Active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly, antenna and manufacturing process

Abstract

The invention provides an active liquid crystal phased-array antenna assembly, an antenna and a manufacturing process, the active liquid crystal phased-array antenna assembly comprises a plurality of antenna array units, each antenna array unit is composed of a liquid crystal phase shifter, an active component, an antenna radiation unit and a feed network, and the active component is a low-noise amplifier and / or a power amplifier; the active component is arranged between the liquid crystal phase shifter and the antenna radiation unit; the low noise amplifier is used for amplifying the electromagnetic wave signal received by the antenna radiation unit and transmitting the amplified electromagnetic wave signal to the liquid crystal phase shifter; the power amplifier is used for amplifying the electromagnetic wave signal of the liquid crystal phase shifter and transmitting the amplified electromagnetic wave signal to the antenna radiation unit for radiation; and the active component is also used for heating the liquid crystal phase shifter by using the working current of the active component, so that the liquid crystal phase shifter works in a target working temperature range. According to the invention, the active liquid crystal phased-array antenna can work normally at low temperature; and the cost and the power consumption are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of antennas, and more particularly, to an active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly, an antenna and a manufacturing process. Background Art

[0002] A phased array antenna is a special antenna system composed of many independent small antenna element units, and each unit can control its phase independently. By changing the phase relationship of each unit through a phase shifter, the pointing direction of the antenna beam can be changed, and the radiation direction of the entire antenna array can be dynamically adjusted, thereby realizing electronic scanning of the beam.

[0003] Currently, most existing phase shifters are made of semiconductors. Due to the disadvantages of high price and high power consumption of semiconductors, it is difficult to be widely used in the actual communication field. The liquid crystal phase shifter has attracted the attention of the industry and been developed and studied because of its low cost, low power consumption and good microwave performance.

[0004] However, due to the physical properties of the liquid crystal material itself: the crystal of the liquid crystal material changes with temperature, resulting in defects such as thickening or even crystallization at low temperatures and excessive microwave insertion loss of the liquid crystal phase shifter, making it difficult for the liquid crystal phased array to meet the requirements of high-performance communication applications, such as satellite communication. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly, an antenna and a manufacturing process to overcome the problem of crystallization of the liquid crystal phase shifter at low temperatures and reduce costs and power consumption.

[0006] In a first aspect, an active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly is provided, including a plurality of antenna array units. Each antenna array unit is composed of a liquid crystal phase shifter, an active component, an antenna radiation unit and a feeding network; the active component is a low-noise amplifier and / or a power amplifier; the active component is arranged between the liquid crystal phase shifter and the antenna radiation unit. The antenna radiation unit is used for receiving and transmitting electromagnetic wave signals. The low-noise amplifier is used for amplifying the electromagnetic wave signals received by the antenna radiation unit and transmitting the amplified electromagnetic wave signals to the liquid crystal phase shifter; the power amplifier is used for amplifying the electromagnetic wave signals from the liquid crystal phase shifter and then transmitting them to the antenna radiation unit for radiation; the active component is also used for heating the liquid crystal phase shifter with its own working current so that it works within a target working temperature range, and the target working temperature range is 10 - 40 °C; the liquid crystal phase shifter is used for adjusting the phase of the electromagnetic wave signals on the antenna radiation unit.

[0007] Optionally, all the antenna radiation units are integrated in the same substrate assembly, which consists of a first substrate formed integrally and a second substrate formed integrally. Each active component is fixed to the first substrate by welding at a first welding temperature, and the first substrate and the second substrate are fixed to each other by welding at a second welding temperature.

[0008] Optionally, a plurality of metal cavities are provided on one side of the second substrate adjacent to the first substrate; each metal cavity houses an active component; each active component is fixed to the first substrate by welding at a first welding temperature.

[0009] Optionally, the second welding temperature is at least 30 °C lower than the first welding temperature.

[0010] Optionally, the antenna radiation unit, the active component, the liquid crystal phase shifter and the feeding network all adopt planar structures.

[0011] Optionally, the signal transmission between the antenna radiation unit, the liquid crystal phase shifter and the feeding network layers adopts vertical channel transmission.

[0012] In a second aspect, a manufacturing process of an active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly is provided, including:

[0013] Calibrating the installation positions of the active components at the backplane of the first substrate integrated with the antenna radiation unit; the active components are low-noise amplifiers and / or power amplifiers;

[0014] Applying a colloid at the installation positions;

[0015] Placing the bare chips of the active components on the colloid so that the active components are fixed to the backplane surface of the first substrate;

[0016] Performing a first welding of the active components to the first substrate using gold wires;

[0017] Performing a second welding of the second substrate with metal cavities and the first substrate already welded with the active components, and the temperature of the second welding is at least 30 °C lower than the temperature of the first welding; each metal cavity houses an active component;

[0018] Bonding and fixing one side of the liquid crystal phase shifter to the second substrate with a colloid;

[0019] Bonding and fixing the other side of the liquid crystal phase shifter to the feeding network layer with a colloid.

[0020] Optionally, after placing the bare chips of the active components on the colloid, the process further includes:

[0021] Curing the colloid.

[0022] Optionally, the primary soldering of the active component to the first substrate using a gold wire includes:

[0023] Fix one end of the gold wire on the pad of the active component's chip carrier, and solder the gold wire to the pad of the active component's die through ultrasonic energy or thermocompression;

[0024] Pull the other end of the gold wire to the corresponding pad position on the backplane of the antenna radiation unit, and solder the gold wire and the pad of the antenna radiation unit's backplane through ultrasonic energy or thermocompression.

[0025] Optionally, the antenna radiation unit, the active component, the liquid crystal phase shifter, and the feeding network all adopt a planar structure.

[0026] The active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly, antenna, and manufacturing process provided by the present invention. The phased array antenna assembly includes a plurality of antenna array units, and each antenna array unit is composed of a liquid crystal phase shifter, an active component, an antenna radiation unit, and a feeding network. The active component is a low-noise amplifier and / or a power amplifier; the active component is arranged between the liquid crystal phase shifter and the antenna radiation unit. The antenna radiation unit is used to receive and transmit electromagnetic wave signals. The low-noise amplifier is used to amplify the electromagnetic wave signals received by the antenna radiation unit and transmit the amplified electromagnetic wave signals to the liquid crystal phase shifter; the power amplifier is used to amplify the electromagnetic wave signals from the liquid crystal phase shifter and then transmit them to the antenna radiation unit for radiation; the active component is also used to heat the liquid crystal phase shifter with its own working current so that it operates within the target working temperature range, and the target working temperature range is 10 - 40 °C; the liquid crystal phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave signals on the antenna radiation unit. The present invention overcomes the physical defects that are difficult to overcome in the application of liquid crystals in phased array antennas (difficult to work at low temperatures and large insertion losses), enabling the liquid crystal phased array antenna to work normally even at low temperatures of -40 °C; and reducing costs and power consumption; and meeting the requirements of high-performance communication scenarios.

[0027] To make the above objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the following specifically enumerates preferred embodiments and, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, makes a detailed description as follows. Description of the Drawings

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other relevant drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0029] Figure 1(a) shows a schematic diagram of the signal receiving circuit principle of each antenna array unit of the active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 1(b) shows a schematic diagram of the signal transmitting circuit principle of each antenna array unit of the active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of the antenna array unit of the active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the array distribution structure of an active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4(a) shows a schematic diagram of the overall signal reception of an active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4(b) shows a schematic diagram of the overall signal transmission of an active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 shows a schematic flow chart of the manufacturing process of the active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 shows a schematic structural diagram of the welding of the active components and the antenna radiation unit provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Main element symbol description: 101, antenna radiation unit; 102, low noise amplifier; 103, liquid crystal phase shifter; 104, metal cavity; 105, gold wire; 106, feeding network; 107, power amplifier; 1011, first substrate; 1012, second substrate. Detailed implementation manners

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and illustrated herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present invention, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0039] Considering the physical properties of the liquid crystal material itself: the state of the liquid crystal material changes with temperature, resulting in defects such as thickening or even crystallization at low temperatures and excessive insertion loss in the liquid crystal phase shifter, making it difficult for the liquid crystal phased array to meet the requirements of high-performance communication applications. Based on this, the embodiments of the present invention provide a phased array antenna assembly, which will be described below through embodiments.

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention provide a phased array antenna assembly. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), it includes a plurality of antenna array units. Each antenna array unit is composed of an antenna radiation unit 101, active components, a liquid crystal phase shifter 103, and a feeding network 106. The active components are a low-noise amplifier 102 and / or a power amplifier 107. The active components are arranged between the liquid crystal phase shifter 103 and the antenna radiation unit 101, and the antenna radiation unit 101 is used to receive and transmit electromagnetic wave signals.

[0041] Among them, the low-noise amplifier 102 is used to amplify the electromagnetic wave signal received by the antenna radiation unit 101 and transmit the amplified electromagnetic wave signal to the liquid crystal phase shifter 103. The power amplifier 107 is used to amplify the electromagnetic wave signal from the liquid crystal phase shifter 103 and then transmit it to the antenna radiation unit 101 for radiation. On the other hand, both the low-noise amplifier 102 and the power amplifier 107 can heat the liquid crystal phase shifter 103 with their own working current to make it work in the target working temperature range, and the target working temperature range is 10-40°C. The liquid crystal phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave signal on the received antenna radiation unit 101.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1(a), an LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) is added between each antenna radiation unit 101 and the liquid crystal phase shifter 103, so that the signal is immediately amplified after passing through the antenna radiation unit 101. In this way, even if the received signal is weak, it can ensure that the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal is in a relatively good state, making it possible for the liquid crystal phased array to be truly adopted in most communication occasions. This solution can effectively improve the sensitivity of the receiver and overcome the disadvantage of the reduction of the G / T (Gain-to-Noise-Temperature ratio) value of the phased array caused by excessive liquid crystal insertion loss, effectively improve the G / T value of the liquid crystal phased array, which can be increased by about 5-6 dB / K, making it possible to apply the liquid crystal phased array in the communication field, especially in the field of satellite communication, and it is applicable to all communication application occasions in the range of 2.5-70 GHz, including satellite communication, 5G, and the future 6G field.

[0043] Meanwhile, the heat generated by the working current of the LNA low-noise amplifier or the PA power amplifier itself is used to effectively heat the liquid crystal phase shifter, overcoming the shortcoming of the liquid crystal being "afraid of cold", enabling the liquid crystal phase shifter to operate within its effective operating range (10 - 40 °C). At the same time, the additional power consumption required by the additional heating structure is avoided, reducing the complexity and cost of the entire system. The shortcoming that the traditional passive liquid crystal phased array is difficult to work properly at low temperatures is effectively overcome.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1(b), a power amplifier 107 is added between each antenna radiation unit 101 and the liquid crystal phase shifter 103.

[0045] The present invention overcomes the physical defects that are difficult to overcome in the application of liquid crystals in phased array antennas at present, enabling the liquid crystal phased array antenna of the present invention to operate normally even at -40 °C at low temperatures; reducing costs and power consumption; and meeting the requirements of high-performance communication scenarios.

[0046] In a feasible implementation manner, as Figure 2 shown, all the antenna radiation units 101 are integrated in the same substrate assembly, which is composed of a first substrate 1011 formed integrally and a second substrate 1012 formed integrally. Each active component is fixed to the first substrate by welding at the first welding temperature, and the first substrate and the second substrate are fixed by welding at the second welding temperature.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate and the second substrate can be a PCB board or a ceramic substrate, and the ceramic substrate includes a high-temperature ceramic substrate and a low-temperature ceramic substrate.

[0048] In a specific example, the first substrate 1011 and the second substrate 1012 adopt a low-temperature ceramic substrate, and its sintering temperature is 850 - 900 °C. Since the low-temperature ceramic is a glass ceramic based on quartz, the thermal expansion coefficients of the low-temperature ceramic and the glass are basically the same, about 8.9x10 -6 (dL / L). Therefore, the low-temperature ceramic substrate is bonded to the glass substrate of the liquid crystal phase shifter, preventing the warping and tearing problems of the liquid crystal phased array antenna.

[0049] In the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of metal cavities are provided on one side of the second substrate adjacent to the first substrate; each metal cavity houses an active component; each active component is fixed to the first substrate by welding at the first welding temperature.

[0050] The metal cavity can be formed by directly coating a metal layer on the inner wall of the cavity, or by providing a ring of metal through holes on the outer periphery of the cavity and pouring metal into the through holes to form a ring of metal side walls. The metal cavity can avoid the mutual interference of microwave signals between the antenna array units.

[0051] In a feasible embodiment, the low-noise amplifier 102 is soldered to the back surface of the first substrate 1011 and connected to the microwave circuit designed between the layers of the substrate to achieve the transmission of microwave signals.

[0052] The low-noise amplifier LNA is directly soldered to the back surface of the first substrate 1011, which greatly shortens the distance for the signal received by the antenna radiation unit 101 to be transmitted from the antenna radiation unit 101 to the low-noise amplifier LNA. The electromagnetic wave signal is transmitted into the microwave circuit of the second substrate 1012 from the LNA, and the electromagnetic wave signal is transmitted to the liquid crystal phase shifter through the coupling transmission of the ceramic medium, minimizing the signal loss. In addition, by directly soldering the unpackaged die of the low-noise amplifier 102 to the backplane of the antenna radiation unit 101, the processing difficulty is greatly reduced, and the processing cost is effectively controlled, enabling the large-scale production of the liquid crystal phased array antenna.

[0053] In another embodiment of the present invention, the second soldering temperature is at least 30 °C lower than the first soldering temperature to ensure that the soldering material of the active components will not melt.

[0054] In the embodiment of the present invention, the transmission of the electromagnetic wave signal between the antenna radiation unit 101, the liquid crystal phase shifter 103, and the feeding network 106 adopts a planarized vertical channel transmission. This planarized and vertical layout can effectively overcome the disadvantages of high complexity and high cost of the TR component module in the traditional phased array.

[0055] In a feasible embodiment, the antenna radiation unit 101, the active components, the liquid crystal phase shifter 103, and the feeding network 106 all adopt a planar structure.

[0056] In the embodiment of the present invention, by adopting a planar structure, the complexity of micro-assembly is simplified, making large-scale production possible; at the same time, the overall thickness of the antenna is reduced, making the phased array antenna assembly thinner, and greatly reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0057] It should be noted that the number of antenna arrays in the embodiment of the present invention is not limited and can be composed of the array units of an n*n array, where n is any natural number greater than 1, n = 2, 3, 4...

[0058] In a feasible embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, the phased array antenna assembly is composed of the antenna array units of an 8*8 array.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly further includes: a signal receiving / transmitting array unit, a control unit C, and a feeding network 106;

[0060] As shown in Fig. 4(a), it is a schematic diagram of the signal receiving channel. For the receiving function of the antenna, the feeding network 106 is used to synthesize the electromagnetic wave signals generated by the antenna radiation unit into a microwave output signal through a low-noise amplifier and a liquid crystal phase shifter, and then generate an intermediate frequency signal through frequency conversion and hand it over to the baseband processing section for final processing.

[0061] In one example, the feeding network 106 adopts a ceramic feeding network 106.

[0062] The control unit C is used to control the beam direction of the active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly.

[0063] The control unit C controls the beam synthesis and beam direction by controlling the phase of each liquid crystal phase shifter. It ensures that the beam can be scanned in a predetermined manner and can accurately point to the target direction.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 4(b), it is a schematic diagram of the signal transmitting channel. Its working principle is opposite to that of the receiving channel. The feeding network 106 transmits the electromagnetic wave signals generated by the TX to the liquid crystal phase shifter 103 and then transmits them to the antenna radiation unit 101 through the power amplifier PA.

[0065] Currently, most of the liquid crystal phased array antennas on the market are passive phased arrays with liquid crystals as phase shifters. The passive phased array has only one signal transmitting / receiving device, and the signals are distributed to each antenna radiation unit 101 through a series of phase shifters. The signal amplification is only completed by one power amplifier or low-noise amplifier. However, in this application, by welding a low-noise amplifier 102 and / or a power amplifier 107 at the backplane of each antenna radiation unit 101, it becomes an active liquid crystal phased array antenna, which can amplify the electromagnetic wave signals received or transmitted by each antenna radiation unit 101 separately. And because a low-noise amplifier 102 and / or a power amplifier 107 are added behind each antenna radiation unit 101, the overall thermal performance of the liquid crystal phased array antenna has been improved well at low temperatures, effectively overcoming the disadvantage that the traditional passive liquid crystal phased array is difficult to work normally at low temperatures. Aiming at the disadvantage that liquid crystals are "afraid of cold", the working current of the LNA and / or PA itself is used to effectively heat the liquid crystals, so that the liquid crystals can work within their effective working range (10 - 40 °C). At the same time, the additional power consumption required by the additional heating structure is avoided, reducing the complexity and cost of the entire system.

[0066] Based on the same inventive concept, a manufacturing process of a phased array antenna assembly is provided, as Figure 5 shown, including the following steps:

[0067] Step S501: Mark the installation positions of active components at the backplane of the first substrate integrated with the antenna radiation unit 101. The active components are low-noise amplifiers and / or power amplifiers.

[0068] In this step, before calibrating the installation position at the backplane of the antenna radiation unit 101, clean the backplane of the antenna radiation unit 101 to ensure it is dust-free and stain-free. In one example, isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs can be used to clean the backplane surface.

[0069] By pre-calibrating the welding position, the accuracy of the welding position can be ensured.

[0070] Step S502: Apply a colloid at the installation position.

[0071] In this step, a dispensing machine can be used to apply an appropriate amount of colloid at a specified position on the backplane. The colloid should be a low-loss special colloid suitable for the microwave field, and its conductivity, curing time, and temperature should be specifically considered.

[0072] Step S503: Place the die of the active component on the colloid so that the active component is fixed to the backplane surface of the first substrate.

[0073] In this step, the die of the active component can be gently placed on the colloid with fine-tip tweezers to ensure good contact between the die and the backplane.

[0074] Step S504: Perform a first soldering of the active component to the first substrate using a gold wire 105.

[0075] In this step, select a gold wire 105 with an appropriate diameter, usually between 25 and 50 microns.

[0076] In the present invention, by directly soldering the low-noise amplifier 102 or the power amplifier 107 to the backplane of the antenna radiation unit 101, the technical and cost problems caused by the inability to punch holes in the liquid crystal glass can be solved, the assembly process is simplified, and large-scale production is facilitated.

[0077] Step S505: Perform a second soldering of the second substrate with a metal cavity and the first substrate already soldered with the active component.

[0078] The temperature of the second soldering is at least 30°C lower than that of the first soldering to ensure that the soldering material of the active component does not melt; each metal cavity houses one active component.

[0079] Step S506: Bond and fix one side of the liquid crystal phase shifter to the second substrate with a colloid.

[0080] Step S507: Bond and fix the other side of the liquid crystal phase shifter to the feed network layer with a colloid.

[0081] Among them, the antenna radiation unit, the active component, the liquid crystal phase shifter, and the feed network all adopt a planar structure.

[0082] Based on the above embodiments, after placing the die of the active component on the colloid, the method further includes:

[0083] Curing the colloid.

[0084] In the embodiments of the present invention, it is cured when heated to 100 °C to become a thermal conductor with general performance.

[0085] In the embodiments of the present invention, the curing methods include room temperature curing, heat curing, etc. Through appropriate curing, the antenna radiation unit 101 can be more firmly bonded to the low-noise amplifier 102 and the power amplifier.

[0086] Based on the above embodiments, the primary welding of the active component and the first substrate 1011 using the gold wire 105 includes:

[0087] As Figure 6 shown, fix one end of the gold wire 105 on the pad of the active component slug, and weld the gold wire 105 to the pad of the active component die or the power amplifier slug through ultrasonic energy or thermocompression;

[0088] Pull the other end of the gold wire 105 to the corresponding pad position on the backplane of the antenna radiation unit 101 to form an arc, and weld the gold wire 105 to the pad of the backplane of the antenna radiation unit 101 through ultrasonic energy or thermocompression.

[0089] After the welding is completed, all welding points can be further inspected to ensure that there are no problems such as false welding or short circuit.

[0090] It should be noted that: similar reference numerals and letters represent similar items in the following drawings. Therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings.

[0091] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the present invention is usually placed during use. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for distinguishing descriptions and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0092] In addition, terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "hanging", etc. do not mean that the components are required to be absolutely horizontal or hanging, but can be slightly inclined. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical", and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly inclined.

[0093] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "set", "installed", "connected", "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0094] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are only specific embodiments of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than limiting it. The protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or can easily think of changes, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. All should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of antenna array units, each of which is composed of a liquid crystal phase shifter, active components, an antenna radiating unit and a feeding network, wherein the active components are low noise amplifiers and / or power amplifiers; the active components are arranged between the liquid crystal phase shifter and the antenna radiating unit, the antenna radiating unit is used to receive and transmit electromagnetic wave signals, the low noise amplifier is used to amplify the electromagnetic wave signals received by the antenna radiating unit, and transmit the amplified electromagnetic wave signals to the liquid crystal phase shifter; the power amplifier is used to amplify the electromagnetic wave signals from the liquid crystal phase shifter and transmit them to the antenna radiating unit for radiation; the active components are also used to heat the liquid crystal phase shifter with their own working current so that it works within a target working temperature range, wherein the target working temperature range is 10-40°C; the liquid crystal phase shifter is used to adjust the phase of the electromagnetic wave signal on the antenna radiating unit.

2. The active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: All antenna radiation units are integrated in the same substrate assembly, the substrate assembly is composed of an integrally formed first substrate and an integrally formed second substrate, and each of the active components is fixed to the first substrate by welding at a first welding temperature; The first substrate and the second substrate are fixed by welding at a second welding temperature.

3. The active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of metal cavities are arranged on one side of the second substrate adjacent to the first substrate; each of the metal cavities accommodates one of the active components.

4. The active liquid crystal phased array assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second welding temperature is at least 30° C. lower than the first welding temperature.

5. The active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The antenna radiation unit, active components, liquid crystal phase shifter and feeding network all adopt a planar structure.

6. The active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal transmission between the antenna radiation unit, the liquid crystal phase shifter and the feeding network adopts vertical channel transmission.

7. A process for manufacturing an active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly, characterized in that: include: Marking the installation position of active components on the back plate of the first substrate integrated with the antenna radiation unit; the active components are low noise amplifiers and / or power amplifiers; Applying colloid at the installation location; Placing the bare die of the active component on the colloid so that the active component is fixed to the back surface of the first substrate; Using gold wire to weld the active components to the first substrate; Perform secondary welding on the second substrate with the metal cavity and the first substrate with the active components welded thereon, wherein the temperature of the secondary welding is at least 30° C. lower than the temperature of the primary welding; each metal cavity contains an active component; Fixing one side of the liquid crystal phase shifter to the second substrate by colloid bonding; The other side of the liquid crystal phase shifter is fixed to the feeding network layer by colloid bonding.

8. The manufacturing process of the active phased array antenna assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: After placing the bare die of the active component on the colloid, the process further includes: The colloid is solidified.

9. The manufacturing process of the active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The step of welding the active components to the first substrate using gold wire comprises: Fix one end of the gold wire on the pad of the active component bare chip, and weld the gold wire to the pad of the active component bare chip by ultrasonic energy or heat pressing; Pull the other end of the gold wire to the corresponding pad position on the back plate of the antenna radiation unit, and weld the gold wire and the pad on the back plate of the antenna radiation unit by ultrasonic energy or heat pressure.

10. The manufacturing process of the active liquid crystal phased array antenna assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The antenna radiation unit, active components, liquid crystal phase shifter and feeding network all adopt a planar structure.

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