Antenna unit, antenna array and operation method of antenna array

Abstract

The invention provides an antenna unit, an antenna array and an operation method of the antenna array. The antenna unit comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of side walls, a liquid crystal layer, a first electrode, a second electrode and a plurality of side wall electrodes. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. A plurality of sidewalls are supported between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is located among the first substrate, the second substrate and the side walls. The first electrode is disposed on the first substrate. The second electrode is disposed on the second substrate and electrically insulated from the first electrode. The plurality of side wall electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and are respectively arranged on the plurality of side walls, wherein the plurality of side wall electrodes are electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna unit, an antenna array and an operating method of the antenna array. Background Art

[0002] As anisotropic materials, liquid crystal molecules have different dielectric constants along their long and short axes. When liquid crystal is used as a material with adjustable dielectric constant in radio frequency (RF) applications or antenna applications, if the polarization direction of the signal is not parallel or perpendicular to the alignment of the liquid crystal layer, a dual-permittivity problem will occur, causing the transmission direction or radiation intensity of the signal to be less than expected. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention provides an antenna unit, an antenna array and an operation method of the antenna array, which can adjust the orientation of a liquid crystal layer.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna unit includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of side walls, a liquid crystal layer, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a plurality of side wall electrodes. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. The plurality of side walls are supported between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate, the second substrate, and the plurality of side walls. The first electrode is disposed on the first substrate. The second electrode is disposed on the second substrate and is electrically insulated from the first electrode. The plurality of side wall electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and are respectively disposed on the plurality of side walls, wherein the plurality of side wall electrodes are electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the antenna array includes a plurality of first antenna units and at least one second antenna unit. Each of the plurality of first antenna units includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of side walls, a liquid crystal layer, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a plurality of side wall electrodes. The second substrate is relative to the first substrate. A plurality of side walls are supported between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate, the second substrate, and the plurality of side walls. The first electrode is disposed on the first substrate. The second electrode is disposed on the second substrate and is electrically insulated from the first electrode. A plurality of side wall electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and are respectively disposed on a plurality of side walls, wherein a plurality of side wall electrodes are electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one second antenna unit is disposed adjacent to the plurality of first antenna units. At least one second antenna unit includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode are disposed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an operating method of an antenna array includes: providing an antenna array, the antenna array including multiple first antenna units; applying a horizontal electric field to a liquid crystal layer using multiple side wall electrodes; and applying a vertical electric field to the liquid crystal layer using the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0007] In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments are given below with reference to the accompanying drawings for detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an antenna unit at a cross section R1;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an antenna unit at a cross section R2;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an antenna unit in an XY plane, showing a state when an electric field parallel to a direction X is applied to a plurality of liquid crystal molecules;

[0013] Figures 5 to 7 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XZ plane, showing the Figure 4 A state where a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the direction Z) is applied gradually increasing from 0 after the alignment step;

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an antenna unit in an XY plane, showing a state when an electric field parallel to a direction Y is applied to a plurality of liquid crystal molecules;

[0015] Figures 9 to 11 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XZ plane, showing the Figure 7 A state where a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the direction Z) is applied gradually increasing from 0 after the alignment step;

[0016] Fig.12 yes Figure 1A schematic diagram of an antenna unit in an XY plane, showing a state when an electric field parallel to a direction D is applied to a plurality of liquid crystal molecules;

[0017] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the antenna unit at the section R2;

[0018] Fig.14 is a schematic top view of an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figures 15 to 18 They are Fig.14 Schematic diagrams of various cross-sections along the middle section line I-I';

[0020] Fig.19 as well as Fig. 20 They are respectively schematic top views of antenna arrays according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Description of Figure Numbers

[0022] 1. 1A: antenna unit;

[0023] 10: first substrate;

[0024] 11: second substrate;

[0025] 12: side wall;

[0026] 12-1: first side wall;

[0027] 12-2: second side wall;

[0028] 12-3: third side wall;

[0029] 12-4: fourth side wall;

[0030] 13: liquid crystal layer;

[0031] 14: first electrode;

[0032] 15: second electrode;

[0033] 16: side wall electrode;

[0034] 16-1: first side wall electrode;

[0035] 16-2: second side wall electrode;

[0036] 16-3: third side wall electrode;

[0037] 16-4: fourth side wall electrode;

[0038] 16-5: fifth side wall electrode;

[0039] 16-6: sixth side wall electrode;

[0040] 16-7: seventh side wall electrode;

[0041] 16-8: eighth side wall electrode;

[0042] 17: third electrode;

[0043] 18: fourth electrode;

[0044] 19: solid dielectric layer;

[0045] 130: Liquid crystal molecules;

[0046] S10-1, S11-1: inner surface;

[0047] S10-2, S11-2: outer surface;

[0048] AL: long axis;

[0049] AR: antenna array;

[0050] D, X, Y, Z: direction;

[0051] DT: distance;

[0052] G: gap;

[0053] G1: the first group of antenna units;

[0054] G2: the second group of antenna units;

[0055] R1, R2: cross section;

[0056] SG: signal;

[0057] T10, T11: thickness;

[0058] U1: first antenna unit;

[0059] U2: second antenna unit;

[0060] I-I': section line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The directional terms mentioned herein, such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", etc., are only used with reference to the directions of the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are used for illustration, not for limiting the present invention.

[0062] In the drawings, each figure shows the general characteristics of the methods, structures and / or materials used in a particular embodiment. However, these drawings should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the scope or nature covered by these embodiments. For example, for clarity, the relative size, thickness and position of each film layer, region or structure may be reduced or enlarged.

[0063] In the drawings, the same or similar elements will be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and the description will omit their redundant descriptions. In addition, the features in different embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict, and simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to this specification or claims are still within the scope of the present invention.

[0064] The terms "first", "second", etc. mentioned in this specification or claims are only used to name different elements or distinguish different embodiments or ranges, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements, nor to limit the manufacturing order or arrangement order of the elements. In addition, an element / film layer disposed on (or above) another element / film layer may include the case where the element / film layer is directly disposed on (or above) the other element / film layer, and the two elements / film layers are in direct contact; and the case where the element / film layer is indirectly disposed on (or above) the other element / film layer, and there are one or more elements / film layers between the two elements / film layers.

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the antenna unit at the cross section R1. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the antenna unit at the cross section R2. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XY plane, showing the state of multiple liquid crystal molecules when an electric field parallel to the direction X is applied. Figures 5 to 7 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XZ plane, showing the Figure 4 After the alignment step, a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to direction Z) is applied that increases from 0. Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XY plane, showing the state of multiple liquid crystal molecules when an electric field parallel to the Y direction is applied. Figures 9 to 11 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XZ plane, showing the Figure 7 After the alignment step, a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to direction Z) is applied that increases from 0. Fig.12 yes Figure 1Schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XY plane, showing the state of multiple liquid crystal molecules when an electric field parallel to the direction D is applied. Fig.13 yes Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of the antenna unit at the section R2. Fig.14 is a schematic top view of an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 15 to 18 They are Fig.14 Schematic diagrams of various cross-sections along the center section line II'. Fig.19 as well as Fig. 20 They are respectively schematic top views of antenna arrays according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The antenna unit (also referred to as the first antenna unit) 1 may include a first substrate 10, a second substrate 11, a plurality of sidewalls 12, a liquid crystal layer 13, a first electrode 14, a second electrode 15, and a plurality of sidewall electrodes 16, but is not limited thereto. According to different requirements, the antenna unit 1 may further include other elements or film layers.

[0067] The first substrate 10 can be a hard substrate or a flexible substrate. The material of the first substrate 10 includes, for example, glass, ceramic or plastic, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The second substrate 11 is opposite to the first substrate 10. Figure 1 As shown, the second substrate 11 is, for example, disposed overlapping the first substrate 10 in the direction Z. The second substrate 11 may be a hard substrate or a flexible substrate. The material of the second substrate 11 includes, for example, glass, ceramic or plastic, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] The plurality of side walls 12 are supported between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11, and the first substrate 10, the second substrate 11 and the plurality of side walls 12 enclose a space for accommodating the liquid crystal layer 13. Taking a hexahedral antenna unit as an example, the antenna unit 1 may include four side walls 12, such as a first side wall 12-1, a second side wall 12-2, a third side wall 12-3 and a fourth side wall 12-4, and these side walls 12 are connected to each other in pairs to form a frame shape, such as Figure 3 As shown. However, it should be understood that the number of side walls 12 in the antenna unit 1 can be changed according to actual needs and is not limited to four. The material of the multiple side walls 12 includes, for example, a frame glue material, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the multiple side walls 12 can be integrally formed.

[0070] The liquid crystal layer 13 is located between the first substrate 10, the second substrate 11 and the plurality of side walls 12. Although not shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 3The liquid crystal layer 13 may include a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, such as a plurality of positive liquid crystal molecules, but is not limited thereto. The liquid crystal molecules have a long axis and a short axis perpendicular to the long axis. When no external electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 13, the plurality of liquid crystal molecules, for example, present a random tilting state without a specific tilting direction (no alignment layer is provided). On the other hand, when an external electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 13, the plurality of liquid crystal molecules tilt or turn toward the direction of the external electric field, so that the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is parallel to or substantially parallel to the direction of the external electric field.

[0071] The first electrode 14 is disposed on the first substrate 10. In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the first electrode 14 can be disposed on the inner surface S10-1 of the first substrate 10 (such as the surface of the first substrate 10 facing the second substrate 11), so that the first electrode 14 is located between the first substrate 10 and the liquid crystal layer 13, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, although not shown, the first electrode 14 can be disposed on the outer surface S10-2 of the first substrate 10 (such as the surface of the first substrate 10 facing away from the second substrate 11), so that the first substrate 10 is located between the first electrode 14 and the liquid crystal layer 13. The material of the first electrode 14 includes, for example, metal, alloy, or a combination thereof, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first electrode 14 can be a ground electrode, and the first electrode 14 can be an electrode of a whole surface, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] The second electrode 15 is disposed on the second substrate 11 and is electrically insulated from the first electrode 14. Figure 2 As shown, the second electrode 15 can be disposed on the outer surface S11-2 of the second substrate 11 (such as the surface of the second substrate 11 facing away from the first substrate 10), so that the second substrate 11 is located between the second electrode 15 and the liquid crystal layer 13, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, although not shown, the second electrode 15 can be disposed on the inner surface S11-1 of the second substrate 11 (such as the surface of the second substrate 11 facing the first substrate 10), so that the second electrode 15 is located between the second substrate 11 and the liquid crystal layer 13. The material of the second electrode 15 includes, for example, metal, alloy, or a combination thereof, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the second electrode 15 can be a patterned electrode, and the top view shape of the second electrode 15 can include, but the present invention is not limited thereto, a rectangle, a circle, an annular shape, or a combination thereof.

[0073] The second electrode 15 overlaps with the first electrode 14 in the direction Z, and the second electrode 15 and the first electrode 14 are separated by at least the liquid crystal layer 13 and are electrically insulated from each other. By independently controlling the voltages applied to the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15, a vertical electric field (the direction of the electric field is parallel or substantially parallel to the direction Z) can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 13, thereby changing the equivalent dielectric constant of the antenna unit 1. By changing the equivalent dielectric constant of the antenna unit 1, design parameters such as the phase delay and / or radiation intensity of the signal SG (such as electromagnetic waves) can be modulated. For an antenna array including multiple antenna units, it is equivalent to modulating the transmission (reflection) direction and / or radiation intensity of the signal SG. The electromagnetic wave can be a radio frequency, a millimeter wave, a terahertz (THz) wave, or an electromagnetic wave in another frequency range.

[0074] In an embodiment where the antenna unit 1 serves as an electromagnetic wave reflecting unit, by disposing the second electrode 15 on the surface of the second substrate 11 facing the signal SG (such as the outer surface S11-2), it helps to shorten the signal transmission path or helps to reduce the loss caused by the signal SG passing through the second substrate 11, thereby facilitating signal transmission.

[0075] The plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 are electrically insulated from each other and are disposed on the plurality of sidewalls 12, respectively, and the plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 are electrically insulated from the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15. In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the antenna unit 1 may include four side wall electrodes 16, such as a first side wall electrode 16-1 disposed on the first side wall 12-1, a second side wall electrode 16-2 disposed on the second side wall 12-2, a third side wall electrode 16-3 disposed on the third side wall 12-3, and a fourth side wall electrode 16-4 disposed on the fourth side wall 12-4. However, it should be understood that the number of side wall electrodes 16 in the antenna unit 1 can be changed according to actual needs and is not limited to four. According to different designs, the number of multiple side wall electrodes 16 may be greater than or equal to the number of multiple side walls 12. For example, the adjustable range of the horizontal electric field direction (the electric field direction parallel to the XY plane) can be increased by increasing the number of side wall electrodes 16 disposed on any side wall 12.

[0076] Specifically, the plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 are electrically insulated from each other, so that the voltage of each sidewall electrode 16 can be independently controlled. By independently controlling the voltage applied to each sidewall electrode 16, the direction of the horizontal electric field applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the alignment of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 13.

[0077] Before modulating the electromagnetic wave (such as applying a vertical electric field), a horizontal electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 so that the orientation direction of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 13 is parallel to the polarization direction of the signal SG (the polarization direction of the electric field of the electromagnetic wave). This can improve the dual dielectric constant problem (for example, by making the liquid crystal layer 13 provide a single dielectric constant to the electromagnetic wave) and ensure that the design parameters such as the transmission direction or radiation intensity of the signal modulated by the antenna unit 1 fall within a preset range.

[0078] For example, another antenna unit (not shown; for example, referred to as the second antenna unit) may be used to sense the electromagnetic wave to confirm the polarization direction of the electromagnetic wave. Figure 2 ) is parallel to the direction X, the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 in the liquid crystal layer 13 may be aligned so that the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 (such as positive liquid crystal molecules) in the liquid crystal layer 13 are parallel or substantially parallel to the direction X, such as Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 shown.

[0079] The above-mentioned step of aligning the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 (applying a horizontal electric field) may include applying a first voltage to the first sidewall electrode 16-1, and applying a second voltage different from the first voltage to the third sidewall electrode 16-3, so as to generate a horizontal electric field parallel to the direction X. In some embodiments, the step of aligning the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 (applying a horizontal electric field) may also include floating the sidewall electrodes other than the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the third sidewall electrode 16-3 (such as the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2), or applying a third voltage between the first voltage and the second voltage to the sidewall electrodes other than the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the third sidewall electrode 16-3 (such as the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2), so that the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 at least in the central area (the main area for modulating electromagnetic waves, such as the area where the second electrode is located) of the antenna unit 1 are parallel or substantially parallel to the polarization direction of the signal (such as the direction X).

[0080] By applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer 13 so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 is parallel to the signal SG incident to the antenna unit 1 (refer to Figure 2 ), the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 can be used to apply a vertical electric field (an electric field parallel to the direction Z) to the liquid crystal layer 13 to change the equivalent dielectric constant of the antenna unit 1, thereby modulating design parameters such as the transmission direction and / or radiation intensity of the signal. Figure 5 14 and 15 show the state of the liquid crystal layer 13 when the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is 0. Figure 6 to Figure 71 shows the state of the liquid crystal layer 13 when the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is not zero. Figures 5 to 7 As shown, when the vertical electric field (the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15) applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 gradually increases from 0, the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 change from being parallel to the direction X to being between the direction X and the direction Z. When the vertical electric field is large enough, the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 can even be parallel to the direction Z.

[0081] The step of applying the vertical electric field may include applying a fourth voltage to the first electrode 14, and applying a fifth voltage that is the same as or different from the fourth voltage to the second electrode 15. When the fourth voltage is the same as the fifth voltage, the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is 0, and the liquid crystal layer 13, for example, presents Figure 5 When the fourth voltage is different from the fifth voltage, the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is not zero. At this time, the liquid crystal layer 13 is, for example, Figure 6 In some embodiments, when a fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode 14 and a fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode 15, a plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 (including a first sidewall electrode 16-1, a second sidewall electrode 16-2, a third sidewall electrode 16-3, and a fourth sidewall electrode 16-4) may be floated. Under this architecture, after the plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 are floated for a period of time, a horizontal electric field may be applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 again to readjust the alignment of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 can be continuously parallel to the set polarization direction, such as but not limited to the signal SG incident on the antenna unit 1 (refer to Figure 2 )’s polarization direction.

[0082] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, when the fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode 14 and the fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode 15, the fourth voltage may be applied to the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the fifth voltage may be applied to the third sidewall electrode 16-3 to maintain the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 or reduce the number or frequency of realignment. In some embodiments, the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage for alignment (such as the absolute value of the first voltage minus the second voltage) may be greater than the voltage difference between the fourth voltage and the fifth voltage for maintaining alignment (such as the absolute value of the fourth voltage minus the fifth voltage) to shorten the alignment time or improve the alignment consistency, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] In addition, if the signal SG incident on antenna unit 1 (see Figure 2 ) is parallel to the direction Y, the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 in the liquid crystal layer 13 may be aligned so that the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 (such as positive liquid crystal molecules) in the liquid crystal layer 13 are parallel or substantially parallel to the direction Y, such as Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 shown.

[0084] The above-mentioned step of aligning the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 (applying a horizontal electric field) may include applying a first voltage to the second sidewall electrode 16-2, and applying a second voltage to the fourth sidewall electrode 16-4, so as to generate a horizontal electric field parallel to the direction Y. In some embodiments, the step of aligning the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 (applying a horizontal electric field) may also include floating the sidewall electrodes other than the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2 (such as the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the third sidewall electrode 16-3), or applying a third voltage between the first voltage and the second voltage to the sidewall electrodes other than the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2 (such as the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the third sidewall electrode 16-3), so that the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 at least in the central area of ​​the antenna unit 1 (the main area for modulating electromagnetic waves, such as the area where the second electrode is located) are parallel or substantially parallel to the polarization direction of the signal (such as the direction Y).

[0085] By applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer 13 so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 is parallel to the signal SG incident to the antenna unit 1 (refer to Figure 2 ), the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 can be used to apply a vertical electric field (an electric field parallel to the direction Z) to the liquid crystal layer 13 to change the equivalent dielectric constant of the antenna unit 1, thereby modulating design parameters such as the transmission direction and / or radiation intensity of the signal. Fig. 9 14 and 15 show the state of the liquid crystal layer 13 when the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is 0. Fig.10 as well as Fig.11 1 shows the state of the liquid crystal layer 13 when the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is not zero. Figures 9 to 11 As shown, when the vertical electric field (the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15) applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 gradually increases from 0, the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 change from being parallel to the direction Y to being between the direction Y and the direction Z. When the vertical electric field is large enough, the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 can even be parallel to the direction Z.

[0086] The step of applying the vertical electric field may include applying a fourth voltage to the first electrode 14 and applying a fifth voltage to the second electrode 15. When the fourth voltage is equal to the fifth voltage, the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is 0, and the liquid crystal layer 13 is, for example, Figure 8 When the fourth voltage is different from the fifth voltage, the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is not zero. At this time, the liquid crystal layer 13 is, for example, Fig. 9In some embodiments, when a fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode 14 and a fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode 15, a plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 (including a first sidewall electrode 16-1, a second sidewall electrode 16-2, a third sidewall electrode 16-3, and a fourth sidewall electrode 16-4) may be floated. Under this architecture, after the plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 are floated for a period of time, a horizontal electric field may be applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 again to readjust the alignment of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 can be continuously parallel to the set polarization direction, such as but not limited to the signal SG incident on the antenna unit 1 (refer to Figure 2 )’s polarization direction.

[0087] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, when the fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode 14 and the fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode 15, the fourth voltage may be applied to the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the fifth voltage may be applied to the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2 to maintain the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 or reduce the number or frequency of realignment. In some embodiments, the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage for alignment (such as the absolute value of the first voltage minus the second voltage) may be greater than the voltage difference between the fourth voltage and the fifth voltage for maintaining alignment (such as the absolute value of the fourth voltage minus the fifth voltage) to shorten the alignment time or improve the alignment consistency, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] Furthermore, if the signal SG incident on antenna unit 1 (see Figure 2 ) is parallel to the direction D, and the direction D is not parallel to and not perpendicular to the direction X and the direction Y. The plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 in the liquid crystal layer 13 may be aligned first, so that the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 (such as positive liquid crystal molecules) in the central region of the liquid crystal layer 13 are parallel to or substantially parallel to the direction D, such as Fig.12 shown.

[0089] The above-mentioned step of aligning multiple liquid crystal molecules 130 (applying a horizontal electric field) may include applying a first voltage to the first side wall electrode 16-1 and the second side wall electrode 16-2, and applying a second voltage to the third side wall electrode 16-3 and the fourth side wall electrode 16-2 to generate a horizontal electric field substantially parallel to the direction D in the central area of ​​the liquid crystal layer 13.

[0090] As described above, by applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer 13 so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 is parallel to the signal SG incident to the antenna unit 1 (refer to Figure 2 ), the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 can be used to apply a vertical electric field (an electric field parallel to the direction Z) to the liquid crystal layer 13 to change the equivalent dielectric constant of the antenna unit 1, thereby modulating design parameters such as the transmission direction and / or radiation intensity of the signal.

[0091] The step of applying the vertical electric field may include applying a fourth voltage to the first electrode 14 and applying a fifth voltage to the second electrode 15. In some embodiments, when the fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode 14 and the fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode 15, a plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 (including a first sidewall electrode 16-1, a second sidewall electrode 16-2, a third sidewall electrode 16-3, and a fourth sidewall electrode 16-4) may be floated. Under this architecture, after the plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 are floated for a period of time, a horizontal electric field may be applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 again to readjust the alignment of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 so that the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 can be continuously parallel to the set polarization direction, such as but not limited to the signal SG of the incident antenna unit 1 (refer to Figure 2 )’s polarization direction.

[0092] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, when the fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode 14 and the fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode 15, the fourth voltage may be applied to the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the fifth voltage may be applied to the third sidewall electrode 16-3 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-4 to maintain the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 or reduce the number or frequency of realignment. In some embodiments, the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage for alignment (such as the absolute value of the first voltage minus the second voltage) may be greater than the voltage difference between the fourth voltage and the fifth voltage for maintaining the alignment (such as the absolute value of the fourth voltage minus the fifth voltage) to shorten the alignment time or improve the alignment consistency, but is not limited thereto.

[0093] Although the above embodiment is described by arranging a sidewall electrode 16 on each sidewall 12, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Fig.13As shown, in the antenna unit 1A, a plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 may be disposed on each sidewall 12. For example, a first sidewall electrode 16-1 and a second sidewall electrode 16-2 may be disposed on the first sidewall 12-1, a third sidewall electrode 16-3 and a fourth sidewall electrode 16-4 may be disposed on the second sidewall 12-2, a fifth sidewall electrode 16-5 and a sixth sidewall electrode 16-6 may be disposed on the third sidewall 12-3, and a seventh sidewall electrode 16-7 and an eighth sidewall electrode 16-8 may be disposed on the fourth sidewall 12-4, but the present invention is not limited thereto. By increasing the number of the sidewall electrodes 16, the adjustable range of the horizontal electric field direction (the electric field direction parallel to the XY plane) may be increased, that is, the adjustable range / angle of the alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer 13 may be increased. For example, in some embodiments, the first voltage, the second voltage, the third voltage, the fourth voltage, the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage may be applied to the eighth side wall electrode 16-8, the fourth side wall electrode 16-4, the first side wall electrode 16-1, the third side wall electrode 16-3, the seventh side wall electrode 16-7 and the fifth side wall electrode 16-5, respectively, and the second side wall electrode 16-2 and the sixth side wall electrode 16-6 may be floated; wherein the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage (for example, the second voltage minus the first voltage) is greater than the voltage difference between the third voltage and the fourth voltage (for example, the fourth voltage minus the third voltage), and the voltage difference between the third voltage and the fourth voltage is equal to the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage (for example, the sixth voltage minus the fifth voltage), but is not limited to this. In other embodiments, a first voltage may be applied to the first side wall electrode 16-1 and the eighth side wall electrode 16-8, a second voltage may be applied to the fourth side wall electrode 16-4 and the fifth side wall electrode 16-5, a third voltage may be applied to the third side wall electrode 16-3 and the sixth side wall electrode 16-6, and a fourth voltage may be applied to the second side wall electrode 16-2 and the seventh side wall electrode 16-7; wherein the second voltage is greater than the third voltage, the third voltage is greater than the fourth voltage, and the fourth voltage is greater than the first voltage.

[0094] Please refer to Fig.14 as well as Fig.15 The antenna array AR may include a plurality of first antenna units U1 and at least one second antenna unit U2, but is not limited thereto. According to different requirements, the antenna array AR may further include other elements or film layers.

[0095] The first antenna unit U1 is used to modulate the transmission direction and / or radiation intensity of a signal (such as an electromagnetic wave) and other design parameters. Each of the plurality of first antenna units U1 may adopt the structure of the antenna unit 1 or antenna unit 1A, which will not be repeated here.

[0096] At least one second antenna unit U2 is disposed adjacent to the plurality of first antenna units U1. Fig.12A second antenna unit U2 is schematically shown, and the second antenna unit U2 is arranged on one side of the plurality of first antenna units U1. However, it should be understood that the number of second antenna units U2 in the antenna array AR can be multiple, and the actual structure of the plurality of second antenna units U2 and their relative arrangement relationship with the plurality of first antenna units U1 can be changed according to actual needs.

[0097] The second antenna unit U2 is used, for example, to sense electromagnetic waves transmitted to the antenna array AR to confirm the polarization direction of the electromagnetic waves, and can control the orientation direction of the liquid crystal layer 13 in each first antenna unit U1 according to requirements (such as shielding or reflecting electromagnetic waves).

[0098] The composition of the second antenna unit U2 may be different from that of the first antenna unit U1. Fig.15 As shown, the second antenna unit U2 may include a third electrode 17 and a fourth electrode 18 , and the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 may be disposed on at least one of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 . Fig.15 It is schematically shown that the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 are respectively disposed on the inner surface S11-1 and the outer surface S11-2 of the second substrate 11, that is, the distance DT between the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 is equal to the thickness T11 of the second substrate 11. However, it should be understood that the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 can also be respectively disposed on the outer surface S10-2 and the inner surface S10-1 of the first substrate 10, that is, the distance DT between the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 can be equal to the thickness T10 of the first substrate 10. Alternatively, the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 can also be respectively disposed on the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11.

[0099] exist Fig.15 In the embodiment, the first electrodes 14 in the first antenna units U1 are separated from each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Fig.16 As shown, the multiple first electrodes 14 in the multiple first antenna units U1 may be connected together.

[0100] exist Fig.15 as well as Fig.16 In the embodiment, two adjacent first antenna units U1 share the side wall 12, for example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Fig.17 As shown, two adjacent first antenna units U1 may not share the side wall 12. For example, two adjacent side walls 12 of two adjacent first antenna units U1 may be separated from each other, and the gap G between the two adjacent side walls 12 may be filled with the liquid crystal layer 13 or not filled with any material.

[0101] exist Figures 15 to 17In the embodiment, the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 are respectively disposed on the inner surface S11-1 and the outer surface S11-2 of the second substrate 11, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Fig.18 As shown, the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 can be disposed on the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11, respectively. For example, the third electrode 17 can be disposed on the inner surface S10-1 of the first substrate 10, and the fourth electrode 18 can be disposed on the outer surface S11-2 of the second substrate 11. Under this architecture, the second antenna unit U2 can also include a solid dielectric layer 19 disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11. Based on appearance considerations, the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric layer 19 can be close to the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 13. In addition, the material of the solid dielectric layer 19 can be selected from glass fiber cloth (such as FR4), high-frequency PCB material for antennas (such as Rogers), low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) or other similar and suitable high-frequency signal dielectric materials.

[0102] In some embodiments, Fig.19 As shown, the plurality of first antenna units U1 can be divided into a plurality of groups, and antenna units in different groups can be used to transmit and receive signals in different polarization directions, respectively. For example, the plurality of first antenna units U1 can be divided into a first group of antenna units G1 and a second group of antenna units G2, wherein the first group of antenna units G1 can be used to transmit and receive signals in a first polarization direction, and the second group of antenna units G2 can be used to transmit and receive signals in a second polarization direction.

[0103] In some embodiments, Fig. 20 As shown, the antenna array AR may include a plurality of second antenna units U2, and the plurality of second antenna units U2 may be distributed among the plurality of first antenna units U1.

[0104] In summary, in the embodiments of the present invention, by disposing a plurality of sidewall electrodes, the alignment of the liquid crystal layer can be adjusted according to the polarization direction of the signal, thereby helping to improve the dual dielectric constant problem.

[0105] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An antenna unit, characterized in that: include: a first substrate; a second substrate, opposite to the first substrate; a plurality of side walls supported between the first substrate and the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer, located between the first substrate, the second substrate and the plurality of side walls; A first electrode, disposed on the first substrate; a second electrode, disposed on the second substrate and electrically insulated from the first electrode; as well as A plurality of sidewall electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and are respectively disposed on the plurality of sidewalls, wherein the plurality of sidewall electrodes are electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The second substrate is located between the second electrode and the liquid crystal layer.

3. The antenna unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The number of the plurality of sidewall electrodes is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of sidewalls.

4. An antenna array, characterized in that: include: A plurality of first antenna units, wherein each of the plurality of first antenna units comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate, opposite to the first substrate; a plurality of side walls supported between the first substrate and the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer, located between the first substrate, the second substrate and the plurality of side walls; A first electrode, disposed on the first substrate; A second electrode, disposed on the second substrate and electrically insulated from the first electrode; and A plurality of sidewall electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and are respectively disposed on the plurality of sidewalls, wherein The plurality of sidewall electrodes are electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode; and At least one second antenna unit is disposed adjacent to the plurality of first antenna units, wherein the at least one second antenna unit comprises a third electrode and a fourth electrode, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode are disposed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

5. The antenna array according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second substrate is located between the second electrode and the liquid crystal layer.

6. The antenna array according to claim 4, characterized in that: The number of the plurality of sidewall electrodes is greater than or equal to the number of the plurality of sidewalls.

7. The antenna array according to claim 4, characterized in that: A distance between the third electrode and the fourth electrode is equal to a thickness of the first substrate or a thickness of the second substrate.

8. The antenna array according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third electrode and the fourth electrode are disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate respectively, and the at least one second antenna unit further includes a solid dielectric layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

9. A method for operating an antenna array, characterized in that: include: An antenna array is provided, the antenna array comprising a plurality of first antenna units, wherein each of the plurality of first antenna units comprises: a first substrate; a second substrate, opposite to the first substrate; a plurality of side walls supported between the first substrate and the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer, located between the first substrate, the second substrate and the plurality of side walls; A first electrode, disposed on the first substrate; A second electrode, disposed on the second substrate and electrically insulated from the first electrode; and A plurality of sidewall electrodes are electrically insulated from each other and are respectively disposed on the plurality of sidewalls, wherein The plurality of sidewall electrodes are electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode; applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer using the plurality of sidewall electrodes; and A vertical electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer by using the first electrode and the second electrode.

10. The method for operating an antenna array according to claim 9, characterized in that: Applying the horizontal electric field is before applying the vertical electric field.

11. The method for operating an antenna array according to claim 9, characterized in that: Applying the horizontal electric field comprises: A first voltage is applied to at least one of the plurality of sidewall electrodes, and a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to at least another sidewall electrode of the plurality of sidewall electrodes.

12. The method for operating an antenna array according to claim 11, characterized in that: Applying the horizontal electric field further comprises: The at least one sidewall electrode and the sidewall electrodes other than the at least one other sidewall electrode are floated, or a third voltage between the first voltage and the second voltage is applied to the at least one sidewall electrode and the sidewall electrodes other than the at least one other sidewall electrode.

13. The method for operating an antenna array according to claim 11, characterized in that: Applying the vertical electric field comprises: A fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode, and a fifth voltage different from the fourth voltage is applied to the second electrode.

14. The method for operating an antenna array according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes: When the fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode and the fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode, the plurality of sidewall electrodes are floated.

15. The method for operating an antenna array according to claim 14, characterized in that: Also includes: After the sidewall electrodes are floated for a period of time, the horizontal electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer again to readjust the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules.

16. The method for operating an antenna array according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes: When the fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode and the fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode, the fourth voltage is applied to the at least one sidewall electrode and the fifth voltage is applied to the at least another sidewall electrode.

17. The method for operating an antenna array according to claim 16, characterized in that: A voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than a voltage difference between the fourth voltage and the fifth voltage.

18. The method for operating an antenna array according to claim 11, characterized in that: The antenna array further includes at least one second antenna unit, and the operating method of the antenna array further includes: The at least one second antenna unit is used to sense the electromagnetic wave transmitted to the antenna array to confirm the polarization direction of the electromagnetic wave.

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