Antenna unit, antenna array, and operating method for antenna array

Abstract

To provide an antenna unit, an antenna array, and an operating method for the same, in which an orientation of a liquid crystal layer can be adjusted.SOLUTION: An antenna unit 1 includes a first substrate 1, a second substrate 11, a plurality of side walls 12, a liquid crystal layer 13, a first electrode 14, a second electrode 15, and a plurality of side wall electrodes. The second substrate faces the first substrate. The side walls support between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the side walls. The first electrode is provided on the first substrate. The second electrode is provided on the second substrate and is electrically insulated from the first electrode. The side wall electrodes are electrically insulated from each other, provided on the respective side walls, and are electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode. By controlling a voltage applied on the first electrode and a voltage applied on the second electrode independently, a vertical electric field can be applied to the liquid crystal layer and an equivalent dielectric of the antenna unit can be varied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Liquid crystal molecules, being anisotropic materials, have different dielectric constants along the long and short axes. When liquid crystals are used as dielectric constant-tunable materials in radio frequency (RF) 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 may occur, resulting in a lower than expected signal transmission direction or radiation intensity. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present invention provides an antenna unit, an antenna array and a method for operating the antenna array, which can adjust the orientation of a liquid crystal layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In 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 faces 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 provided on the first substrate. The second electrode is provided 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 provided on the plurality of side walls, respectively. Here, the plurality of side wall electrodes are electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0005] In one 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 faces 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 provided on the first substrate. The second electrode is provided on the second substrate and is electrically insulated from the first electrode. The plurality of side wall electrodes are provided on the plurality of side walls, respectively, electrically insulated from each other. Wherein, the plurality of side wall electrodes are electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one second antenna unit is provided adjacent to the plurality of first antenna units. The at least one second antenna unit includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode, the third electrode and the fourth electrode being provided on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating an antenna array includes providing an antenna array including the first antenna unit, applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer using a plurality of sidewall electrodes, and applying a vertical electric field to the liquid crystal layer using a first electrode and a second electrode. Effect of the Invention

[0007] In the embodiment of the present invention, by providing a plurality of sidewall electrodes, the orientation of the liquid crystal layer can be adjusted according to the polarization direction of the signal, which contributes to alleviating the dual dielectric constant problem.

[0008] In order to make the above mentioned features and advantages of the present invention clearer and easier to understand, embodiments are shown and described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit of FIG. 1 taken along a cross section R1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit of FIG. 1 taken along cross section R2. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in FIG. 1 in the XY plane, showing a state when an electric field parallel to the X direction is applied to a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. [Diagram 5] 1A is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XZ plane, showing the state when a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) that gradually increases from 0 is applied after the alignment process of FIG. 4 of multiple liquid crystal molecules. [Figure 6] 1A is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XZ plane, showing the state when a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) that gradually increases from 0 is applied after the alignment process of FIG. 4 of multiple liquid crystal molecules. [Figure 7] 1A is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in the XZ plane, showing the state when a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) that gradually increases from 0 is applied after the alignment process of FIG. 4 of multiple liquid crystal molecules. [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in FIG. 1 in the XY plane, showing the state when an electric field parallel to the Y direction is applied to a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. [Figure 9] 8 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit of FIG. 1 in the XZ plane, showing the state when a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) that gradually increases from 0 is applied after the alignment process of FIG. 7 of multiple liquid crystal molecules. [Figure 10] 8 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit of FIG. 1 in the XZ plane, showing the state when a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) that gradually increases from 0 is applied after the alignment process of FIG. 7 of multiple liquid crystal molecules. [Figure 11] 8 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit of FIG. 1 in the XZ plane, showing the state when a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) that gradually increases from 0 is applied after the alignment process of FIG. 7 of multiple liquid crystal molecules. [Figure 12] 2 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in FIG. 1 in the XY plane, showing the state when an electric field parallel to the D direction is applied to multiple liquid crystal molecules. [Figure 13] 2 is another schematic diagram of the antenna unit of FIG. 1 at cross section R2. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a top view schematic diagram of an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 15A to 15C are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line II' in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 15A to 15C are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line II' in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] 15A to 15C are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line II' in FIG. 14. [Figure 18] 15A to 15C are schematic cross-sectional views taken along line II' in FIG. 14. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a top schematic view of an antenna array according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a top schematic view of an antenna array according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Any directional terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right" and the like referred to herein are used solely with reference to the orientation of the drawings, and therefore, the directional terms used are exemplary and not limiting of the present invention.

[0011] In the drawings, each figure illustrates the general features of the methods, structures, or materials used in a particular embodiment. However, these figures should not be interpreted as defining or limiting the scope or nature encompassed by these embodiments. For example, the relative size, thickness, and location of each film layer, region, or structure may be reduced or exaggerated for clarity.

[0012] In the following embodiments, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the features of different embodiments can be combined with each other without contradiction, and simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of this specification or patent application still fall within the scope of this patent.

[0013] Terms such as "first" and "second" referred to in this specification or claims are used solely to name different components or to distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limits of the number of components, nor are they used to define the manufacturing or arrangement order of the components. Furthermore, when one component / film layer is disposed on (or on) another component / film layer, it includes a situation where the component / film layer is directly disposed on (or on) the other component / film layer and the two components / film layers are in direct contact with each other, and a situation where the component / film layer is indirectly disposed on (or on) the other component / film layer and there are one or more components / film layers between the two components / film layers.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an antenna unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in FIG. 1 at cross section R1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in FIG. 1 at cross section R2. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in FIG. 1 at XY plane, showing a state when an electric field parallel to the X direction is applied to a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 are schematic diagrams of the antenna unit in FIG. 1 at XZ plane, showing a state when a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) gradually increasing from 0 is applied after the orientation process of FIG. 4 of a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit in FIG. 1 at XY plane, showing a state when an electric field parallel to the Y direction is applied to a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. FIG. 9 to FIG. 11 are schematic diagrams of the antenna unit in FIG. 1 at XZ plane, showing a state when a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) gradually increasing from 0 is applied after the orientation process of FIG. 7 of a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the antenna unit of FIG. 1 in the XY plane, showing a state when an electric field parallel to the D direction is applied to a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. FIG. 13 is another schematic diagram of the cross section R2 of the antenna unit of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a top schematic diagram of an antenna array according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGs. 15 to 18 are various cross-sectional schematic diagrams taken along the line I-I' of FIG. 14, respectively. FIGs. 19 and 20 are top schematic diagrams of antenna arrays according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] 1 to 3, an antenna unit (e.g., also referred to as a first antenna unit) 1 may include, but is not limited to, a first substrate 10, a second substrate 11, a number of side walls 12, a liquid crystal layer 13, a first electrode 14, a second electrode 15, and a number of side wall electrodes 16. According to needs, the antenna unit 1 may further include other components or film layers.

[0016] The first substrate 10 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate, and the material of the first substrate 10 may include, but is not limited to, glass, ceramics, plastics, etc.

[0017] The second substrate 11 faces the first substrate 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the second substrate 11 is provided so as to overlap the first substrate 10 in, for example, the Z direction. The second substrate 11 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. The material of the second substrate 11 includes, for example, glass, ceramics, plastic, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0018] The 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 side walls 12 surround 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. These side walls 12 are connected in pairs to form a frame shape, as shown in FIG. 3. However, it should be understood that the number of the side walls 12 of the antenna unit 1 can be changed according to actual needs and is not limited to four. The material of the side walls 12 includes, for example, but is not limited to, a sealant. In some embodiments, the side walls 12 may be integrally formed.

[0019] The liquid crystal layer 13 is located between the first substrate 10, the second substrate 11 and the side walls 12. Although not shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the liquid crystal layer 13 may include a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, such as, but not limited to, a plurality of positive liquid crystal molecules. 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 liquid crystal molecules exhibit, for example, a random tilt state without a specific tilt direction (when no alignment film is provided). On the other hand, when an external electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 13, the liquid crystal molecules tilt or rotate in the direction of the external electric field, and the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are parallel or approximately parallel to the direction of the external electric field.

[0020] The first electrode 14 is provided on the first substrate 10. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode 14 may be provided on an inner surface S10-1 of the first substrate 10 (e.g., a surface of the first substrate 10 facing the second substrate 11) such that the first electrode 14 is located between the first substrate 10 and the liquid crystal layer 13, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, although not shown, the first electrode 14 may be provided on an outer surface S10-2 of the first substrate 10 (e.g., a surface of the first substrate 10 opposite the second substrate 11) such 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 may include, but is not limited to, for example, a metal, an alloy, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first electrode 14 may be a ground electrode, and the first electrode 14 may be a full-surface electrode, but is not limited thereto.

[0021] The second electrode 15 is provided on the second substrate 11 and is electrically insulated from the first electrode 14. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the second electrode 15 may be provided on an outer surface S11-2 of the second substrate 11 (e.g., a surface of the second substrate 11 opposite to the first substrate 10) such that the second substrate 11 is located between the second electrode 15 and the liquid crystal layer 13, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, not shown, the second electrode 15 may be provided on an inner surface S11-1 of the second substrate 11 (e.g., a surface of the second substrate 11 facing the first substrate 10) such 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 may include, but is not limited to, for example, a metal, an alloy, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second electrode 15 may be a patterned electrode, and the top view shape of the second electrode 15 may include, but is not limited to, a rectangle, a circle, an annulus, or a combination thereof.

[0022] The second electrode 15 overlaps the first electrode 14 in the Z direction, 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 electric field direction is parallel or approximately parallel to the Z direction) can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 13, which can change 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 an electromagnetic wave) can be modulated. In the case of an antenna array including multiple antenna units, this 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.

[0023] In an embodiment in which the antenna unit 1 is used as an electromagnetic wave reflecting unit, by providing a second electrode 15 on the surface of the second substrate 11 on the signal SG side (e.g., the outer surface S11-2), it is possible to shorten the signal transmission path and reduce the loss caused by the signal SG passing through the second substrate 11, which is advantageous for signal transmission.

[0024] The sidewall electrodes 16 are provided on the sidewalls 12, respectively, electrically insulated from each other, and the sidewall electrodes 16 are electrically insulated from the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the antenna unit 1 may include four sidewall electrodes 16, such as a first sidewall electrode 16-1 provided on the first sidewall 12-1, a second sidewall electrode 16-2 provided on the second sidewall 12-2, a third sidewall electrode 16-3 provided on the third sidewall 12-3, and a fourth sidewall electrode 16-4 provided on the fourth sidewall 12-4. However, it should be understood that the number of the sidewall electrodes 16 of the antenna unit 1 can be changed according to actual needs and is not limited to four. Depending on the design, the number of the sidewall electrodes 16 may be equal to or greater than the number of the sidewalls 12. For example, by increasing the number of sidewall electrodes 16 provided on any one of the sidewalls 12, the adjustment range of the horizontal electric field direction (electric field direction parallel to the XY plane) can be expanded.

[0025] In detail, since the sidewall electrodes 16 are electrically insulated from one another, it is possible to independently control the voltage of each sidewall electrode 16. By independently controlling the voltage applied to each sidewall electrode 16, it is possible to modulate the direction of the horizontal electric field applied to the liquid crystal layer 13, thereby adjusting the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 13.

[0026] By applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer 13 before modulating the electromagnetic wave (e.g., applying a vertical electric field), the orientation direction of the multiple liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 13 becomes parallel to the polarization direction of the signal SG (the polarization direction of the electric field of the electromagnetic wave), and the problem of double dielectric constant can be improved (e.g., the liquid crystal layer 13 provides the electromagnetic wave with a single dielectric constant), and the design parameters such as the transmission direction and radiation intensity of the signal modulated by the antenna unit 1 are set to fall within a predetermined range.

[0027] For example, another antenna unit (not shown, for example, referred to as a second antenna unit) can be used to detect the electromagnetic wave and confirm the polarization direction of the electromagnetic wave. When the polarization direction of the signal SG (see FIG. 2) incident on the antenna unit 1 is parallel to the X direction, the liquid crystal molecules 130 in the liquid crystal layer 13 can be aligned first, so that the long axes AL of the liquid crystal molecules 130 (such as positive type liquid crystal molecules) in the liquid crystal layer 13 are parallel or approximately parallel to the X direction, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0028] The above-mentioned process of orienting 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 to generate a horizontal electric field parallel to the X direction. In some embodiments, the step of orienting the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 (applying a horizontal electric field) may further include floating the sidewall electrodes (such as the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2) other than 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 (such as the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2) other than the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the third sidewall electrode 16-3, so as to align the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 in at least a central region (a main region for modulating an electromagnetic wave, such as a region where the second electrode is located) of the antenna unit 1 parallel or approximately parallel to the polarization direction of a signal (such as the X direction).

[0029] After applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer 13 to make the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 parallel to the polarization direction of the signal SG (see FIG. 2) incident on the antenna unit 1, a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) is applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 using the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 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. 5 shows the state of the liquid crystal layer 13 when the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is 0, and FIGS. 6 to 7 show the state of the liquid crystal layer 13 when the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is not 0. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, when the vertical electric field (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 axis AL of the multiple liquid crystal molecules 130 changes from a direction parallel to the X direction to a direction between the X direction and the Z direction. If the perpendicular electric field is large enough, the long axes AL of some of the liquid crystal molecules 130 may even become parallel to the Z direction.

[0030] The above-mentioned step of applying a vertical electric field may include applying a fourth voltage to the first electrode 14 and a fifth voltage, which may be 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 zero, and the liquid crystal layer 13 assumes a state shown in FIG. 5, for example. 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, and the liquid crystal layer 13 assumes a state shown in FIG. 6, for example. 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, the multiple sidewall electrodes 16 (including the first sidewall electrode 16-1, the second sidewall electrode 16-2, the third sidewall electrode 16-3, and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-4) can be floating. In this structure, after floating the multiple sidewall electrodes 16 for a certain period of time, a horizontal electric field is again applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 to readjust the orientation of the multiple liquid crystal molecules 130, so that the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 can be continuously made parallel to the set polarization direction, for example, parallel to the polarization direction of the signal SG (see Figure 2) incident on the antenna unit 1, but is not limited to this.

[0031] Alternatively, in other embodiments, when a fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode 14 and a fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode 15, a fourth voltage can be applied to the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and a fifth voltage can be applied to the third sidewall electrode 16-3 to maintain the alignment direction or reduce the number or frequency of reorientations of the liquid crystal molecules 130. In some embodiments, the voltage difference between the first and second voltages used for alignment (e.g., absolute value after subtracting the second voltage from the first voltage) can be larger than the voltage difference between the fourth and fifth voltages used for maintaining the alignment (e.g., absolute value after subtracting the fifth voltage from the fourth voltage) to shorten the alignment time or improve the consistency of the alignment, but is not limited to this.

[0032] In addition, when the polarization direction of the signal SG (see Figure 2) incident on the antenna unit 1 is parallel to the Y direction, the multiple liquid crystal molecules 130 in the liquid crystal layer 13 may be aligned first, and the long axes AL of the multiple liquid crystal molecules 130 (such as positive liquid crystal molecules) in the liquid crystal layer 13 may be aligned parallel or approximately parallel to the Y direction, as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0033] The above-mentioned step of orienting 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 a second voltage to the fourth sidewall electrode 16-4 to generate a horizontal electric field parallel to the Y direction. In some embodiments, the step of orienting the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 (applying a horizontal electric field) may further include floating sidewall electrodes (such as the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the third sidewall electrode 16-3) other than 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 sidewall electrodes (such as the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the third sidewall electrode 16-3) other than the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2, so as to align the long axes AL of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130 in at least a central region of the antenna unit 1 (a main region for modulating electromagnetic waves, such as the region where the second electrode is located) parallel or approximately parallel to the polarization direction of the signal (such as the Y direction).

[0034] After applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer 13 to make the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 parallel to the polarization direction of the signal SG (see FIG. 2) incident on the antenna unit 1, a vertical electric field (electric field parallel to the Z direction) is applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 using the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 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 shows the state of the liquid crystal layer 13 when the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is 0, and FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show the state of the liquid crystal layer 13 when the potential difference between the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 is not 0. As shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, when the vertical electric field (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 axis AL of the multiple liquid crystal molecules 130 changes from a direction parallel to the Y direction to a direction between the Y direction and the Z direction. If the perpendicular electric field is large enough, the long axes AL of some of the liquid crystal molecules 130 may even become parallel to the Z direction.

[0035] The step of applying the vertical electric field may include applying a fourth voltage to the first electrode 14 and 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 zero, and the liquid crystal layer 13 assumes a state shown in FIG. 8, for example. 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, and the liquid crystal layer 13 assumes a state shown in FIG. 9, for example. 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, the plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 (including the first sidewall electrode 16-1, the second sidewall electrode 16-2, the third sidewall electrode 16-3, and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-4) can be floating. In this structure, after floating the multiple sidewall electrodes 16 for a certain period of time, a horizontal electric field is again applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 to readjust the orientation of the multiple liquid crystal molecules 130, so that the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 can be continuously made parallel to the set polarization direction, for example, parallel to the polarization direction of the signal SG (see Figure 2) incident on the antenna unit 1, but is not limited to this.

[0036] Alternatively, in other embodiments, when a fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode 14 and a fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode 15, a fourth voltage can be applied to the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and a fifth voltage can be applied to the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2 to maintain the alignment direction or reduce the number or frequency of reorientations of the liquid crystal molecules 130. In some embodiments, the voltage difference between the first and second voltages used for alignment (e.g., absolute value after subtracting the second voltage from the first voltage) can be larger than the voltage difference between the fourth and fifth voltages used for maintaining the alignment (e.g., absolute value after subtracting the fifth voltage from the fourth voltage) to shorten the alignment time or improve the consistency of the alignment, but is not limited thereto.

[0037] Furthermore, when the polarization direction of the signal SG (see FIG. 2) incident on the antenna unit 1 is parallel to the D direction, and the D direction is non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, the multiple liquid crystal molecules 130 in the liquid crystal layer 13 can be aligned first, so that the long axes AL of the multiple liquid crystal molecules 130 (e.g., positive liquid crystal molecules) in the central region of the liquid crystal layer 13 are parallel or approximately parallel to the D direction, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0038] The above-mentioned process of orienting 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 the second sidewall electrode 16-2, and applying a second voltage to the third sidewall electrode 16-3 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-2, to generate a horizontal electric field approximately parallel to the D direction in the central region of the liquid crystal layer 13.

[0039] As described above, a horizontal electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 to align the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 parallel to the polarization direction of the signal SG (see Figure 2) incident on the antenna unit 1, and then a vertical electric field (an electric field parallel to the Z direction) is applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 using the first electrode 14 and the second electrode 15 to change the equivalent dielectric constant of the antenna unit 1, thereby modulating design parameters such as the phase delay and / or radiation intensity of the signal SG (such as electromagnetic waves).

[0040] The above-mentioned step of applying a vertical electric field may include applying a fourth voltage to the first electrode 14 and 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, the plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 (including the first sidewall electrode 16-1, the second sidewall electrode 16-2, the third sidewall electrode 16-3 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-4) can be made floating. In this structure, after the plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 are made floating for a certain period of time, a horizontal electric field is again applied to the liquid crystal layer 13 to readjust the orientation of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 130, so that the orientation direction of the liquid crystal molecules 130 can be continuously parallel to the set polarization direction, for example, but not limited to, parallel to the polarization direction of the signal SG (see FIG. 2) incident on the antenna unit 1.

[0041] Alternatively, in other embodiments, when a fourth voltage is applied to the first electrode 14 and a fifth voltage is applied to the second electrode 15, a fourth voltage may be applied to the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the second sidewall electrode 16-2, and a fifth voltage may be applied to the third sidewall electrode 16-3 and the fourth sidewall electrode 16-4 to maintain the alignment direction or reduce the number or frequency of reorientations of the liquid crystal molecules 130. In some embodiments, the voltage difference between the first and second voltages used for alignment (e.g., the absolute value after subtracting the second voltage from the first voltage) may be greater than the voltage difference between the fourth and fifth voltages used for maintaining the alignment (e.g., the absolute value after subtracting the fifth voltage from the fourth voltage) to shorten the alignment time or improve the consistency of the alignment, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] In the above embodiment, an example in which one sidewall electrode 16 is provided on each sidewall 12 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in Fig. 13, in the antenna unit 1A, a plurality of sidewall electrodes 16 may be provided on each sidewall 12. For example, a first sidewall electrode 16-1 and a second sidewall electrode 16-2 may be provided on the first sidewall 12-1, a third sidewall electrode 16-3 and a fourth sidewall electrode 16-4 may be provided on the second sidewall 12-2, a fifth sidewall electrode 16-5 and a sixth sidewall electrode 16-6 may be provided on the third sidewall 12-3, and a seventh sidewall electrode 16-7 and an eighth sidewall electrode 16-8 may be provided on the fourth sidewall 12-4, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Increasing the number of sidewall electrodes 16 can increase the adjustment range of the horizontal electric field direction (electric field direction parallel to the XY plane), that is, the adjustment range / angle of the alignment direction of the liquid crystal layer 13. For example, in some embodiments, a first voltage, a second voltage, a third voltage, a fourth voltage, a fifth voltage and a sixth voltage may be applied to the eighth sidewall electrode 16-8, the fourth sidewall electrode 16-4, the first sidewall electrode 16-1, the third sidewall electrode 16-3, the seventh sidewall electrode 16-7 and the fifth sidewall electrode 16-5, respectively, and the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the sixth sidewall electrode 16-6 may be floated. Here, the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage (e.g., the second voltage minus the first voltage) is greater than the voltage difference between the third voltage and the fourth voltage (e.g., 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 (e.g., the sixth voltage minus the fifth voltage), but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, a first voltage may be applied to the first sidewall electrode 16-1 and the eighth sidewall electrode 16-8, a second voltage may be applied to the fourth sidewall electrode 16-4 and the fifth sidewall electrode 16-5, a third voltage may be applied to the third sidewall electrode 16-3 and the sixth sidewall electrode 16-6, and a fourth voltage may be applied to the second sidewall electrode 16-2 and the seventh sidewall electrode 16-7. Here, 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.

[0043] 14 and 15, the antenna array AR may include, but is not limited to, a plurality of first antenna units U1 and at least one second antenna unit U2. According to needs, the antenna array AR may further include other components or film layers.

[0044] The first antenna unit U1 is used to modulate design parameters such as the transmission direction and / or radiation intensity of a signal (such as an electromagnetic wave). Each of the multiple first antenna units U1 can adopt the structure of the antenna unit 1 or antenna unit 1A described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0045] At least one second antenna unit U2 is disposed adjacent to the plurality of first antenna units U1. Fig. 12 shows the second antenna unit U2 in a schematic manner, and the second antenna unit U2 is disposed on one side of the plurality of first antenna units U1. However, it should be understood that the number of the second antenna units U2 of the antenna array AR may be multiple, and the actual structure of the plurality of second antenna units U2 and the relative installation relationship thereof with the plurality of first antenna units U1 can be changed according to actual needs.

[0046] The second antenna unit U2 is used, for example, to detect electromagnetic waves transmitted to the antenna array AR and confirm the polarization direction of the electromagnetic waves, and the orientation direction of the liquid crystal layer 13 in each first antenna unit U1 can be controlled as necessary (by blocking or reflecting the electromagnetic waves, etc.).

[0047] The configuration of the second antenna unit U2 may be different from that of the first antenna unit U1. As shown in Fig. 15, 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 provided on at least one of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11. Fig. 15 illustrates that the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 are provided on the inner surface S11-1 and the outer surface S11-2 of the second substrate 11, respectively, 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 may be provided on the outer surface S10-2 and the inner surface S10-1 of the first substrate 10, respectively, i.e., the distance DT between the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 may be equal to the thickness T10 of the first substrate 10. Alternatively, the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 may be provided on the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11, respectively.

[0048] In Fig. 15, the first electrodes 14 in the first antenna units U1 are separated from each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 16, the first electrodes 14 in the first antenna units U1 may be connected to each other.

[0049] 15 and 16, the two adjacent first antenna units U1 share, for example, a side wall 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in Fig. 17, the two adjacent first antenna units U1 do not need to share a side wall 12. For example, the two adjacent side walls 12 of the 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 a liquid crystal layer 13 or may not be filled with any material.

[0050] In Fig. 15 to Fig. 17, the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 are respectively provided on the inner surface S11-1 and the outer surface S11-2 of the second substrate 11, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in Fig. 18, the third electrode 17 and the fourth electrode 18 may be respectively provided on the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11. For example, the third electrode 17 may be disposed on the inner surface S10-1 of the first substrate 10, and the fourth electrode 18 may be disposed on the outer surface S11-2 of the second substrate 11. Under this structure, the second antenna unit U2 may further include a solid dielectric layer 19 disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11. In consideration of appearance, the dielectric constant of the solid dielectric layer 19 may be close to the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 13. Also, the material of the solid dielectric layer 19 can be selected from fiberglass cloth (such as FR4), high frequency PCB material for antenna (such as Rogers), low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) or other similar and suitable for high frequency signal dielectric materials.

[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 19, the multiple first antenna units U1 can be divided into multiple groups, and the antenna units of different groups can be used to transmit and receive signals with different polarization directions. For example, the multiple first antenna units U1 can be divided into a first group of antenna units G1 and a second group of antenna units G2, and the first group of antenna units G1 can be used to transmit and receive signals with a first polarization direction, and the second group of antenna units G2 can be used to transmit and receive signals with a second polarization direction.

[0052] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the antenna array AR may include a plurality of second antenna units U2, which may be distributed among a plurality of first antenna units U1.

[0053] In summary, in the embodiment of the present invention, by providing a plurality of sidewall electrodes, the alignment of the liquid crystal layer can be adjusted according to the polarization direction of the signal, which contributes to improving the problem of the double dielectric constant.

[0054] Although the present invention has been disclosed through the above embodiments, they are not intended to limit the present invention, and those having ordinary skill in the relevant technical field can make some modifications and amendments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the attached patent application. [Industrial Applicability]

[0055] The present invention provides an antenna unit, an antenna array and a method for operating the antenna array, which can adjust the orientation of a liquid crystal layer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1, 1A: Antenna unit 10: First substrate 11: Second board 12: Side wall 12-1: First side wall 12-2: Second side wall 12-3: Third side wall 12-4: The fourth side wall 13: Liquid crystal layer 14: First electrode 15: Second electrode 16: Side wall electrode 16-1: First sidewall electrode 16-2: Second sidewall electrode 16-3: Third sidewall electrode 16-4: Fourth sidewall electrode 16-5: Fifth sidewall electrode 16-6: Sixth sidewall electrode 16-7: Seventh sidewall electrode 16-8: 8th side wall electrode 17: Third electrode 18: Fourth electrode 19: Solid dielectric layer 130: Liquid crystal molecules S10-1, S11-1: Inner surface S10-2, S11-2: Outer surface AL:Long axis AR: Antenna Array D, X, Y, Z: Direction DT: distance G: Gap G1: First group of antenna units G2: Second group antenna units R1, R2: Cross section SG:Signal T10, T11: Thickness U1: First antenna unit U2: Second antenna unit I-I': Cutting line

Claims

1. A first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a plurality of side walls supporting 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 provided on the first substrate; a second electrode disposed on the second substrate and electrically insulated from the first electrode; a plurality of sidewall electrodes provided on the plurality of sidewalls and electrically insulated from each other, the sidewall electrodes being electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode; Including an antenna unit.

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

3. the number of the sidewall electrodes is equal to or greater than the number of the sidewalls; 2. The antenna unit according to claim 1.

4. 1. An antenna array comprising: a plurality of first antenna units; Each of the plurality of first antenna units includes: A first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a plurality of side walls supporting 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 provided on the first substrate; a second electrode disposed on the second substrate and electrically insulated from the first electrode; a plurality of sidewall electrodes provided on the plurality of sidewalls and electrically insulated from each other, the sidewall electrodes being electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode; The antenna array further comprises: and at least one second antenna unit provided on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, the second antenna unit including a third electrode and a fourth electrode provided adjacent to the plurality of first antenna units, the third electrode and the fourth electrode being disposed on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate; Antenna array.

5. the second substrate is located between the second electrode and the liquid crystal layer; 5. An antenna array as claimed in claim 4.

6. the number of the sidewall electrodes is equal to or greater than the number of the sidewalls; 5. An antenna array as claimed in claim 4.

7. 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; 5. An antenna array as claimed in claim 4.

8. the third electrode and the fourth electrode are provided on the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, and the at least one second antenna unit further includes a solid dielectric layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate.

5. An antenna array as claimed in claim 4.

9. 1. A method of operating an antenna array, comprising: providing an antenna array including a plurality of first antenna units; Each of the plurality of first antenna units includes: A first substrate; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a plurality of side walls supporting the first substrate and the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate, the second substrate and the plurality of sidewalls; a first electrode provided on the first substrate; a second electrode disposed on the second substrate and electrically insulated from the first electrode; a plurality of sidewall electrodes provided on the plurality of sidewalls and electrically insulated from each other, the sidewall electrodes being electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode; Including, The method of operating the antenna array may further include: applying a horizontal electric field to the liquid crystal layer using the sidewall electrodes; applying a vertical electric field to the liquid crystal layer using the first electrode and the second electrode; A method of operating an antenna array, comprising:

10. The horizontal electric field is applied before the vertical electric field is applied.

10. A method of operating an antenna array according to claim 9.

11. Applying the horizontal electric field applying a first voltage to at least one sidewall electrode of the plurality of sidewall electrodes and applying a second voltage different from the first voltage to at least another sidewall electrode of the plurality of sidewall electrodes; 10. A method of operating an antenna array according to claim 9, comprising:

12. Applying the horizontal electric field floating a sidewall electrode other than the at least one sidewall electrode and the at least another sidewall electrode, or applying a third voltage between the first voltage and the second voltage to the sidewall electrodes other than the at least one sidewall electrode and the at least another sidewall electrode; The method of operating an antenna array according to claim 11, further comprising:

13. Applying the perpendicular electric field comprises: applying a fourth voltage to the first electrode and a fifth voltage to the second electrode, the fifth voltage being different from the fourth voltage. A method of operating an antenna array according to claim 11.

14. 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 made floating; The method of operating an antenna array according to claim 13, further comprising:

15. After floating the sidewall electrodes for a certain period of time, the horizontal electric field is again applied to the liquid crystal layer to readjust the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules.

15. The method of operating an antenna array according to claim 14, further comprising:

16. applying the fourth voltage to the at least one sidewall electrode and the fifth voltage to the at least another sidewall electrode when applying the fourth voltage to the first electrode and the fifth voltage to the second electrode; The method of operating an antenna array according to claim 13, further comprising:

17. 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; 20. A method of operating an antenna array according to claim 16.

18. The antenna array further includes at least one second antenna unit, and a method of operating the antenna array includes the steps of: using the at least one second antenna unit to detect the electromagnetic waves transmitted into the antenna array to ascertain a polarization direction of the electromagnetic waves; The method of operating an antenna array according to claim 11, further comprising:

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