Phase shifter and antenna

Abstract

The phase shifter comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and at least one phase shifting unit, the first substrate and the second substrate are oppositely arranged, the phase shifting unit comprises a microstrip line, an auxiliary electrode, a liquid crystal layer and a grounding metal layer, the auxiliary electrode is located between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and / or the grounding metal layer is located between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer. The auxiliary electrode is located between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer. According to the phase shifter and the antenna provided by the embodiment of the invention, the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode drives the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer to deflect towards the first direction, so that the deflection speed of the liquid crystal molecules towards the first direction is increased, the response time of the liquid crystal molecules to deflect towards the first direction is shortened, and the beam steering speed is increased; and the tracking performance of the antenna is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a phase shifter and an antenna. Background Art

[0002] Liquid crystal antennas are based on the anisotropic characteristics of liquid crystal molecules and use electrical signals to control the orientation of liquid crystal molecules, thereby changing the dielectric parameters of each phase shifter unit, thereby controlling the phase of the radio frequency signal in each phase shifter unit, and ultimately achieving control of the direction of the antenna radiation beam. Liquid crystal antennas can be widely used in satellite communications, 5G millimeter wave base stations and other scenarios.

[0003] However, the current liquid crystal antenna has a problem of long liquid crystal molecule deflection response time under some working conditions, which makes the liquid crystal antenna unable to quickly complete beam pointing changes, thereby affecting the antenna's tracking performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a phase shifter and an antenna to improve the response speed of beam steering.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a phase shifter, comprising:

[0006] a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other;

[0007] at least one phase shift unit, the phase shift unit comprising a microstrip line, an auxiliary electrode, a liquid crystal layer and a ground metal layer;

[0008] The liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate;

[0009] The microstrip line is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer;

[0010] The grounding metal layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer;

[0011] The auxiliary electrode is located between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and / or the auxiliary electrode is located between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, an antenna is provided, comprising the phase shifter according to the first aspect.

[0013] The phase shifter and antenna provided by the embodiments of the present invention are configured by arranging auxiliary electrodes between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and / or between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer. The auxiliary electrodes are used to form a transverse electric field in the liquid crystal layer, so as to drive the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer to deflect toward the first direction through the electric field force, thereby increasing the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules deflect toward the first direction, reducing the response time of the liquid crystal molecules deflecting toward the first direction, increasing the speed of beam steering, and thereby improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0014] It should be understood that the content described in this section is not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other features of the present invention will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure at A;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the BB' direction;

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5-Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a phase shifter in the related art;

[0021] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the working timing of a phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a phase shifter in a first state provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a phase shifter in a second state provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the C-C' direction;

[0029] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 18 for Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the D-D' direction;

[0031] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 20 for Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the E-E' direction;

[0033] Figure 21 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 25 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 26 A schematic structural diagram of a phase shift unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 27 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of another phase shifter provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 28 A schematic structural diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 29 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the enlarged structure at A, Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the BB' direction, Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figures 1-4 As shown, the phase shifter provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0045] A first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12 are arranged opposite to each other.

[0046] At least one phase shift unit 20 includes a microstrip line 21 , an auxiliary electrode 22 , a liquid crystal layer 23 and a ground metal layer 24 .

[0047] The liquid crystal layer 23 is located between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 .

[0048] The microstrip line 21 is located on a side of the second substrate 12 close to the liquid crystal layer 23 .

[0049] The grounding metal layer 24 is located on a side of the first substrate 11 close to the liquid crystal layer 23 .

[0050] The auxiliary electrode 22 is located between the first substrate 11 and the liquid crystal layer 23 , and / or the auxiliary electrode 22 is located between the second substrate 12 and the liquid crystal layer 23 .

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the phase shifter provided in the embodiment of the present invention is a liquid crystal phase shifter (LCPS), which refers to a device or apparatus capable of adjusting the phase of a wave.

[0052] The phase shifter includes a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12 arranged opposite each other, and at least one phase shifter 20. The phase shifter 20 includes a liquid crystal layer 23 disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. A microstrip line 21 is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal layer 23 facing away from the first substrate 11, and a grounding metal layer 24 is disposed on the side of the liquid crystal layer 23 facing away from the second substrate 12. In this embodiment, a driving voltage is applied to the microstrip line 21 to form an electric field between the microstrip line 21 and the grounding metal layer 24. This electric field drives the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 to deflect, thereby changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23.

[0053] Optionally, the microstrip line 21 is also used to transmit radio frequency signals. The radio frequency signals are transmitted in the liquid crystal layer 23 between the microstrip line 21 and the ground metal layer 24. Due to the change in the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23, the radio frequency signal transmitted on the microstrip line 21 will be phase shifted, thereby changing the phase of the radio frequency signal and realizing the phase shift function of the radio frequency signal.

[0054] It should be noted that the phase shifter may include a phase shift unit 20, each phase shift unit 20 includes a microstrip line 21, and the phase shift unit 20 is used to achieve the phase shift function of the radio frequency signal transmitted on the microstrip line 21. Optionally, the phase shifter may also include multiple phase shift units 20 distributed in an array to simultaneously shift the phase of the radio frequency signals transmitted on multiple microstrip lines 21. Figure 1 Taking the phase shifter including 16 phase shift units 20 as an example, in other embodiments, those skilled in the art may set the number and layout of the phase shift units 20 according to actual needs, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] Figure 5-Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a phase shifter in the related art, such as Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, optionally, an alignment layer 25 is provided on the side of the microstrip line 21 close to the liquid crystal layer 23 and / or on the side of the ground metal layer 24 close to the liquid crystal layer 23, and the alignment layer 25 is used to provide a pre-tilt angle to each liquid crystal molecule 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 to align the liquid crystal layer 23.

[0056] The alignment layer 25 may be formed of a polymer material such as polyimide (PI), but is not limited thereto.

[0057] In addition, the liquid crystal layer 23 may adopt a twisted nematic (TN) mode or other alignment modes, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The inventors have found through research that Figure 5 As shown, when no driving voltage is applied to the microstrip line 21 , the liquid crystal molecules 230 are in a prostrate state. At this time, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 230 is affected by the alignment layer 25 , and the extension direction of the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecules 230 is parallel to the plane of the first substrate 11 .

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, when a driving voltage is applied to the microstrip line 21 to form a strong electric field between the microstrip line 21 and the ground metal layer 24, the strong electric field will drive the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect, so that the liquid crystal molecules 230 are transformed from an inverted state to an upright state. At this time, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 230 is mainly affected by the electric field, and the extension direction of the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecules 230 is perpendicular to the plane where the first substrate 11 is located, thereby changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23, causing the radio frequency signal transmitted on the microstrip line 21 to shift in phase, thereby changing the phase of the radio frequency signal and realizing a change in beam direction.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, when the driving voltage is stopped on the microstrip line 21 so that the electric field between the microstrip line 21 and the ground metal layer 24 disappears, or when the driving voltage applied to the microstrip line 21 is changed so that the strong electric field between the microstrip line 21 and the ground metal layer 24 is transformed into a weak electric field, the liquid crystal molecules 230 will change from an upright state to a recumbent state. At this time, the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to be deflected in a first direction X, where the first direction X is the direction in which the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflects away from the direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11 (for example, the Y direction in the figure), so that the liquid crystal molecules 230 reach a predetermined deflection angle, thereby adjusting the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23, dynamically changing the phase of the radio frequency signal, and realizing beam pointing changes.

[0061] The force driving the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X is primarily the surface anchoring force of the alignment layer 25. Compared to the electric field force driving the liquid crystal molecules 230 to transition to an upright state, the surface anchoring force of the alignment layer 25 is weaker. Therefore, when the liquid crystal molecules 230 transition from a recumbent state to an upright state, they can have a faster deflection speed. However, when the liquid crystal molecules 230 transition from an upright state to a recumbent state, or when the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to deflect in the first direction X, the deflection speed is often slower. This results in a longer response time for the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X, preventing them from quickly reaching the predetermined deflection angle and, consequently, from quickly changing the beam direction. This in turn affects the antenna's tracking performance. For example, when the antenna beam needs to be pointed at a moving target, the longer response time for the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect causes the beam direction adjustment to lag behind the actual position change of the moving target, resulting in the antenna being unable to capture the moving target in a timely manner, thus affecting its tracking performance.

[0062] Based on the above technical issues, Figure 8 and Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figures 1-4 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, an auxiliary electrode 22 is provided between the first substrate 11 and the liquid crystal layer 23, and / or between the second substrate 12 and the liquid crystal layer 23. Figure 9 As shown, the auxiliary electrode 22 can be used to form a transverse electric field 31 in the liquid crystal layer 23, and the liquid crystal molecules 230 will be deflected along the direction of the electric field, thereby achieving the goal of driving the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 to deflect by the electric field force. For example, the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 are driven to deflect in the first direction X by the electric field force, wherein, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the first direction X is the direction in which the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflects away from the direction perpendicular to the plane where the first substrate 11 is located (eg, the Y direction in the figure).

[0063] With such a configuration, when the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to deflect toward the first direction X, the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 can be used to drive the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect toward the first direction X. Compared with the anchoring force on the surface of the alignment layer 25, the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 is stronger. Therefore, the liquid crystal molecules 230 can respond to the electric field more quickly and deflect toward the first direction X, thereby increasing the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflect toward the first direction X and reducing the response time of the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflecting toward the first direction X, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0064] It should be noted that if Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, in this embodiment, an alignment layer 25 may also be provided on the side of the microstrip line 21 close to the liquid crystal layer 23 . The alignment layer 25 is used to provide a pre-tilt angle to each liquid crystal molecule 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 to align the liquid crystal layer 23 .

[0065] In this way, when the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to be deflected in the first direction X, the anchoring force on the surface of the alignment layer 25 and the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 can simultaneously drive the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X, thereby further increasing the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflect in the first direction X, reducing the response time of the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflecting in the first direction X, and thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0066] Furthermore, if Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the vertical projection of the alignment layer 25 on the first substrate 11 can cover the vertical projection of the liquid crystal layer 23 on the first substrate 11, so as to align the entire surface of the liquid crystal layer 23, so that all the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 have a relatively consistent initial orientation when there is no electric field. Since the initial orientation of the liquid crystal molecules 230 will affect the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 230 after the electric field is applied, the liquid crystal molecules 230 have a relatively consistent initial orientation. After the electric field is applied, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 230 will be more consistent. Therefore, the phase change of the radio frequency signal passing through the liquid crystal layer 23 will be more uniform, which will help to improve the accuracy of the beam pointing.

[0067] It should be noted that the alignment layer 25 on the side of the ground metal layer 24 closest to the liquid crystal layer 23 is not explicitly shown in the drawings of some embodiments of the present invention, but this does not limit the scope of the present invention. In specific applications, the alignment layer 25 can be positioned on the side of the microstrip line 21 closest to the liquid crystal layer 23 and / or the ground metal layer 24 on the side closest to the liquid crystal layer 23, as required. This is not specifically limited in the present embodiments.

[0068] Continue to refer Figure 3 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 Optionally, the auxiliary electrode 22 may be provided only between the second substrate 12 and the liquid crystal layer 23 .

[0069] Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown, optionally, the auxiliary electrode 22 may be provided only between the first substrate 11 and the liquid crystal layer 23 .

[0070] Figure 11A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 11 As shown, optionally, auxiliary electrodes 22 may be provided between the second substrate 12 and the liquid crystal layer 23 , and between the first substrate 11 and the liquid crystal layer 23 , which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] To summarize, the phase shifter provided by the embodiment of the present invention sets an auxiliary electrode between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and / or between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer. The auxiliary electrode is used to form a transverse electric field in the liquid crystal layer, so as to drive the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer to deflect toward the first direction through the electric field force, thereby increasing the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules deflect toward the first direction, reducing the response time of the liquid crystal molecules deflecting toward the first direction, increasing the speed of beam steering, and thereby improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0072] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the working timing of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a phase shifter in a first state according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of a phase shifter in the second state provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 12-14 As shown, optionally, the working phases of the phase shifter include a first state phase T1, a state switching phase T0 and a second state phase T2 in sequence.

[0073] In the first state stage T1 , the angle between the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 and the second direction Z is a first angle θ1 .

[0074] In the second state stage T2 , the angle between the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 and the second direction Z is a second angle θ2 .

[0075] The first angle θ1 is greater than the second angle θ2 , and the second direction Z is parallel to the plane where the first substrate 11 is located.

[0076] In the state switching stage T0, the auxiliary electrode 22 drives the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X, where the first direction X is the direction in which the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflects away from the direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11 (for example, the Y direction in the figure).

[0077] Specifically, such as Figure 13 As shown, when the phase shifter is in the first state T1, the first angle θ1 between the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 and the second direction Z is relatively large. At this time, the liquid crystal molecule 230 is closer to the upright state.

[0078] like Figure 14As shown, when the phase shifter is in the second state T2, the second angle θ2 between the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 and the second direction Z is smaller. At this time, the liquid crystal molecule 230 is closer to the prostrate state.

[0079] When the phase shifter switches from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2, the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to be deflected in the first direction X. As previously mentioned, in the related art, the force that deflects the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the first direction X comes from the anchoring force on the surface of the alignment layer 25. However, the anchoring force on the surface of the alignment layer 25 is relatively weak. Therefore, when the liquid crystal molecules 230 are deflected in the first direction X, the deflection speed is relatively slow, requiring a long response time. As a result, beam steering cannot be completed quickly, affecting the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0080] like Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, a state switching stage T0 is set between the first state stage T1 and the second state stage T2. The state switching stage T0 serves as a transition stage for the phase shifter to switch from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2, and is also a transition stage for the angle between the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 and the second direction Z to deflect from the first angle θ1 to the second angle θ2.

[0081] In the state switching stage T0, a transverse electric field 31 can be formed in the liquid crystal layer 23 by the auxiliary electrode 22, so that the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 helps drive the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 to deflect toward the first direction X, thereby increasing the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflect toward the first direction X and reducing the time it takes for the angle between the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 and the second direction Z to deflect from the first angle θ1 to the second angle θ2. In other words, the response time of the phase shifter switching from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2 is reduced, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0082] It should be noted that the first direction X may refer to the deflection direction of the liquid crystal molecule 230 when the angle between the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 and the second direction Z is deflected from the first angle θ1 to the second angle θ2; in other words, the direction in which the liquid crystal molecule 230 is deflected from a state in which its long axis 2301 has a larger angle with the plane of the first substrate 11 to a state closer to the plane of the first substrate 11.

[0083] In addition, the specific values ​​of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 can be set according to the actual working process. It is only necessary to set the first angle θ1 to be greater than the second angle θ2. The embodiment of the present invention does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0084] Continue to refer Figure 12-14Optionally, in the first state stage T1, the microstrip line 21 receives a first driving voltage V21.

[0085] In the state switching stage T0 , the microstrip line 21 receives the second driving voltage V22 , and the auxiliary electrode 22 receives the auxiliary voltage V1 , so that the auxiliary electrode 22 drives the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X.

[0086] In the second state stage T2 , the microstrip line 21 receives the second driving voltage V22 .

[0087] The voltage difference between the first driving voltage V21 and the voltage on the ground metal layer 24 is a first voltage difference, and the voltage difference between the second driving voltage V22 and the voltage on the ground metal layer 24 is a second voltage difference. The first voltage difference is greater than the second voltage difference.

[0088] Specifically, as described above, during the phase shifter's driving process, the microstrip line 21 receives a driving voltage V2, which forms an electric field between the microstrip line 21 and the grounded metal layer 24. This electric field is used to control the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 to a predetermined deflection angle, thereby adjusting the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23. The RF signal on the microstrip line 21 is transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 23 between the microstrip line 21 and the grounded metal layer 24. Changes in the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23 affect the phase of the RF signal passing through the liquid crystal layer 23. Therefore, the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 formed between the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 and the second direction Z results in a difference in the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23 in the first state stage T1 and the second state stage T2 of the phase shifter, thereby achieving a phase change of the RF signal and changing the beam direction.

[0089] In this embodiment, if Figure 13 As shown, when the phase shifter is in the first state stage T1, the driving voltage V2 applied to the microstrip line 21 is the first driving voltage V21. The first voltage difference formed between the first driving voltage V21 and the voltage on the ground metal layer 24 is large, so that the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 maintains a large first angle θ1 with the second direction Z. At this time, the liquid crystal molecule 230 is relatively close to the upright state.

[0090] like Figure 14 As shown, when the phase shifter is in the second state stage T2, the driving voltage V2 applied to the microstrip line 21 is the second driving voltage V22. The second voltage difference formed between the second driving voltage V22 and the voltage on the ground metal layer 24 is small, so that the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecule 230 and the second direction Z are maintained at a small second angle θ2. At this time, the liquid crystal molecule 230 is closer to the prostrate state.

[0091] During the state switching stage T0 between the first state stage T1 and the second state stage T2, a second driving voltage V22 is applied to the microstrip line 21 to control the phase shifter to switch from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2. At this time, the angle between the long axis 2301 of the liquid crystal molecules 230 and the second direction Z is deflected from the first angle θ1 to the second angle θ2. Simultaneously, an auxiliary voltage V1 is applied to the auxiliary electrode 22 to form a transverse electric field 31 in the liquid crystal layer 23. The electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 accelerates the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 in the first direction X, reducing the response time of the phase shifter switching from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0092] It should be noted that, in the first state stage T1 and the second state stage T2 of the phase shifter, the voltage on the ground metal layer 24 can remain unchanged. For example, the ground metal layer 24 can be connected to a fixed potential to reduce the complexity of the applied signal and improve stability and reliability, but is not limited to this.

[0093] At the same time, if Figure 12 As shown, the phase shifter stops applying the auxiliary voltage V1 to the auxiliary electrode 22 in the first state stage T1 and the second state stage T2 to prevent the lateral electric field generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 from adversely affecting the electric field formed between the microstrip line 21 and the ground metal layer 24, thereby ensuring that the liquid crystal molecules 230 maintain the required predetermined deflection angle in the first state stage T1 and the second state stage T2, thereby achieving precise and stable phase changes.

[0094] Furthermore, the specific voltage values ​​of the auxiliary voltage V1, the first driving voltage V21, and the second driving voltage V22 can be set according to actual needs. For example, when the phase of the phase shifter is stable, the driving voltage values ​​required for different liquid crystal molecule deflection states can be reverse-derived based on the actual measured phase. After obtaining the driving voltage values ​​corresponding to all liquid crystal molecule deflection states, a set of auxiliary voltages can be arbitrarily set to induce the liquid crystal molecules to transition between deflection states. The acceleration capability of these auxiliary voltages can be evaluated based on the actual measured time required for the phase shifter to complete the phase change. Furthermore, by comparing the test results under different auxiliary voltages, the auxiliary voltage most suitable for achieving the current deflection state transition can be selected. Ultimately, the above test process is repeated for each expected deflection state transition to obtain the optimal auxiliary voltage corresponding to each deflection state transition, which is not specifically limited in the present embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Continue to refer Figure 12-14 Optionally, the greater the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2, the longer the duration of the state switching phase T0.

[0096] When the phase shifter switches from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2, it takes a certain amount of time for the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect. This time depends on the angle at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to deflect.

[0097] In this embodiment, the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 refers to the angle at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to be deflected when the phase shifter switches from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2. The greater the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2, the greater the angle at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to be deflected, and accordingly, the longer the response time for the phase shifter to switch from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2.

[0098] When the phase shifter switches from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2, if the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 is small, the angle at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to be deflected is smaller. Therefore, the deflection process can be completed in a shorter time. At this time, the state switching stage T0 is set to have a shorter duration to avoid the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 being maintained for too long, causing the liquid crystal molecules 230 to be over-deflected, resulting in unnecessary phase changes, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of beam pointing.

[0099] If the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 is large, the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to deflect at a larger angle, so it takes a longer time to complete the deflection process. At this time, the state switching stage T0 is set to have a longer duration to avoid the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 being maintained for too short a time, resulting in insufficient accelerated deflection, so as to ensure that the liquid crystal molecules 230 can complete the required deflection angle in a shorter time.

[0100] It should be noted that the specific value of the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 can be set according to the actual working process, and the embodiment of the present invention does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0101] Continue to refer Figure 1-Figure 3 、 Figures 8-11 Optionally, the auxiliary electrode 22 includes a first electrode 221 and a second electrode 222. The first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 are located on the same side of the liquid crystal layer 23 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11. When the auxiliary electrode 22 drives the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X, the first electrode 221 receives a first auxiliary voltage and the second electrode 222 receives a second auxiliary voltage, where the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage are different.

[0102] Specifically, such as Figure 1-Figure 3 、 Figures 8-11As shown, the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the auxiliary electrode 22 are located on the same side of the liquid crystal layer 22. When the auxiliary electrode 22 is required to form a transverse electric field 31 in the liquid crystal layer 23 so as to drive the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 to deflect in the first direction X by the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 (for example, in the state switching stage T0), a first auxiliary voltage is applied to the first electrode 221 and a second auxiliary voltage is applied to the second electrode 222 at the same time, and the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage are different, so that a transverse electric field 31 substantially parallel to the first substrate 11 is generated between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222. As a result, the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 accelerates the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 deflect in the first direction X, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0103] Continue to refer Figure 12-14 Optionally, the greater the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2, the greater the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage.

[0104] As mentioned above, the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 refers to the angle at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to be deflected when the phase shifter switches from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2. The greater the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2, the greater the angle at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to be deflected, and accordingly, the longer the response time for the phase shifter to switch from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the phase shifter switches from the first state stage T1 to the second state stage T2, if the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 is small, the angle at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to be deflected is small. At this time, setting the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage to be small can make the auxiliary electrode 22 generate a weaker electric field force, thereby avoiding the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 being too strong and causing the liquid crystal molecules 230 to be excessively deflected, resulting in unnecessary phase changes, thereby helping to improve the accuracy of beam pointing.

[0106] If the difference between the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 is large, the liquid crystal molecules 230 need to deflect at a larger angle. At this time, setting a larger voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage can enable the auxiliary electrode 22 to generate a stronger electric field force, thereby better driving the liquid crystal molecules 230 to complete a larger deflection angle, avoiding the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 being too small, resulting in insufficient accelerated deflection, and thus ensuring that the liquid crystal molecules 230 can complete the required deflection angle in a shorter time.

[0107] Continue to refer Figure 1-Figure 3Optionally, the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 are respectively located on both sides of the microstrip line 21 along a third direction P, and the third direction P is parallel to the plane where the first substrate 11 is located and perpendicular to the extension direction of the microstrip line 21.

[0108] The extending direction of the microstrip line 21 may also be understood as the transmission direction of the radio frequency signal on the microstrip line 21 .

[0109] Specifically, such as Figure 9 As shown, along the third direction P, the microstrip line 21 is located between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222. By applying the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage to the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 respectively, a transverse electric field 31 is formed through the liquid crystal layer 23 below the microstrip line 21, so that the liquid crystal molecules 230 located below the microstrip line 21 are deflected, and the radio frequency signal is also mainly transmitted in the liquid crystal layer 23 below the microstrip line 21. Therefore, by arranging the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 to be located on both sides of the microstrip line 21 along the third direction P, the liquid crystal molecules 230 driven to deflect by the transverse electric field 31 formed by the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 can be mainly located on the transmission path of the radio frequency signal, thereby increasing the influence of the accelerated deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 on the phase of the radio frequency signal, which is conducive to achieving more accurate phase changes in a shorter time.

[0110] It should be noted that the third direction P is a direction perpendicular to the transmission direction of the radio frequency signal on the microstrip line 21 , or in other words, the third direction P is a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the microstrip line 21 .

[0111] Continue to refer Figure 2 Optionally, along the third direction P, the distance between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 is L1, L1≤6*L0, where L0 is the line width of the microstrip line 21.

[0112] Among them, under the condition that the auxiliary voltage applied to the auxiliary electrode 22 remains unchanged, when the distance L1 between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 is small, a stronger transverse electric field can be formed, thereby providing a stronger electric field force to drive the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X, which is beneficial to improving the deflection efficiency of the liquid crystal molecules 230, allowing the liquid crystal molecules 230 to complete the deflection process faster, reducing the response time of the phase shifter, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0113] In this embodiment, the spacing L1 between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 is set to be less than or equal to 6 times the line width L0 of the microstrip line 21 to ensure that the spacing L1 between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 is not too large. This ensures that the auxiliary electrode 22 can provide a sufficiently large electric field force to accelerate the deflection speed of the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the first direction X without significantly increasing power consumption, thereby reducing the response time of the phase shifter.

[0114] Continue to refer Figure 3 and Figure 9 Optionally, along the third direction P, the distance between the first electrode 221 and the microstrip line 21 is L2. Along the third direction P, the distance between the second electrode 222 and the microstrip line 21 is L3, L2=L3.

[0115] Among them, Figure 9 As shown, by setting the spacing L2 between the first electrode 221 and the microstrip line 21 to be equal to the spacing L3 between the second electrode 222 and the microstrip line 21, so that the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 are symmetrically arranged relative to the microstrip line 21, when the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage are applied to the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 respectively, the transverse electric field 31 formed by the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 is also symmetrically distributed on both sides of the microstrip line 21, so that the transverse electric field 31 can provide a more uniform transverse electric field force to the liquid crystal molecules 230 below the microstrip line 21, which is conducive to achieving uniform deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 below the microstrip line 21, so that the liquid crystal molecules 23 in the area below the microstrip line 21 can complete deflection synchronously. Since the liquid crystal layer 23 below the microstrip line 21 is the main transmission path of the radio frequency signal, the uniform deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 below the microstrip line 21 can ensure that the radio frequency signal experiences consistent phase changes during transmission, thereby achieving more precise phase control.

[0116] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the distance L2 between the first electrode 221 and the microstrip line 21 may not be equal to the distance L3 between the second electrode 222 and the microstrip line 21 , which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of a phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 16 for Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the C-C' direction, as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, optionally, along the third direction P, the spacing between the first electrode 221 and the microstrip line 21 is L2. Along the third direction P, the spacing between the second electrode 222 and the microstrip line 21 is L3, L0≤L2≤3*L0, L0≤L3≤3*L0, where L0 is the width of the microstrip line 21.

[0118] Among them, Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, by setting the spacing L2 between the first electrode 221 and the microstrip line 21, and the spacing L3 between the second electrode 222 and the microstrip line 21 to be greater than the line width L0 of the microstrip line 21, the coupling capacitance between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 and the microstrip line 21 can be reduced, thereby reducing the influence of the coupling capacitance on the radio frequency signal transmitted on the microstrip line 21, and achieving more precise phase control.

[0119] Furthermore, if Figure 16 As shown, by setting the spacing L2 between the first electrode 221 and the microstrip line 21, and the spacing L3 between the second electrode 222 and the microstrip line 21 to be less than three times the width L0 of the microstrip line 21, the distance between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 and the microstrip line 21 is not too large. This ensures that the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 can provide a sufficiently large electric field force in the liquid crystal layer 23 below the microstrip line 21 without significantly increasing power consumption, thereby accelerating the deflection speed of the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the first direction X and reducing the response time of the phase shifter. At the same time, the arrangement of the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 is also more compact, which helps to reduce the size of the phase shifter.

[0120] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 18 for Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the D-D' direction, as shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, optionally, the second electrode 222 and the microstrip line 21 are the same electrode structure.

[0121] Specifically, such as Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the microstrip line 21 can be reused as the second electrode 222. When the auxiliary electrode 22 is needed to drive the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 to deflect toward the first direction X (for example, in the state switching stage T0), a first auxiliary voltage is applied to the first electrode 221, and a second auxiliary voltage is applied to the microstrip line 21 (i.e., the second electrode 222). The first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage are different. A transverse electric field 31 can be generated in the liquid crystal layer 23 between the first electrode 221 and the microstrip line 21 (i.e., the second electrode 222). Therefore, the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22 accelerates the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 deflect toward the first direction X, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering.

[0122] Specifically, by reusing the microstrip line 21 as the second electrode 222 , the electrode structure can be simplified, which is beneficial for reducing the volume of the phase shifter.

[0123] Figure 19 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 20 for Figure 19 The schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the E-E' direction is as follows: Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, optionally, the auxiliary electrode 22 includes a first auxiliary electrode 22A and a second auxiliary electrode 22B. The first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 22B are located on the same side of the liquid crystal layer 23 and are insulated from each other. Along a direction parallel to the plane of the first substrate 11, the distance between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A is a first distance D1, and the distance between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B is a second distance D2, where the first distance D1 is less than the second distance D2.

[0124] Among them, Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, at least two groups of auxiliary electrodes 22 can be set on the same side of the liquid crystal layer 23, and different auxiliary electrodes 22 are insulated from each other, which can increase the electric field coverage area formed by the auxiliary electrodes 22. Different auxiliary voltages can also be applied to different auxiliary electrodes 22 to more flexibly adjust the electric field direction and electric field strength in different areas, thereby more accurately driving the deflection of liquid crystal molecules.

[0125] Specifically, such as Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, taking the arrangement of two groups of auxiliary electrodes 22 on the same side of the liquid crystal layer 23 as an example, the two groups of auxiliary electrodes 22 are respectively a first auxiliary electrode 22A and a second auxiliary electrode 22B, wherein the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A are respectively located on both sides of the microstrip line 21 along the third direction P, and the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B are respectively located on both sides of the microstrip line 21 along the third direction P, and the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 22B are respectively located on both sides of the microstrip line 21 along the third direction P, and the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 22B are insulated from each other.

[0126] In particular, along a direction parallel to the plane of the first substrate 11, the first auxiliary electrode 22A is located between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B. Thus, a small first distance D1 exists between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A. This allows the first auxiliary electrode 22A to form a strong local transverse electric field in an area closer to the microstrip line 21, thereby more accurately controlling the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 near the microstrip line 21. Simultaneously, a large second distance D2 exists between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B. This allows the second auxiliary electrode 22B to form a transverse electric field over a wider range, thereby increasing the coverage area of ​​the transverse electric field formed by the auxiliary electrode 22 and ensuring that the transverse electric field is distributed over a wider range.

[0127] Furthermore, by applying different auxiliary voltages to different first auxiliary electrodes 22A located on the second auxiliary electrodes 22B, the electric field direction and electric field strength in different areas can be adjusted more flexibly. The mutual cooperation between the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 22B can achieve more precise electric field control, which is conducive to achieving more accurate phase changes.

[0128] It should be noted that the spacing between the electrodes of the auxiliary electrodes 22 and the spacing between the electrodes and the microstrip line 21 can be set according to actual needs, and the embodiment of the present invention does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0129] In addition, the line width of each electrode of the auxiliary electrode 22 can also be set according to actual needs, and the embodiment of the present invention does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0130] Optionally, when the auxiliary electrodes 22 drive the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X, the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage received by the first auxiliary electrode 22A is smaller than the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage received by the second auxiliary electrode 22B.

[0131] As mentioned above, when the auxiliary electrode 22 drives the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect toward the first direction X, for example, in the state switching stage T0, a first auxiliary voltage is applied to the first electrode 221, and a second auxiliary voltage is applied to the second electrode 222 at the same time, and the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage are different, so as to generate a transverse electric field 31 in the liquid crystal layer 23 between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222, thereby accelerating the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 deflect toward the first direction X through the electric field force generated by the auxiliary electrode 22, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering.

[0132] The strength of the transverse electric field formed by the auxiliary electrode 22 is related to the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 and the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 , and the distance between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 .

[0133] Specifically, the greater the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 of the auxiliary electrode 22 and the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 thereof, the stronger the transverse electric field formed by the auxiliary electrode 22 .

[0134] At the same time, under the condition that the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 of the auxiliary electrode 22 and the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 thereof remains unchanged, the smaller the distance between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222, the stronger the transverse electric field formed by the auxiliary electrode 22.

[0135] In this embodiment, a first distance D1 is provided between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A, and a second distance D2 is provided between the first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B. By setting the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 to be smaller, and the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B and the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 to be larger, the first auxiliary electrode 22A can be formed. The intensities of the transverse electric field formed by the first and second auxiliary electrodes 22B in the area where the microstrip line 21 is located are relatively consistent, thereby achieving a more uniform electric field distribution in the area where the microstrip line 21 is located, so that the transverse electric field 31 can provide a more uniform transverse electric field force to the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the area where the microstrip line 21 is located, which is conducive to achieving uniform deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the area where the microstrip line 21 is located. Since the liquid crystal layer 23 in the area where the microstrip line 21 is located is the main transmission path of the radio frequency signal, the uniform deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the area where the microstrip line 21 is located can ensure that the radio frequency signal experiences more consistent phase changes during transmission, thereby achieving more precise phase control.

[0136] Continue to refer Figure 19 and Figure 20Optionally, the first electrode 221 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the first electrode 221 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B are located on the same side of the microstrip line 21 along the third direction P, and the second electrode 222 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second electrode 222 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B are located on the same side of the microstrip line 21 along the third direction P. The voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B is equal to the voltage difference between the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B.

[0137] Among them, by setting the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the first electrode 221 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B to be equal to the voltage difference between the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 22B, unnecessary mutual interference between the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 22B can be reduced, and it is beneficial to achieve a more uniform electric field distribution in the area where the microstrip line 21 is located, thereby better controlling the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 and achieving more precise phase control.

[0138] For example, Figure 20 As shown, the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B is Uref, the first auxiliary voltage received by the first electrode 221 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A is Uref / 2, the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A is -Uref / 2, and the second auxiliary voltage received by the second electrode 222 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B is -Uref, wherein the first auxiliary voltages received by the first electrode 221 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the first electrode 221 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B are similar, and the second auxiliary voltages received by the second electrode 222 of the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 222 of the second auxiliary electrode 22B are similar, so that the directions of the transverse electric fields formed by the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 22B are consistent, which can reduce unnecessary mutual interference between the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 22B, and is conducive to achieving more precise phase control.

[0139] It should be noted that the specific voltage values ​​of the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage applied to the first auxiliary electrode 22A and the second auxiliary electrode 22B are not limited to the above embodiment, and the embodiment of the present invention does not make any specific limitation on this.

[0140] Continue to refer Figure 20Optionally, a first auxiliary electrode 22A and a second auxiliary electrode 22B are provided between the liquid crystal layer 23 and the second substrate 12 .

[0141] Figure 21 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 21 As shown, optionally, a first auxiliary electrode 22A and a second auxiliary electrode 22B may also be provided between the liquid crystal layer 23 and the first substrate 11 .

[0142] Figure 22 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 22 As shown, optionally, a first auxiliary electrode 22A and a second auxiliary electrode 22B may be provided between the liquid crystal layer 23 and the second substrate 12 , and between the liquid crystal layer 23 and the first substrate 11 , which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] Optionally, the resistance of the auxiliary electrode 22 is greater than the resistance of the microstrip line 21 .

[0144] Among them, by setting the resistance of the auxiliary electrode 22 to be greater than the resistance of the microstrip line 21, that is, setting the auxiliary electrode 22 to have a larger resistance, the coupling capacitance between the auxiliary electrode 22 and the microstrip line 21 can be reduced, thereby reducing the influence of the coupling capacitance on the radio frequency signal transmitted on the microstrip line 21, which helps to achieve more accurate phase control.

[0145] Optionally, the material of the microstrip line 21 includes copper, and the material of the auxiliary electrode 22 includes copper or metal oxide.

[0146] In this embodiment, the material of the microstrip line 21 is set to include low-resistance metal such as copper, so that the microstrip line 21 has a smaller resistance, which is beneficial to the transmission of radio frequency signals.

[0147] At the same time, by setting the material of the auxiliary electrode 22 to include high-resistance conductive materials such as metal oxides, the auxiliary electrode 22 can have a larger resistance, thereby reducing the coupling capacitance between the auxiliary electrode 22 and the microstrip line 21, and further reducing the influence of the coupling capacitance on the radio frequency signal transmitted on the microstrip line 21, which helps to achieve more precise phase control.

[0148] The metal oxide may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) or indium oxide (In2O3), etc., which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] In some embodiments, the auxiliary electrode 22 may also be made of copper, so that the auxiliary electrode 22 and the microstrip line 21 can be manufactured in the same process, thereby shortening the process time.

[0150] Continue to refer Figure 1-Figure 3 Optionally, the line width of the auxiliary electrode 22 is smaller than the line width of the microstrip line 21. On the one hand, the line width of the microstrip line 21 is larger, so that the microstrip line 21 has a smaller resistance, which is beneficial to the transmission of radio frequency signals; on the other hand, the line width of the auxiliary electrode 22 is smaller, so that the auxiliary electrode 22 has a larger resistance, thereby reducing the coupling capacitance between the auxiliary electrode 22 and the microstrip line 21, and further reducing the influence of the coupling capacitance on the radio frequency signal transmitted on the microstrip line 21, which helps to achieve more precise phase control.

[0151] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the line width of the auxiliary electrode 22 may also be greater than or equal to the line width of the microstrip line 21 , but is not limited thereto.

[0152] The line width of the auxiliary electrode 22 can be optimized according to the required intensity and distribution of the transverse electric field, and the line width of the microstrip line 21 can be optimized according to the transmission performance of the radio frequency signal, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] In addition, in other embodiments, the resistance of the auxiliary electrode 22 may be greater than the resistance of the microstrip line 21 in other ways. For example, the thickness of the auxiliary electrode 22 may be set to be smaller than the thickness of the microstrip line 21 to achieve the resistance of the auxiliary electrode 22 being greater than the resistance of the microstrip line 21. This can ensure the RF signal transmission performance while reducing the coupling capacitance between the auxiliary electrode 22 and the microstrip line 21. This is not limited to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0154] Continue to refer Figures 8-11 Optionally, the auxiliary electrode 22 includes a third auxiliary electrode 22C and / or a fourth auxiliary electrode 22D, the third auxiliary electrode 22C is located between the first substrate 11 and the liquid crystal layer 23, and the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D is located between the second substrate 12 and the liquid crystal layer 23.

[0155] Among them, Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D may be provided only between the second substrate 12 and the liquid crystal layer 23 , which can reduce the number of auxiliary electrodes, thereby facilitating a reduction in the thickness of the phase shifter and reducing the cost.

[0156] like Figure 10 As shown, the third auxiliary electrode 22C may be provided only between the first substrate 11 and the liquid crystal layer 23 to reduce the number of auxiliary electrodes, thereby reducing the thickness of the phase shifter and reducing the cost.

[0157] like Figure 11As shown, a fourth auxiliary electrode 22D may be further provided between the second substrate 12 and the liquid crystal layer 23. At the same time, a third auxiliary electrode 22C may be provided between the first substrate 11 and the liquid crystal layer 23. In a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11, the lateral electric field formed by the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D and the lateral electric field formed by the third auxiliary electrode 22C may be symmetrically distributed relative to the liquid crystal layer 23, which is conducive to achieving a more uniform electric field distribution. In particular, when the liquid crystal layer 23 is thick, it can ensure that the lateral electric field is more evenly distributed within the liquid crystal layer 23, thereby facilitating a uniform deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 and further achieving more precise phase control.

[0158] At the same time, auxiliary electrodes 22 are provided on both sides of the liquid crystal layer 23 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11. This can increase the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflect in the first direction X under the combined action of the electric field forces on both sides of the liquid crystal layer 23, reduce the response time of the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflecting in the first direction X, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0159] Continue to refer Figure 10 and Figure 11 Optionally, the third auxiliary electrode 22C is insulated from the ground metal layer 24 .

[0160] Since the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the ground metal layer 24 are both provided on the first substrate 11, insulation is provided between the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the ground metal layer 24 to avoid a short circuit between the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the ground metal layer 24 that may affect the normal operation of the phase shifter.

[0161] Continue to refer Figure 10 and Figure 11 Optionally, the third auxiliary electrode 22C is located on a side of the ground metal layer 24 close to the liquid crystal layer 23 , and a first insulating layer 26 is provided between the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the ground metal layer 24 .

[0162] Among them, Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, by arranging the third auxiliary electrode 22C on the side of the ground metal layer 24 close to the liquid crystal layer 23, the ground metal layer 24 can avoid the shielding effect of the lateral electric field formed by the third auxiliary electrode 22C, thereby ensuring that the lateral electric field formed by the third auxiliary electrode 22C can effectively act in the liquid crystal layer 23.

[0163] At the same time, the third auxiliary electrode 22C can be placed closer to the liquid crystal layer 23, which can enhance the electric field strength of the lateral electric field generated by the third auxiliary electrode 22C in the liquid crystal layer 23, thereby facilitating an increase in the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflect in the first direction X, and reducing the response time of the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflecting in the first direction X, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0164] Furthermore, a first insulating layer 26 is provided between the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the ground metal layer 24 to isolate the third auxiliary electrode 22C from the ground metal layer 24 , thereby preventing a short circuit between the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the ground metal layer 24 .

[0165] The material of the first insulating layer 26 can be selected according to actual needs. For example, insulating materials such as SiNx can be selected. The embodiment of the present invention does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0166] Continue to refer Figure 9 and Figure 11 Optionally, the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D and the microstrip line 21 are located in the same film layer.

[0167] Among them, Figure 9 and Figure 11 As shown, by arranging the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D and the microstrip line 21 to be located in the same film layer, the number of film layers of the phase shifter can be reduced, thereby reducing the thickness of the phase shifter, and reducing the manufacturing cost and process complexity.

[0168] Furthermore, when the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D and the microstrip line 21 are made of the same material, the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D and the microstrip line 21 can also be manufactured in the same process, thereby shortening the process time and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0169] Figure 23 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 23 As shown, optionally, the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D and the microstrip line 21 are located in different film layers, wherein a second insulating layer 27 may be provided between the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D and the microstrip line 21 .

[0170] Specifically, such as Figure 23 As shown, the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D and the microstrip line 21 can also be located in different film layers. Taking the case where the microstrip line 21 is arranged on the side of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D close to the liquid crystal layer 23 as an example, by providing a second insulating layer 27 on the side of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D close to the liquid crystal layer 23, the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D can be protected.

[0171] Among them, the microstrip line 21 is set on the side of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D close to the liquid crystal layer 23, so that the microstrip line 21 is closer to the liquid crystal layer 23, thereby enhancing the electric field strength of the electric field generated by the microstrip line 21 in the liquid crystal layer 23, which is conducive to achieving more precise phase changes, but is not limited to this.

[0172] For example, Figure 23 As shown, when preparing the phase shifter, the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D can be prepared on one side of the second substrate 12, and the second insulating layer 27 can be prepared on the side of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D away from the second substrate 12 to protect the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D. Then, a microstrip line 21 is prepared on the side of the second insulating layer 27 away from the second substrate 12, and then an alignment layer 25 is prepared on the side of the microstrip line 21 away from the second substrate 12. The entire process can directly adopt the traditional liquid crystal panel preparation process, which is mature and easy to implement.

[0173] Figure 24 A partial cross-sectional structural diagram of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 24 As shown, the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D can optionally be disposed on the side of the microstrip line 21 close to the liquid crystal layer 23, so that the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D is closer to the liquid crystal layer 23. This can enhance the electric field strength of the transverse electric field generated by the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D within the liquid crystal layer 23, thereby increasing the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflect in the first direction X and reducing the response time of the liquid crystal molecules 230 deflecting in the first direction X. This can thereby increase the speed of beam steering and improve the tracking performance of the antenna. Furthermore, by disposing a second insulating layer 27 on the side of the microstrip line 21 close to the liquid crystal layer 23, the microstrip line 21 can be protected to a certain extent. This is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0174] It should be noted that the material of the second insulating layer 27 can be selected according to actual needs. For example, insulating materials such as SiNx can be selected, and the embodiment of the present invention does not impose any specific limitation on this.

[0175] Continue to refer Figure 11 Optionally, the auxiliary electrode 22 includes a first electrode 221 and a second electrode 222. The first electrode 221 and the second electrode 222 are located on the same side of the liquid crystal layer 23 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11. The auxiliary electrode 22 includes a third auxiliary electrode 22C and a fourth auxiliary electrode 22D. In a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11, the first electrode 221 of the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the first electrode 221 of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D at least partially overlap. In a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11, the second electrode 222 of the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the second electrode 222 of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D at least partially overlap.

[0176] Specifically, such as Figure 11 As shown, along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11, by arranging the first electrode 221 of the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the first electrode 221 of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D to at least partially overlap, and the second electrode 222 of the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the second electrode 222 of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D to at least partially overlap, the transverse electric fields formed by the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D can be superimposed, thereby enhancing the transverse electric field strength in the liquid crystal layer 23, and can more quickly drive the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X, reducing the response time of the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect in the first direction X, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0177] At the same time, it can also ensure that the superimposed electric field formed by the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D is more evenly distributed in the liquid crystal layer 23, thereby facilitating uniform deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 and further achieving more precise phase control.

[0178] Optionally, the first electrode 221 of the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the first electrode 221 of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D receive the same first auxiliary voltage, and the second electrode 222 of the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the second electrode 222 of the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D receive the same second auxiliary voltage.

[0179] Among them, by setting the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage received by the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D to be the same, the lateral electric field formed by the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D in the liquid crystal layer 23 can have the same electric field direction and electric field strength, thereby reducing unnecessary mutual interference between the third auxiliary electrode 22C and the fourth auxiliary electrode 22D, and facilitating a more uniform electric field distribution in the area where the microstrip line 21 is located, thereby better controlling the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 and achieving more precise phase control.

[0180] At the same time, the voltage control strategy can be simplified, and there is no need to control the voltage of each electrode separately, which reduces the complexity of wiring, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, reducing costs, and facilitating implementation and debugging.

[0181] Figure 25 A partial structural diagram of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 26 A schematic structural diagram of a phase shift unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 25 and Figure 26As shown, optionally, the microstrip line 21 includes a serpentine structure, the serpentine structure includes a plurality of routing sections 211 connected in sequence, the routing sections 211 are arranged along a fourth direction Q and extend along a fifth direction R, and the auxiliary electrode 22 is located between adjacent routing sections 211, wherein the fourth direction Q and the fifth direction R are both parallel to the plane where the first substrate 11 is located, and the fourth direction Q intersects with the fifth direction R.

[0182] For example, Figure 25 and Figure 26 As shown, the microstrip line 21 has a serpentine structure. Multiple routing sections 211 of the serpentine structure are arranged along the fourth direction Q and extend along the fifth direction R. The auxiliary electrode 22 can be configured as a comb-tooth electrode. The comb-tooth electrode includes multiple strip-shaped branch electrodes 220. The strip-shaped branch electrodes 220 are also arranged along the fourth direction Q and extend along the fifth direction R. The strip-shaped branch electrodes 220 are located between adjacent routing sections 211. As a result, the auxiliary electrode 22 forms a transverse electric field that drives the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect. The transverse electric field passes through the liquid crystal layer 23 in the area where the microstrip line 21 is located, thereby increasing the speed at which the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the area deflect toward the first direction X, reducing the response time of the liquid crystal molecules 230 to deflect toward the first direction X, thereby increasing the speed of beam steering and improving the tracking performance of the antenna.

[0183] At the same time, the serpentine structure and the comb-tooth-shaped electrode are meshed with each other, the structure is compact, and the space of the phase shifter is fully utilized, which helps to realize a miniaturized phase shifter.

[0184] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can arbitrarily set the shape of the microstrip line 21 according to actual needs, for example, Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, the shape of the microstrip line 21 can be a U-shaped or Figure 25 As shown, the shape of the microstrip line 21 is serpentine. In other embodiments, the shape of the microstrip line 21 can also be U-shaped, W-shaped, comb-shaped, spiral-shaped, etc. The shape of the auxiliary electrode 22 can be adaptively set according to the shape of the microstrip line 21, and the embodiment of the present invention does not make specific limitations on this.

[0185] Figure 27 A partial structural diagram of another phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 27 As shown, optionally, the ground metal layer 24 includes an opening 240, and the opening 240 and the microstrip line 21 at least partially overlap in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11, thereby forming a defective ground structure (DGS). By etching the set opening 240 on the ground metal layer 24 serving as the ground plane, the distribution of inductance and capacitance in the microstrip line 21 can be changed, thereby obtaining a larger basic phase difference.

[0186] For example, Figure 27 As shown, along the direction perpendicular to the plane of the first substrate 11, the microstrip line 21 and the overlapping ground metal layer 24 can be equivalent to a capacitor, and the microstrip line 21 and the overlapping opening 240 can be equivalent to an inductor, thus forming a CLC (capacitor-inductor-capacitor) resonant structure. The CLC resonant structure can slow down the phase velocity of the radio frequency signal within a shorter physical interval, thereby realizing a phase shift function.

[0187] Furthermore, by changing the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23 can be adjusted, thereby changing the degree to which the phase velocity of the radio frequency signal slows down, thereby achieving precise control of the phase of the radio frequency signal.

[0188] The phase shifter provided in the embodiment of the present invention has a compact structure, occupies a small space, and is easy to integrate into the antenna system. At the same time, it also has the advantages of high phase resolution, good control accuracy, and fast response speed. It can be used in situations where dynamic adjustment of the phase distribution of the antenna array is required, such as beamforming and multi-target tracking.

[0189] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an antenna, which includes the phase shifter described in any embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the antenna provided by the embodiment of the present invention has the technical effects of the technical solutions in any of the above embodiments, and the structures and terminology that are the same or corresponding to the above embodiments are not repeated here.

[0190] Figure 28 A schematic structural diagram of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 29 A schematic diagram of a partial cross-sectional structure of an antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, optionally, the antenna provided in an embodiment of the present invention further includes a radiating electrode 28, which is located on a side of the first substrate 11 away from the ground metal layer 24, and the ground metal layer 24 includes a first hollow portion 241. Along a direction perpendicular to the first substrate 11, the radiating electrode 28 covers the first hollow portion 241.

[0191] Specifically, if Figure 28 and Figure 29As shown, the ground metal layer 24 is provided with a first hollow portion 241. The vertical projection of the radiating electrode 28 on the plane of the ground metal layer 24 covers the first hollow portion 241. The RF signal is transmitted between the microstrip line 21 and the ground metal layer 24. The liquid crystal layer 23 between the microstrip line 21 and the ground metal layer 24 shifts the phase of the RF signal. The phase-shifted RF signal is coupled to the radiating electrode 28 at the first hollow portion 241 of the ground metal layer 24, and the radiating electrode 28 radiates the signal outward. The specific parameters of the first hollow portion 241, such as the diameter of the first hollow portion 241, can be set according to actual conditions and are not limited in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] It should be noted that setting the vertical projection of the radiation electrode 28 to cover the first hollow portion 241 can ensure that the phase-shifted RF signal can pass through the first hollow portion 241 and reach the radiation electrode 28 above, thereby ensuring the outward radiation of the RF signal.

[0193] In addition, the radiation electrodes 28 may be disposed corresponding to the phase shifting units 20 . For example, the radiation electrodes 28 and the phase shifting units 20 may be disposed in a one-to-one correspondence, and the radiation electrodes 28 corresponding to different phase shifting units 20 may be insulated from each other.

[0194] In other embodiments, the radiation electrode 28 may also be located on a side of the second substrate 12 away from the microstrip line 21 , that is, the phase shifter is flip-chip configured, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0195] Continue to refer Figure 28 and Figure 29 Optionally, the antenna in the embodiment of the present invention further includes a feeding network 29 , and the feeding network 29 can be arranged on the same layer as the radiation electrode 28 .

[0196] The feeding network 29 is used to transmit the radio frequency signal to each phase shift unit 20. The feeding network 29 may be distributed in a dendritic manner and include multiple branches, with one branch providing a radio frequency signal to one phase shift unit 20. Figure 29 As shown, the feed network 29 can be provided on the same layer as the radiating electrode 28, that is, the feed network 29 and the radiating electrode 28 are provided coplanarly. In this case, the feed network 29 and the microstrip line 21 are located on different layers. A second hollow portion 242 can be provided on the ground metal layer 24. The vertical projection of the feed network 29 on the plane of the ground metal layer 24 at least partially overlaps with the second hollow portion 242. This allows the RF signal transmitted by the feed network 29 to be coupled to the microstrip line 21 at the second hollow portion 242 of the ground metal layer 24. This, in turn, controls the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules 230 in the liquid crystal layer 23 to change the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 23, thereby achieving phase shifting of the RF signal on the microstrip line 21.

[0197] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, by arranging the feeding network 29 and the radiating electrode 28 on the same layer, the feeding network 29 and the microstrip line 21 can be arranged separately, which helps to prevent the voltage signal transmitted in the microstrip line 21 from crosstalking between the phase shifting units 20, thereby improving the reliability of the antenna operation.

[0198] In other embodiments, the feeding network 29 may also be arranged on the same layer as the microstrip line 21, that is, the feeding network 29 and the microstrip line 21 are arranged coplanar. In this case, the feeding network 29 is coupled to the microstrip line 21. Compared with the RF signal transmitted by the feeding network 29 being coupled to the microstrip line 21 through the liquid crystal layer 23, the feeding network 29 can directly transmit the RF signal to the microstrip line 21, thereby reducing the RF signal loss and improving the antenna performance. The embodiments of the present invention do not make specific limitations on this.

[0199] Continue to refer Figure 28 and Figure 29 Optionally, the antenna provided in the embodiment of the present invention further includes a radio frequency signal interface 41 and a soldering pad 42. One end of the radio frequency signal interface 41 is connected to the feed network 29 and fixed via the soldering pad 42, and the other end of the radio frequency signal interface 41 is used to connect to external circuits such as a high-frequency connector. The radio frequency signal interface 41 can be set according to actual conditions. Figure 28 and Figure 29 The one shown in FIG is only an optional setting method.

[0200] Continue to refer Figure 28 and Figure 29 Optionally, the phase shifter further includes a plastic frame 43 , which is arranged around the liquid crystal layer 23 and can be used to support the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 , thereby providing a holding space for the liquid crystal layer 23 and sealing the liquid crystal layer 23 .

[0201] It should be understood that the various forms of the processes shown above can be used to reorder, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in the present invention can be performed in parallel, sequentially, or in a different order, as long as the desired results of the technical solution of the present invention can be achieved. This is not limited herein.

[0202] The above specific embodiments do not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may be made based on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phase shifter, characterized in that: include: A first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other; At least one phase shift unit, the phase shift unit comprising a microstrip line, an auxiliary electrode, a liquid crystal layer and a ground metal layer; The liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate; The microstrip line is located on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer; The grounding metal layer is located on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer; The auxiliary electrode is located between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and / or the auxiliary electrode is located between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer.

2. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The working stages of the phase shifter include a first state stage, a state switching stage, and a second state stage in sequence; In the first state stage, the angle between the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer and the second direction is a first angle; In the second state stage, the angle between the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule and the second direction is a second angle; Wherein, the first angle is greater than the second angle; The second direction is parallel to the plane where the first substrate is located; In the state switching stage, the auxiliary electrode drives the liquid crystal molecules to deflect toward a first direction; The first direction is a direction in which the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules deflects away from a direction perpendicular to the plane where the first substrate is located.

3. The phase shifter according to claim 2, characterized in that: In the first state stage, the microstrip line receives a first driving voltage; In the state switching stage, the microstrip line receives a second driving voltage, and the auxiliary electrode receives an auxiliary voltage, so that the auxiliary electrode drives the liquid crystal molecules to deflect toward the first direction; In the second state stage, the microstrip line receives a second driving voltage; Wherein, the voltage difference between the first driving voltage and the voltage on the ground metal layer is a first voltage difference; The voltage difference between the second driving voltage and the voltage on the ground metal layer is a second voltage difference; The first voltage difference is greater than the second voltage difference.

4. The phase shifter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The greater the difference between the first angle and the second angle, the longer the duration of the state switching phase.

5. The phase shifter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode; Along a direction perpendicular to a plane where the first substrate is located, the first electrode and the second electrode are located on the same side of the liquid crystal layer; When the auxiliary electrode drives the liquid crystal molecules to deflect toward the first direction, the first electrode receives a first auxiliary voltage, and the second electrode receives a second auxiliary voltage, and the first auxiliary voltage is different from the second auxiliary voltage.

6. The phase shifter according to claim 5, characterized in that The greater the difference between the first angle and the second angle, the greater the voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage.

7. The phase shifter according to claim 5, characterized in that The first electrode and the second electrode are respectively located on both sides of the microstrip line along the third direction; The third direction is parallel to the plane where the first substrate is located, and is perpendicular to the extending direction of the microstrip line.

8. The phase shifter according to claim 7, characterized in that Along the third direction, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is L1, L1≤6*L0; Wherein, L0 is the line width of the microstrip line.

9. The phase shifter according to claim 7, characterized in that: Along the third direction, the distance between the first electrode and the microstrip line is L2; Along the third direction, the distance between the second electrode and the microstrip line is L3; L2=L3.

10. The phase shifter according to claim 7, characterized in that Along the third direction, the distance between the first electrode and the microstrip line is L2; Along the third direction, the distance between the second electrode and the microstrip line is L3; L0≤L2≤3*L0, L0≤L3≤3*L0; Wherein, L0 is the line width of the microstrip line.

11. The phase shifter according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that: The auxiliary electrode comprises a first auxiliary electrode and a second auxiliary electrode; The first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode are located on the same side of the liquid crystal layer, and the first auxiliary electrode and the second auxiliary electrode are insulated from each other; Along a direction parallel to the plane where the first substrate is located, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the first auxiliary electrode is a first distance, and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the second auxiliary electrode is a second distance; Wherein, the first distance is smaller than the second distance.

12. The phase shifter according to claim 11, characterized in that When the auxiliary electrode drives the liquid crystal molecules to deflect toward the first direction, a voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage received by the first auxiliary electrode is smaller than a voltage difference between the first auxiliary voltage and the second auxiliary voltage received by the second auxiliary electrode.

13. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that The resistance of the auxiliary electrode is greater than the resistance of the microstrip line.

14. The phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that The auxiliary electrode includes a third auxiliary electrode and / or a fourth auxiliary electrode; The third auxiliary electrode is located between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer; The fourth auxiliary electrode is located between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer.

15. The phase shifter according to claim 14, characterized in that The third auxiliary electrode is insulated from the ground metal layer.

16. The phase shifter according to claim 15, characterized in that The third auxiliary electrode is located on a side of the ground metal layer close to the liquid crystal layer; A first insulating layer is disposed between the third auxiliary electrode and the ground metal layer.

17. The phase shifter according to claim 14, characterized in that The fourth auxiliary electrode and the microstrip line are located in the same film layer.

18. The phase shifter according to claim 14, characterized in that The fourth auxiliary electrode and the microstrip line are located in different film layers.

19. The phase shifter according to claim 14, characterized in that The auxiliary electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode; Along a direction perpendicular to a plane where the first substrate is located, the first electrode and the second electrode are located on the same side of the liquid crystal layer; The auxiliary electrodes include a third auxiliary electrode and a fourth auxiliary electrode; Along a direction perpendicular to the plane where the first substrate is located, the first electrode of the third auxiliary electrode and the first electrode of the fourth auxiliary electrode at least partially overlap; Along a direction perpendicular to a plane where the first substrate is located, the second electrode of the third auxiliary electrode and the second electrode of the fourth auxiliary electrode at least partially overlap.

20. An antenna, characterized in that: A phase shifter comprising any one of claims 1-19.

Images