signal connections. However, when a large number of components need to be connected, especially in large-scale sensor network technologies for the Internet of Things (IoT), the small and densely packed components dramatically increase the complexity of wiring for one-dimensional transmission. Excessive wiring costs significantly reduce the practicality of the design and lack flexibility. Furthermore, in the field of array antennas, complex feeding networks complicate the wiring of one-dimensional transmission, increasing losses and thus reducing the performance of the array antenna.

[0053] To address the aforementioned problems, embodiments of this disclosure provide a phase shifter, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a first substrate 1 and a second substrate 2 disposed opposite to each other, a dielectric layer 3 located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, and a plurality of coupling ports 4 disposed on the side of the second substrate 2 away from the first substrate 1 and spaced apart from each other.

[0054] The first substrate 1 includes a first substrate 11 and a ground metal layer 12 located on the side of the first substrate 11 facing the dielectric layer 3; the second substrate 2 includes a second substrate 21 and an electrode structure 22 located on the side of the second substrate 21 facing the dielectric layer 3; the electrode structure 22 includes a metal electrode layer 221 and a transparent electrode layer 222.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a planar schematic diagram of the metal electrode layer 221, which has a grid-like pattern; as shown... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a planar schematic diagram of the transparent electrode layer 222, which includes a plurality of transparent conductive portions 2221 arranged in an array; as shown... Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a planar schematic diagram of the metal electrode layer 221 and the transparent electrode layer 222. The orthographic projection of the transparent conductive portion 2221 on the first substrate 11 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the metal pattern 2211 of the metal electrode layer 221 on the first substrate 11.

[0056] The phase shifter provided in this disclosure has a grid pattern on the metal electrode layer and multiple coupling ports on the side of the second substrate away from the first substrate. This allows electromagnetic waves to propagate in two dimensions (parallel to the first substrate and perpendicular to the first substrate). In other words, the phase shifter provided in this disclosure is based on a two-dimensional transmission line. Signal energy can be coupled and transferred on the surface of the two-dimensional transmission line. Therefore, signal energy coupling with different phase changes can be achieved through multiple coupling ports. Signal and energy can be extracted at different coupling port positions. Electromagnetic waves with different phases can be output simultaneously at different coupling port positions, which is equivalent to multiple phase shifters working simultaneously. Therefore, compared with traditional phase shifters based on one-dimensional transmission lines, the phase shifter based on two-dimensional transmission lines provided in this disclosure has higher flexibility. Furthermore, the phase shifter based on two-dimensional transmission lines provided in this disclosure has a relatively simple structure, lower manufacturing cost, can be deployed over a large area, and has strong practicality.

[0057] like Figure 1As shown, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer 3 can be changed according to the electric field change between the ground metal layer 12 and the electrode structure 22. Specifically, the dielectric layer 3 can be a liquid crystal layer 3. As an anisotropic material, liquid crystal has different dielectric constants along its long and short axes. When a bias voltage is applied across the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal will deflect, and thus, in a certain direction, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal material will change with the change of the bias voltage. Of course, the dielectric layer 3 in this disclosure can also be other materials similar to liquid crystal that can change their dielectric constant based on the change of electric field, such as graphene, polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), etc. PDLC can be used to improve the response time of the phase shifter. This disclosure uses liquid crystal layer 3 as an example for the dielectric layer 3. Different types of liquid crystals have different adjustable dielectric constants, and a suitable liquid crystal needs to be selected according to the required dielectric constant.

[0058] In specific implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 3 has a certain influence on the electromagnetic wave coupling strength. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 3 should not be too large. In this disclosure, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 3 is less than 100 μm. Preferably, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 3 is 8.6 μm.

[0059] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, when a voltage is applied to the ground metal layer 12 and the electrode structure 22, an electric field is formed between them, which causes the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 to deflect, thereby changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 3 and changing the phase of the microwave signal transmitted to the liquid crystal layer 3, so as to achieve the purpose of phase shifting.

[0060] Optionally, the first substrate and the second substrate can be common PCB insulating materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene glass fiber laminate, phenolic paper laminate, and phenolic glass cloth laminate, or rigid materials with low microwave signal loss such as quartz and glass, or flexible materials such as polyimide (PI) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0061] Preferably, the materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are flexible materials, so that the liquid crystal phase shifter based on two-dimensional transmission lines provided in this disclosure can easily conform to other structures, thereby expanding the application scenarios of the liquid crystal phase shifter.

[0062] In specific implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the metal electrode layer 221 includes multiple metal lines (i.e., metal patterns 2211) that are intersected horizontally (X) and vertically (Y) and spaced apart, and the multiple metal lines 2211 form a grid pattern.

[0063] The transparent conductive portion 2221 is disposed within the mesh of the grid pattern. Specifically, the metal lines 2211 intersecting in the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) directions of the metal electrode layer 221 are used as transmission lines for transmitting electromagnetic waves. The area of ​​the transparent conductive portion 2221 is smaller than the area of ​​the mesh. The transparent electrode layer 222 is used to apply a driving voltage through the bias voltage line to ensure the deflection of the liquid crystal layer 3. The grounded metal layer 12 is used to apply a common voltage, for example, to transmit electromagnetic waves to the metal line 2211 in the horizontal (X) direction. Due to the arrangement of multiple coupling ports 4, electromagnetic waves can be coupled simultaneously in the horizontal (X) direction and in the direction perpendicular to the first substrate 11 (Z). That is, the phase shifter provided in this disclosure is a phase shifter based on two-dimensional transmission lines, which has high flexibility. Of course, electromagnetic waves can also be transmitted to the metal line 2211 in the longitudinal direction Y, so that the electromagnetic waves can be coupled simultaneously in the longitudinal direction Y and in the direction perpendicular to the first substrate 11 (Z); electromagnetic waves can also be transmitted simultaneously to the metal lines 2211 in the transverse direction X and the longitudinal direction Y, so that the electromagnetic waves can be coupled simultaneously in the transverse direction X, the longitudinal direction Y and in the direction perpendicular to the first substrate 11 (Z); the specific transmission method of the electromagnetic waves can be selected according to actual needs.

[0064] Specifically, the two-dimensional transmission line in the liquid crystal phase shifter based on the two-dimensional transmission line structure disclosed in this disclosure is a slow-wave transmission structure. Its slow-wave transmission characteristics mainly come from the grid boundary conditions of the periodic grid pattern on the upper surface of the liquid crystal layer 3. Among the intersecting metal lines on the two-dimensional transmission line, the metal lines along the propagation direction (e.g., the horizontal X) are mainly used to transmit electromagnetic waves, while the vertical Y metal lines perpendicular to them are mainly used to construct displacement current loops, thereby extending the current path and realizing its slow-wave transmission characteristics.

[0065] In specific implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the metal wire 2211 is a straight line, and the mesh shape is square; as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, Figure 5 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the diagram. Figure 6 for Figure 4A partially enlarged schematic diagram shows that the width W of the metal line 2211 and the side length L of the square mesh are both related to the operating performance of the phase shifter. The size of the width W of the metal line 2211 and the side length L of the square mesh determine the radiation transmission efficiency in the direction perpendicular to the first substrate 11 (Z). At a specific frequency, increasing the width W of the metal line 2211 leads to a decrease in the surface wave propagation constant and a decrease in surface impedance. The surface impedance of the two-dimensional transmission line is essentially the ratio of the tangential electric field to the tangential magnetic field on the surface of the metal line 2211. Since the electric field has no tangential component on the surface of the metal line 2211, when the width W of the metal line 2211 increases, the tangential electric field component of the entire two-dimensional transmission line surface decreases, while the tangential magnetic field component increases, resulting in a decrease in its surface impedance. When the width W of the metal line 2211 is large enough that the upper surface of the liquid crystal layer 3 almost completely covers the metal electrode layer 221, the tangential electric field on the surface is close to 0, but the tangential magnetic field still exists. At this time, the surface impedance is close to 0, and electromagnetic waves cannot propagate in the direction (Z) perpendicular to the first substrate 11. Therefore, the width W of the metal line 2211 needs to be less than one-thirtieth of the wavelength of the phase shifter's operating frequency to ensure that electromagnetic waves can propagate in the direction (Z) perpendicular to the first substrate 11. The side length L of the square mesh directly determines the spatial frequency of the electromagnetic wave. That is to say, the physical period of the two-dimensional transmission structure directly determines its wave composition. At the same operating frequency, the larger the unit structure period (the sum of the width of a metal line and the width of a mesh), the larger the surface impedance of the two-dimensional transmission line structure. The larger the cell structure period, the smaller the percentage of the area occupied by the metal line 2211 on the surface of the liquid crystal layer 3. As a result, the tangential electric field component of the electric field on the surface of the liquid crystal layer 3 increases, which increases the surface impedance. Therefore, the side length L of the square mesh is less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the phase shifter's operating frequency, so as to ensure that the electromagnetic wave can be transmitted in the direction (Z) perpendicular to the first substrate 11.

[0066] In specific implementation, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the width W of the entire layer of metal wires 2211 is the same, and the side length L of the entire layer of square mesh is the same. Of course, the width W of the entire layer of metal wires 2211 and the side length L of the square mesh are not necessarily fixed and can be gradually varied, periodic, or Taylor distribution, etc. Different mesh structures of two-dimensional transmission lines are selected and designed according to different application scenarios. In the mesh-like two-dimensional transmission line structure with gradually varying W and L, the output signal power of each coupling port 4 is not equal. The output signal energy of coupling port 4 located at smaller meshes is weaker, and the output signal energy of coupling port 4 located at larger meshes is stronger. The width W of the metal wires 2211 and the side length L of the square mesh can be designed to vary according to different application scenarios.

[0067] In specific implementation, such as Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4Taking a square mesh shape as an example, the design is not limited to this. For instance, the mesh shape can also be designed as circular, triangular, or Z-shaped, or any combination of two, three, or four of these shapes. Preferably, all mesh shapes are identical to ensure a standardized manufacturing process. Specifically, the diameter of the circular mesh, the side length of the triangular mesh, and the vertical distance between the two horizontal sides of the Z-shape are all less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the phase shifter's operating frequency, ensuring that electromagnetic waves can propagate in the direction perpendicular to the first substrate 11 (Z). Furthermore, the area of ​​the electromagnetic field cut by circular and triangular meshes is smaller than that of square meshes, resulting in lower upward coupling efficiency and higher planar transmission efficiency. Conversely, the area of ​​the electromagnetic field cut by Z-shaped meshes is larger than that of square meshes, resulting in higher upward coupling efficiency and lower planar transmission efficiency. The mesh shape is selected based on actual needs.

[0068] In specific implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the transparent conductive part 2221 is rhomboid in shape, but it can also be rectangular, circular, or triangular, and is not limited thereto; specifically, as shown... Figure 7 As shown, the transparent conductive part 2221 is circular in shape. The circular transparent conductive part 2221 has a simple and convenient shape and is easy to process; as shown... Figure 8 As shown, the transparent conductive part 2221 is triangular in shape. The triangular transparent conductive part 2221 has a simple and convenient shape and is easy to process; as shown... Figure 9 As shown, the transparent conductive part 2221 is rectangular in shape. The rectangular transparent conductive part 2221 is convenient, simple and easy to process. Of course, the shape of the transparent conductive part 2221 can also be any combination of two, three or four of the following: rhombus, rectangle, circle and triangle. Preferably, the shapes of each transparent conductive part 2221 are the same, so that the manufacturing process can be standardized.

[0069] In specific implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figures 6-9 As shown, each mesh opening contains one transparent conductive part 2221. Of course, the number of transparent conductive parts 2221 in each mesh opening can also be greater than one, such as... Figures 10-13 As shown, Figures 10-13 Taking the example of setting four transparent conductive parts 2221 in one mesh, setting multiple transparent conductive parts 2221 in one mesh increases the area for regulating the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3, thereby causing more liquid crystal molecules to deflect, which is beneficial for adjusting the change of dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 3.

[0070] In specific implementations, the material of the transparent conductive part in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure can be indium tin oxide (ITO), boron-doped zinc oxide (BZO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), etc.

[0071] Of course, in specific implementations, the metal line 2211 in the aforementioned phase shifter can also be curved, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 14 As shown, the metal wire 2211 adopts a metal spiral shape, which increases the surface current intensity by extending the path of the current on the upper surface of the liquid crystal layer 3, thereby increasing the evanescent field intensity on the upper surface and providing higher efficiency for the energy coupling of electromagnetic waves.

[0072] Preferably, such as Figure 14 As shown, the width W of the metal line 2211 is less than one-thirtieth of the wavelength of the phase shifter's operating frequency, and the side length L of the square mesh formed by the metal spiral is less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the phase shifter's operating frequency, so as to ensure that electromagnetic waves can be transmitted in the direction (Z) perpendicular to the first substrate 11.

[0073] In specific implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the orthographic projection of a coupling port 4 on the first substrate 11 can cover the orthographic projection of multiple mesh holes on the first substrate 11. This allows for a smaller mesh size in the metal electrode layer 221, which is beneficial for enabling multiple phase shifters to operate simultaneously.

[0074] In practical implementation, to simplify the design and manufacturing process, the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the metal electrode layer 221 can also be configured to include a plurality of block sub-electrodes 2212 distributed in an array, and the gaps between the plurality of block sub-electrodes 2212 form a grid pattern.

[0075] Figure 3 The transparent conductive portion 2221 shown can be disposed in the gap between multiple block-shaped sub-electrodes. This allows electromagnetic waves to propagate in two dimensions (parallel to the first substrate direction and perpendicular to the first substrate direction). Specifically, the transparent conductive portion 2221 can be disposed at the dot A of the grid pattern, or between two adjacent block-shaped sub-electrodes 2212 in the horizontal direction X, or between two adjacent block-shaped sub-electrodes 2212 in the vertical direction.

[0076] Optionally, the shape of the block-shaped sub-electrode includes at least one of the following: circular, rectangular, or hexagonal. For example, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the block-shaped sub-electrode 2212 is rectangular in shape; as Figure 16 As shown, the block sub-electrode 2212 is hexagonal in shape; Figure 16The shown block-shaped sub-electrode 2212 has a higher coupling efficiency than the phase shifter corresponding to the shown block-shaped sub-electrode 2212. Figure 15 The shown block-shaped sub-electrode 2212 has a higher coupling efficiency than the phase shifter corresponding to the shown block-shaped sub-electrode 2212.

[0077] Of course, the shape of the block-shaped sub-electrode 2212 can also be circular, and the shape of the block-shaped sub-electrode 2212 can also be a combination of any two or three of circular, rectangular, and hexagonal. Preferably, the shapes of the block-shaped sub-electrodes 2212 are the same, which can unify the manufacturing process.

[0078] In specific implementation, in the above phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 1 The orthographic projection of one of the coupling ports 4 on the first substrate 11 can cover the orthographic projections of multiple transparent conductive parts 2221 on the first substrate 11. In this way, the number of the transparent conductive parts 2221 can be set to be more, which is beneficial to the simultaneous operation of multiple phase shifters.

[0079] In specific implementation, in the above phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the shape of the coupling port 4 includes at least one of the following: a "one" - shaped port, a rectangular port, a "cross" - shaped port, and a "work" - shaped port. Specifically, as Figure 17 shown, the shape of the coupling port 4 is a "one" - shaped port; as Figure 18 shown, the shape of the coupling port 4 is a rectangular port; as Figure 19 shown, the shape of the coupling port 4 is a "cross" - shaped port; as Figure 20 shown, the shape of the coupling port 4 is a "work" - shaped port; of course, the shape of the coupling port 4 can also be a combination of any two or three or four of the "one" - shaped port, the rectangular port, the "cross" - shaped port, and the "work" - shaped port. Preferably, the shapes of the coupling ports 4 are the same, which can unify the manufacturing process.

[0080] In specific implementation, different shapes of coupling ports can be selected according to different application scenarios. The number of coupling ports is multiple, and the specific number of coupling ports is selected according to different application scenarios, generally being a power of 2. Since electromagnetic waves with different phases can be output simultaneously at different coupling port positions, the setting of multiple coupling ports is equivalent to the simultaneous operation of more phase shifters, making the phase shifter of the present disclosure more flexible.

[0081] Specifically, the coupling port can be a "one" - shaped port, a rectangular port, a "cross" - shaped port, or a "work" - shaped port formed by a metal material, that is, the coupling port is hollow in the middle and surrounded by a metal material.

[0082] In specific implementation, in the above phase shifter provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, as Figure 1 and Figure 21As shown, it also includes a bias voltage line Vbias disposed on the same layer and material as the transparent conductive part 2221. The second substrate 2 is divided into multiple regions. Each transparent conductive part 2221 in the same region is electrically connected to the same bias voltage line Vbias, and the transparent conductive parts 2221 in different regions are electrically connected to different bias voltage lines Vbias. In this way, different driving voltages can be applied to the transparent conductive parts 2221 in different regions, so as to couple microwave signals of different phases from different coupling ports of the film layer where the coupling port 4 is located. This makes one phase shifter equivalent to multiple phase shifters working simultaneously. Therefore, the phase shifter based on two-dimensional transmission lines provided in this disclosure has high flexibility.

[0083] It should be noted that, Figure 21 Taking the second substrate 2 as an example, which is divided into 4 regions, there can be more regions. The more regions there are, the more phase shifters there will be, but this will increase the complexity of the process for manufacturing the bias voltage line Vbias. Therefore, the design should be carried out according to actual needs.

[0084] It should be noted that since the bias voltage line Vbias is in the same layer and material as the transparent conductive part 2221 and is electrically connected, the bias voltage line Vbias is also electrically connected to the metal electrode layer 221. That is, the metal electrode layer 221 is not only used to transmit electromagnetic waves, but also to receive driving voltage. This is beneficial for adjusting the capacitance value of the overlap between the electrode structure 22 and the ground metal layer 12 or the deflection of the liquid crystal.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the phase shifter provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a common voltage line (not shown) electrically connected to the ground metal layer 12, the common voltage line being used to apply a common voltage to the ground metal layer 12.

[0086] In specific implementation, in the phase shifter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the thickness of the grounding metal layer 12 and the material of the metal electrode layer 221 can be low-resistance, low-loss metals such as copper, gold, and silver. Both the thickness of the grounding metal layer 12 and the metal electrode layer 221 can be prepared by magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, electroplating, etc. Depending on the thickness of the grounding metal layer 12 and the metal electrode layer 221, different methods can be selected to prepare them. To improve the performance of the phase shifter, preferably, the thickness of both the grounding metal layer 12 and the metal electrode layer 221 is greater than [a certain value].

[0087] Where ω is the angular frequency, μ is the permeability, and γ is the conductivity.

[0088] In specific implementations, the phase shifter provided in this disclosure may also include other functional film layers known to those skilled in the art, which will not be listed here.

[0089] like Figures 22-24 As shown, Figures 22-24 These are liquid crystal phase shifters based on two-dimensional transmission lines. Figure 1 The diagram shows a simulation of the reflection coefficient, transmission coefficient, and phase shift between the electromagnetic wave input port (port1) and the electromagnetic wave output port (port2). Curve A corresponds to a 0V voltage applied to the transparent electrode layer, curve B corresponds to a 10V voltage applied to the transparent electrode layer, and curve C corresponds to a 20V voltage applied to the transparent electrode layer. It can be seen that... Figure 22 The corresponding reflection coefficients at different voltages are all less than -10dB. Figure 23 The corresponding transmission coefficients at different voltages are all greater than -10dB. Figure 24 The phase shift at different voltages is greater than -250°. Therefore, the phase shifter surface (i.e., the surface of the second substrate 21) based on the two-dimensional transmission line disclosed in this invention achieves signal energy coupling with different phase changes by adding multiple coupling ports 4. Electromagnetic waves of different phases are simultaneously output at different coupling port positions, which is equivalent to multiple liquid crystal phase shifters working simultaneously. Compared with liquid crystal phase shifters based on one-dimensional transmission lines, the liquid crystal phase shifter based on the two-dimensional transmission line disclosed in this invention is more flexible.

[0090] In practical implementation, conventional dielectric materials can also be used for the dielectric layer. The dielectric constant of conventional dielectric materials will not change due to changes in the electric field. Therefore, the phase of the output signal of the electromagnetic wave output port (port2) and the coupling port 4 is fixed. If multiple output phase values ​​are desired, multiple coupling ports need to be established.

[0091] Based on the same inventive concept, this disclosure also provides an antenna, including the phase shifter described above. Implementation of this phase shifter can be found in the embodiments of the antenna described above; repeated details will not be repeated.

[0092] It should be noted that the number of phase shifters included in the antenna is determined according to actual needs, and this disclosure does not impose any specific limitations.

[0093] The antenna provided in this disclosure can be, for example, any product or component with communication functions, such as a mobile phone. Other essential components of this antenna are understood by those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here, nor should they be construed as limiting this disclosure. Implementation of this antenna can refer to the embodiments of the phase shifter described above; repeated details will not be repeated.

[0094] The phase shifter and antenna provided in this disclosure have a grid pattern on the metal electrode layer and multiple coupling ports on the side of the second substrate away from the first substrate. This allows electromagnetic waves to propagate in two dimensions (parallel to the first substrate and perpendicular to the first substrate). In other words, the phase shifter provided in this disclosure is based on a two-dimensional transmission line. Signal energy can be coupled and transferred on the surface of the two-dimensional transmission line. Therefore, signal energy coupling with different phase changes can be achieved through multiple coupling ports. Signal and energy can be extracted at different coupling port positions, and electromagnetic waves with different phases can be output simultaneously at different coupling port positions. This is equivalent to multiple phase shifters working simultaneously. Therefore, compared with traditional phase shifters based on one-dimensional transmission lines, the phase shifter based on two-dimensional transmission lines provided in this disclosure has higher flexibility. Furthermore, the phase shifter based on two-dimensional transmission lines provided in this disclosure has a relatively simple structure, lower manufacturing cost, can be deployed over a large area, and has strong practicality.

[0095] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents, this disclosure is also intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, wherein, Comprising: A first substrate and a second substrate which are oppositely arranged, a dielectric layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a plurality of coupling ports arranged at intervals on a side of the second substrate facing away from the first substrate; The first substrate includes a first substrate and a ground metal layer on a side of the first substrate facing the dielectric layer; the second substrate includes a second substrate and an electrode structure on a side of the second substrate facing the dielectric layer; The electrode structure includes a metal electrode layer and a transparent electrode layer, and the transparent electrode layer is located between the second substrate and the metal electrode layer; the metal electrode layer has a grid-like pattern, the transparent electrode layer includes a plurality of transparent conductive parts arranged in an array, and a positive projection of the transparent conductive part on the first substrate does not overlap with a positive projection of the metal pattern of the metal electrode layer on the first substrate.

2. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The metal electrode layer includes a plurality of metal lines that intersect horizontally and vertically and are arranged at intervals, and the plurality of metal lines enclose the grid-like pattern; A positive projection of the transparent conductive part on the first substrate is located within a positive projection of a mesh hole of the grid-like pattern on the first substrate.

3. The phase shifter according to claim 2, wherein, The width of the metal line is less than one-thirtieth of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the phase shifter.

4. The phase shifter according to claim 3, wherein, The shape of the mesh hole includes at least one of a square, a circle, a triangle, and a Z shape. Among them, the side length of the square, the diameter of the circle, the side length of the triangle, and the vertical distance between two horizontal sides of the Z shape are all less than one-tenth of the wavelength of the operating frequency of the phase shifter.

5. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The number of the transparent conductive parts arranged in each mesh hole is greater than or equal to one.

6. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The metal line includes a straight line or a curve.

7. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, A positive projection of one of the coupling ports on the first substrate covers positive projections of a plurality of the mesh holes on the first substrate.

8. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The metal electrode layer includes a plurality of block-shaped sub-electrodes arranged in an array, and gaps between the plurality of block-shaped sub-electrodes form the grid-like pattern; A positive projection of the transparent conductive part on the first substrate is located within a positive projection of a gap between the plurality of block-shaped sub-electrodes on the first substrate.

9. The phase shifter according to claim 8, wherein, A positive projection of one of the coupling ports on the first substrate covers positive projections of a plurality of the transparent conductive parts on the first substrate.

10. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein, The shape of the coupling port includes at least one of the following: a "one"-shaped port, a rectangular port, a "cross"-shaped port, and an "I"-shaped port.

11. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 1-4 and 8-10, wherein, It further includes a bias voltage line arranged in the same layer and made of the same material as the transparent conductive part. The second substrate is divided into a plurality of regions, and the transparent conductive parts in the same region are electrically connected to the same bias voltage line, and the transparent conductive parts in different regions are electrically connected to different bias voltage lines.

12. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 1-4 and 8-10, wherein, The shape of the transparent conductive part includes at least one of the following: a rhombus, a rectangle, a circle, and a triangle.

13. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 1-4 and 8-10, wherein, The thickness of the grounding metal layer and the thickness of the metal electrode layer are both greater than [amount missing]. ; in, Angular frequency, Permeability, is the electrical conductivity.

14. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 1-4 and 8-10, wherein, The material of the first substrate and the material of the second substrate are flexible materials.

15. An antenna, wherein, It includes the phase shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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