Liquid crystal antenna and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of antennas, and provides a liquid crystal antenna and a communication apparatus. The liquid crystal antenna comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal cell, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged opposite to each other, and the liquid crystal cell is located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first substrate comprises a plurality of first radiation units, the plurality of first radiation units are arranged at intervals, and the liquid crystal cell comprises liquid crystal phase shifters arranged opposite to the first radiation units; and a first heating wire is further embedded in the first substrate or in the surface of the first substrate, the first heating wire is configured to generate heat when energized so as to heat the liquid crystal cell, and the orthographic projection of a part of the structure of the first heating wire on the liquid crystal cell is located between the orthographic projections of two adjacent first radiation units on the liquid crystal cell. The response speed of the liquid crystal antenna is increased.

Description

Liquid crystal antenna and communication device Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a liquid crystal antenna and a communication device. Background Art

[0002] Liquid crystal antennas include liquid crystal phase shifters. Applying voltage to the liquid crystal phase shifter controls its dielectric constant, thereby controlling the phase of electromagnetic waves passing through it. In actual applications, it has been found that the response speed of the liquid crystal phase shifter is temperature-dependent. When the liquid crystal antenna operates in a low-temperature environment, the response time of the liquid crystal phase shifter increases significantly, affecting the performance of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] On the one hand, a liquid crystal antenna is provided, comprising a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal box, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged opposite to each other, and the liquid crystal box is located between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first substrate comprises a plurality of first radiation units, wherein the plurality of first radiation units are arranged at intervals, and the liquid crystal box comprises a liquid crystal phase shifter arranged opposite to the first radiation units; a first heating wire is further embedded in or on the surface of the first substrate, wherein the first heating wire is configured to generate heat to heat the liquid crystal box when energized, and a partial structure of the first heating wire is located between the orthographic projections of two adjacent first radiation units on the liquid crystal box.

[0005] In some embodiments, a gap is provided between two adjacent first radiation units, and a plurality of the gaps are connected to form a wiring channel, and at least a portion of the structure of the first heating wire extends along the wiring channel.

[0006] In some embodiments, along a direction parallel to the first substrate, the first radiation unit includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and the first heating line is disposed on both the first side and the second side of the first radiation unit.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first substrate includes a first area, a plurality of the first radiation units in the first area are arranged in an array, the routing channel in the first area includes a plurality of first routing channels extending along a first direction, and the first heating line includes a first routing line arranged along the first routing channel.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first routing lines corresponding to two adjacent first routing channels are connected in series, or the first routing lines corresponding to two adjacent first routing channels are connected in parallel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first substrate further includes a second area, a plurality of the first radiation units within the second area are arranged in an array, the routing channels within the second area include a plurality of second routing channels extending along a second direction, the first heating line further includes a second routing line arranged along the second routing channels, and the first direction intersects with the second direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first heating line further includes two third lines extending along the second direction, the first line is connected between the two third lines, the line width of the third line is greater than the line width of the first line, and the first direction intersects the second direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first heating line includes a first sub-line and a second sub-line, the first substrate includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, the first sub-line is located in the first conductive layer, and the second sub-line is located in the second conductive layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first sub-line includes a first end and a second end, the second sub-line includes a third end and a fourth end, the first end and the third end are adjacent to each other, and the second end and the fourth end are electrically connected via a metallized through-hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first sub-line and the second sub-line on the liquid crystal box overlap to form a grid, and the orthographic projection of the first radiation unit on the liquid crystal box is located within the grid; or, the orthographic projections of the first sub-line and the second sub-line on the liquid crystal box at least partially overlap.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first heating line and at least a portion of the first radiation unit are disposed in the same layer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first heating line is located on a side of the first radiation unit facing the liquid crystal cell, or the first heating line is located on a side of the first radiation unit away from the liquid crystal cell.

[0016] In some embodiments, the conductive layer in the first substrate is an odd-numbered layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second substrate includes a plurality of second radiation units, which are arranged at intervals and are arranged opposite to the liquid crystal phase shifter; the second substrate also includes a second heating line, which is configured to generate heat when powered to heat the liquid crystal box, and the second heating line and the second radiation unit do not overlap in the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal box.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second substrate includes a feeding structure or a reflective ground structure.

[0019] On the other hand, a communication device is provided, comprising the liquid crystal antenna.

[0020] The liquid crystal antenna and communication device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure feature a first substrate comprising a first radiating element and a first heating wire. The first heating wire is configured to generate heat to heat the liquid crystal cell when energized. Part of the first heating wire's structure, when projected onto the liquid crystal cell, lies between the orthographic projections of two adjacent first radiating elements onto the liquid crystal cell. This means that the first heating wire is not within the electromagnetic wave transmission path of the liquid crystal antenna. This achieves heating of the liquid crystal phase shifter without increasing losses in the liquid crystal antenna, thereby reducing the response time of the liquid crystal antenna. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0022] FIG1 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal antenna;

[0023] FIG2 is a view taken along the line A of FIG1 ;

[0024] FIG3 exemplarily shows a partial structural cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal antenna;

[0025] FIG4 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal cell;

[0026] FIG5 exemplarily shows a partial structure of a first metal pattern;

[0027] FIG6 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of a direct-feed liquid crystal antenna;

[0028] FIG7 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of a reflective liquid crystal antenna;

[0029] FIG8 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of a transmissive liquid crystal antenna;

[0030] FIG9 exemplarily shows a simplified structural diagram of a first substrate;

[0031] FIG10 exemplarily shows a simplified structural diagram of another first substrate;

[0032] FIG11 exemplarily shows a simplified structural diagram of yet another first substrate;

[0033] FIG12 exemplarily shows a structure of a first heating wire;

[0034] FIG13 exemplarily shows another structure of the first heating wire;

[0035] FIG14 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna;

[0036] FIG15 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna;

[0037] FIG16 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna;

[0038] FIG17 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna;

[0039] FIG18 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna;

[0040] FIG19 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna;

[0041] FIG20 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna;

[0042] FIG21 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna. Specific embodiments

[0043] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0044] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, words such as "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. This is only for the purpose of clearly describing the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features.

[0045] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, “a plurality of” means two or more, and “at least one” means one or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0046] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper” and “lower” are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present disclosure.

[0047] The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal antenna, which can be of various types. Depending on the feed method, the liquid crystal antenna can be either a space-fed liquid crystal antenna or a direct-fed liquid crystal antenna. When the liquid crystal antenna is a space-fed liquid crystal antenna, it can also be a reflective liquid crystal antenna or a transmissive liquid crystal antenna.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal antenna. As shown in Figure 1, the liquid crystal antenna includes a first substrate 100, a second substrate 200, and a liquid crystal cell 300. The first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200 are arranged opposite to each other, and the liquid crystal cell 300 is located between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200.

[0049] Figure 2 is a view taken along the direction A of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the first substrate 100 includes a first radiating element 110. As a key component of the liquid crystal antenna, the first radiating element 110 typically comprises a conductor such as metal and is capable of radiating or receiving electromagnetic waves. The first radiating element 110 can have various structural forms, including a patch, an oscillator, a slot, a metasurface, a waveguide, and the like. The first radiating element 110 can be a single-layer structure or comprised of multiple layers. Figure 2 illustrates the first radiating element 110 as a patch structure.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal antenna. As shown in Figure 3, the first radiating element 110 includes a first conductive structure 111, a second conductive structure 112, and a third conductive structure 113. The first conductive structure 111, the second conductive structure 112, and the third conductive structure 113 are arranged in different layers. The first conductive structure 111 and the second conductive structure 112 are electrically connected via a transfer structure 114, and the second conductive structure 112 and the third conductive structure 113 are electrically connected via coupling.

[0051] In practical applications, the first substrate 100 may be a printed circuit board (PCB), which includes one or more conductive layers. The first radiating element 110 is formed on the PCB. For example, the PCB includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a third conductive layer. The first conductive structure 111 is located on the first conductive layer, the second conductive structure 112 is located on the second conductive layer, and the third conductive structure 113 is located on the third conductive layer. The first conductive structure 111 and the second conductive structure 112 are electrically connected via metallized through-holes.

[0052] Of course, the first substrate 100 may also be a metal waveguide, and the embodiment of the present disclosure does not limit the material of the first substrate 100 .

[0053] The first substrate 100 may include a plurality of first radiating units 110, which are spaced apart. The spacing between two adjacent first radiating units 110 may be 0.3 to 0.8 times the wavelength of the operating frequency band, such as 0.4 times the wavelength, 0.5 times the wavelength, 0.6 times the wavelength, or 0.7 times the wavelength.

[0054] Illustratively, the multiple first radiating elements 110 can be arranged in an array. For example, the multiple first radiating elements 110 can be arranged in a linear array, a polygonal array such as a square or rectangular array, or a circular array. FIG2 illustrates an arrangement of the multiple first radiating elements 110 in a rectangular array. The present disclosure does not limit the arrangement of the multiple first radiating elements 110 in the first substrate 100. The following description will only use the arrangement of the multiple first radiating elements 110 in a rectangular array as an example.

[0055] The liquid crystal cell 300 includes a liquid crystal phase shifter 310, which is positioned opposite the first radiation element 110. This allows electromagnetic waves to be transmitted through the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 to the first radiation element 110, or vice versa. The liquid crystal phase shifter 310 comprises a liquid crystal material, which is an electrically controllable material. When a bias voltage is applied to the liquid crystal material, the liquid crystal material is affected by an electric field, causing its axial arrangement to rearrange, thereby changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal material and producing a phase shift characteristic. Currently, the dielectric constant of a commonly used liquid crystal material varies from 2.5 to 3.5 when the bias voltage range is 0V to 20V.

[0056] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal cell. As shown in Figure 4, the liquid crystal cell 300 includes an upper dielectric plate 311, a lower dielectric plate 312, and a liquid crystal material layer 313. The upper and lower dielectric plates 311 and 312 are positioned opposite each other and spaced apart, with the liquid crystal material layer 313 located between them. A first metal pattern 314 is formed on the surface of the upper dielectric plate 311 facing the liquid crystal material layer 313, while a second metal pattern 315 is formed on the surface of the lower dielectric plate 312 facing the liquid crystal material layer 313. The first metal pattern 314 includes a plurality of upper electrodes 314a, and the second metal pattern 315 includes a plurality of lower electrodes. The opposing upper and lower electrodes 314a and 314a, along with the liquid crystal material located between the upper and lower electrodes, form a liquid crystal phase shifter 310. By applying different voltages between the upper and lower electrodes, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal material can be adjusted, thereby achieving the beam scanning characteristics of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0057] Figure 5 exemplarily illustrates a partial structure of the first metal pattern. As shown in Figure 5 , the first metal pattern 314 further includes a first transmission arm 314b, which is electrically connected to the upper electrode 314a and disposed opposite the first radiating element 110. The first radiating element 110 can be electrically connected or coupled to the first transmission arm 314b to enable signal transmission between the first radiating element 110 and the first transmission arm 314b.

[0058] 5 , illustratively, the first metal pattern 314 further includes a driving line 314 d electrically connected to the upper electrode 314 a. Accordingly, the second metal pattern 315 also includes a driving line 314 d electrically connected to the lower electrode, and a voltage is applied between the upper electrode 314 a and the lower electrode via the driving line 314 d.

[0059] Of course, the first transmission arm 314 b may also be located on the second metal pattern 315 . In this case, the first transmission arm 314 b is electrically connected to the bottom electrode.

[0060] Depending on the type of the liquid crystal antenna, the second substrate 200 may include a feeding structure, a reflective ground structure, or a second radiation unit.

[0061] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a direct-fed liquid crystal antenna. As shown in Figure 6, when the liquid crystal antenna is a direct-fed liquid crystal antenna, the second substrate 200 includes a feed structure 210, and the first radiating element 110, a liquid crystal phase shifter 310, and the feed structure 210 are arranged relative to each other. During operation, electromagnetic waves radiated by the feed structure 210 are transmitted through the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 to the first radiating element 110, causing the first radiating element 110 to radiate electromagnetic waves into free space.

[0062] The feeding structure 210 may be a microstrip line, a coaxial line, etc., and the present disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the feeding structure 210. For example, the second substrate 200 further includes a power divider, which includes a plurality of output terminals, each of which is disposed opposite to a liquid crystal phase shifter 310.

[0063] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a reflective liquid crystal antenna, and Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a transmissive liquid crystal antenna. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the liquid crystal antenna is a reflective liquid crystal antenna or a transmissive liquid crystal antenna, the liquid crystal antenna may further include a feed source 400. Feed source 400 is typically a low-gain antenna. Serving as a primary radiator, feed source 400 converts bound electromagnetic waves into radiated electromagnetic wave energy, which is then irradiated onto the first radiating element 110 or the reflective ground structure 220, thereby forming a high-gain reflective liquid crystal antenna. Common feed sources 400 include horn antennas, dipole antennas, and patch antennas.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, when the liquid crystal antenna is a reflective liquid crystal antenna, the second substrate 200 includes a reflective ground structure 220, and the first radiating element 110, the liquid crystal phase shifter 310, and the reflective ground structure 220 are arranged relative to each other. During operation, the first radiating element 110 receives electromagnetic waves radiated by the feed source 400. After passing through the liquid crystal phase shifter 310, the electromagnetic waves reach the reflective ground structure 220. After being reflected by the reflective ground structure 220, they pass through the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 and are then transmitted to the first radiating element 110. The first radiating element 110 then radiates the electromagnetic waves into free space.

[0065] The reflective ground structure 220 may be a whole metal layer extending along the plane where the second substrate 200 is located.

[0066] As shown in FIG8 , when the liquid crystal antenna is a transmissive liquid crystal antenna, the second substrate 200 includes a second radiating element 230, and the first radiating element 110, the liquid crystal phase shifter 310, and the second radiating element 230 are arranged opposite each other. When the feed source 400 is located on the side of the first substrate 100 away from the liquid crystal cell 300, the first radiating element 110 receives the electromagnetic waves radiated by the feed source 400, transmits them to the second radiating element 230 after passing through the liquid crystal phase shifter 310, and radiates the electromagnetic waves into free space through the second radiating element 230. When the feed source 400 is located on the side of the second substrate 200 away from the liquid crystal cell 300, the second radiating element 230 receives the electromagnetic waves radiated by the feed source 400, transmits them to the first radiating element 110 after passing through the liquid crystal phase shifter 310, and radiates the electromagnetic waves into free space through the first radiating element 110.

[0067] The feed source 400 is spaced apart from the first substrate 100 or the second substrate 200. For example, when the feed source 400 is located on the side of the first substrate 100 away from the liquid crystal cell 300, the feed source 400 is at the equivalent focus of the first substrate 100. When the feed source 400 is located on the side of the second substrate 200 away from the liquid crystal cell 300, the feed source 400 is at the equivalent focus of the second substrate 200.

[0068] The first radiating element 110 or the second radiating element 230 reflects, converges, and shapes the electromagnetic waves of the corresponding polarization. The feed is located at the equivalent focal point, ensuring uniform illumination of each first radiating element 110 or second radiating element 230, improving the efficiency of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0069] The structure and arrangement of the second radiation unit 230 may be the same as or different from those of the first radiation unit 110 .

[0070] For example, with continued reference to FIG5 , the first metal pattern 314 further includes a second transmission arm 314 c, which is electrically connected to the upper electrode 314 a and is disposed opposite the second radiating element 230. The second radiating element 230 can be electrically connected or coupled to the second transmission arm 314 c to enable signal transmission between the second radiating element 230 and the second transmission arm 314 c.

[0071] In practical applications, the second substrate 200 can be a printed circuit board (PCB), which includes one or more conductive layers. The feed structure 210, the reflective ground structure 220, or the second radiating element 230 are formed on the PCB. Of course, the second substrate 200 can also be a metal waveguide. The present embodiment does not limit the material of the second substrate 200.

[0072] The number of first radiating elements 110, liquid crystal phase shifters 310, and second radiating elements 230 can be equal and correspond one to one. Each corresponding radiating element, liquid crystal phase shifter 310, and second radiating element 230 forms an antenna array element. The liquid crystal antenna includes multiple antenna array elements, forming a liquid crystal antenna array.

[0073] In actual applications, it is found that the response speed of the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 is related to temperature. When the liquid crystal antenna operates in a low temperature environment, the response time of the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 increases significantly, affecting the performance of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0074] In view of this, the first substrate 100 of the liquid crystal antenna provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a first heating line 120 embedded therein. When energized, the first heating line 120 can generate heat, thereby heating the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 and reducing the response time of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0075] The first heating wire 120 may be a resistive heating wire having a certain resistance. When current flows through the first heating wire 120, heat is generated due to the thermal effect of the resistance. For example, the first heating wire 120 is a metal wire.

[0076] Exemplarily, the first substrate 100 is a printed circuit board, the first heating wire 120 is located on one of the conductive layers of the printed circuit board, solder pads are provided at both ends of the first heating wire 120, the solder pads are electrically connected to the connector, and the first heating wire 120 is electrically connected to the power supply through the connector, thereby converting the electrical energy of the power supply into heat energy.

[0077] As can be seen from the foregoing, the electromagnetic wave transmission path within the liquid crystal antenna is the feed structure 210-liquid crystal phase shifter 310-first radiating element 110, or the first radiating element 110-liquid crystal phase shifter 310-reflective ground structure 220-liquid crystal phase shifter 310-first radiating element 110, or the first radiating element 110-liquid crystal phase shifter 310-second radiating element 230. When the heating wire is located in the electromagnetic wave transmission path within the liquid crystal antenna, it is equivalent to adding a layer of dielectric material to the electromagnetic wave transmission path, increasing the loss of the liquid crystal antenna and reducing the radiation performance of the first radiating element 110.

[0078] To this end, the orthographic projections of the first heating line 120 and the first radiating element 110 on the liquid crystal cell 300 do not overlap, meaning the first heating line 120 is not within the electromagnetic wave transmission path. For example, the orthographic projection of a portion of the first heating line 120 on the liquid crystal cell 300 lies between the orthographic projections of two adjacent first radiating elements 110 on the liquid crystal cell 300. This achieves heating of the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 without increasing the loss of the liquid crystal antenna, thereby reducing the response time of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0079] When the first substrate 100 includes multiple first radiating elements 110, gaps are provided between adjacent first radiating elements 110. Multiple gaps are connected to form a routing channel. A routing channel is an elongated region on the first substrate 100 extending along the plane of the first substrate 100. The orthographic projection of this region onto the liquid crystal cell 300 can be a line of a certain width, such as a straight line, a zigzag line, or other irregularly shaped line. The first radiating elements 110 are not located within the routing channel, and first radiating elements 110 are provided on both sides of the routing channel.

[0080] The first heating line 120 extends along the wiring channel, or a portion of the first heating line 120 extends along the wiring channel. The first heating line 120 extending along the wiring channel means that the orthographic projection of the first heating line 120 on the liquid crystal cell 300 is within the orthographic projection range of the wiring channel on the liquid crystal cell 300.

[0081] Because the first radiating units 110 are disposed on both sides of the routing channel, and the first radiating units 110 and the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 are disposed opposite each other, that is, the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 is disposed on both sides of the routing channel, the first heating wire 120 extending along the routing channel can simultaneously heat the liquid crystal phase shifters 310 on both sides of the routing channel, thereby achieving a more uniform temperature of the liquid crystal phase shifters 310 on both sides of the routing channel without affecting the performance of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0082] The first radiating element 110 includes a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other along a direction parallel to the first substrate 100. For example, the first substrate 100 has a first direction X and a second direction Y, and the first direction X and the second direction Y intersect. The first side and the second side can be opposite sides along the first direction X, or the first side and the second side can be opposite sides along the second direction Y.

[0083] Because the first radiation unit 110 and the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 are positioned relative to each other, the first heating wire 120 is provided on both the first and second sides of the same first radiation unit 110. This means that the first heating wire 120 is provided on both sides of the same liquid crystal phase shifter 310. When current flows through the first heating wire 120, the first heating wire 120 heats the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 from both sides simultaneously, improving heating efficiency.

[0084] In actual application, the first heating wire 120 may be provided on the first side and the second side of all the first radiation units 110, or the first heating wire 120 may be provided on the first side and the second side of some of the multiple first radiation units 110, while some of the first radiation units 110 may be provided with the first heating wire 120 on only one side, or some of the first radiation units 110 may be provided with the first heating wire 120 on three sides, so as to further improve the heating efficiency.

[0085] Figure 9 exemplarily illustrates a simplified structural diagram of a first substrate, Figure 10 exemplarily illustrates a simplified structural diagram of another first substrate, and Figure 11 exemplarily illustrates a simplified structural diagram of yet another first substrate. As shown in Figures 2 and 9 to 11, the first substrate 100 includes a first region 100a, wherein a plurality of first radiation units 110 within the first region 100a are arranged in an array, the routing channels within the first region 100a include a plurality of first routing channels 101 extending along a first direction X, and the first heating line 120 includes a first routing line 121 arranged along the first routing channel 101.

[0086] Exemplarily, the plurality of first radiating elements 110 in the first region 100a are arranged in an array to form a plurality of first radiating element rows and a plurality of first radiating element columns. The plurality of first radiating elements 110 in a first radiating element row are arranged at intervals along the second direction Y, and the plurality of first radiating elements 110 in a first radiating element column are arranged at intervals along the first direction X. The gap between two adjacent first radiating element columns defines a first routing channel 101.

[0087] The first region 100 a may be a partial region of the first substrate 100 (as shown in FIG. 11 ), or may be the entire region of the first substrate 100 (as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 ).

[0088] Each first wiring channel 101 is correspondingly provided with a first wiring 121 , so that the first wiring 121 is evenly distributed in the first substrate 100 , thereby making the first heating wire 120 heat the liquid crystal cell 300 more evenly.

[0089] Continuing with reference to FIG9 , in some embodiments, the first traces 121 corresponding to two adjacent first trace channels 101 are connected in series. For example, the first traces 121 include opposing first and second ends along the first direction X. The first end of one of the first traces 121 is electrically connected to the first end of the first trace 121 to its left via a connection line 122 , and the second end of the first trace 121 is electrically connected to the second end of the first trace 121 to its right via the connection line 122 .

[0090] The first wirings 121 are connected in series, which simplifies the wiring of the first heating wire 120 . When the width of the first wirings 121 is constant, the total resistance of the first heating wire 120 is large, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the first heating wire 120 .

[0091] Continuing with FIG10 , in some embodiments, the first traces 121 corresponding to two adjacent first trace channels 101 are connected in parallel. For example, third traces 123 are respectively provided on two opposing edges of the first substrate 100 along the second direction Y. Each first trace 121 is located between two third traces 123 and is electrically connected to both third traces 123.

[0092] The first traces 121 corresponding to two adjacent first trace channels 101 are connected in parallel. When the width of the first trace 121 is constant, the resistance of the first heating line 120 is low, and the power supply voltage requirement is lower at the same heating power. For example, power [P = U]^2 / R. When the power P is constant, the smaller the resistance R, the smaller the voltage U.

[0093] Continuing to refer to Figures 2 and 11, in some embodiments, the first substrate 100 may further include a second area 100b, wherein the plurality of first radiation units 110 in the second area 100b are arranged in an array, the routing channels in the second area 100b include a plurality of second routing channels 102 extending along the second direction Y, and the first heating line 120 also includes a second routing line 124 arranged along the second routing channel 102.

[0094] Exemplarily, with continued reference to FIG. 11 , the first traces 121 are connected in series, and the second traces 124 are connected in parallel.

[0095] The first heating line 120 may also be arranged in other ways. For example, along the second direction Y, the first substrate 100 sequentially includes a first region 100a, a second region 100b, and the first region 100a. The first lines 121 in the first region 100a are connected in series, and the second lines 124 in the second region 100b are connected in parallel. The arrangement of the first heating line 120 is not listed here one by one.

[0096] Figure 12 exemplarily illustrates a structure of a first heating line. As shown in Figure 12 , in some embodiments, the first heating line 120 may include a first sub-line 120a and a second sub-line 120b. The first substrate 100 includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first sub-line 120a is located in the first conductive layer, and the second sub-line 120b is located in the second conductive layer. That is, the first sub-line 120a and the second sub-line 120b are arranged in different layers.

[0097] Of course, the first substrate 100 may further include a third conductive layer, and the first heating line 120 may further include a third sub-line located in the third conductive layer. The first substrate 100 may further include a fourth conductive layer, and the first heating line 120 may further include a fourth sub-line located in the fourth conductive layer, and so on. The present embodiment does not limit the number of conductive layers in the first substrate 100 or the number of sub-lines included in the first heating line 120, and these can be flexibly set according to actual circumstances in actual applications.

[0098] Compared with the first heating lines 120 being located in the same conductive layer, the first heating lines 120 are located in multiple different conductive layers. Under the condition of constant heating power, the routing density of the first heating lines 120 in the multiple conductive layers is reduced, making the routing simpler.

[0099] The plurality of sub-wires (e.g., the first sub-wire 120a and the second sub-wire 120b) may be electrically connected to a power source. For example, both ends of the first sub-wire 120a are electrically connected to the power source, and both ends of the second sub-wire 120b are electrically connected to the power source. The first sub-wire 120a and the second sub-wire 120b heat the liquid crystal cell 300.

[0100] Continuing with FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, the first sub-wire 120a includes a first end and a second end, and the second sub-wire 120b includes a third end and a fourth end. The first end and the third end are adjacently disposed for electrical connection to a power source, while the second end and the fourth end are electrically connected via a plated through-hole. Compared to separately connecting the first sub-wire 120a and the second sub-wire 120b to the power source, electrically connecting the first sub-wire 120a and the second sub-wire 120b via a plated through-hole reduces the number of connections between the first heating wire 120 and the power source.

[0101] Furthermore, the first end and the third end are disposed adjacent to each other, which facilitates electrical connection between the first heating wire 120 and a power source.

[0102] 12 shows the case where the first sub-line 120a and the second sub-line 120b are connected in series. When the first sub-line 120a and the second sub-line 120b are connected in series, the resistance of the first heating line 120 is greater and the heating power of the first heating line 120 is greater when the line widths of the first sub-line 120a and the second sub-line 120b are constant.

[0103] Of course, the first sub-line 120a and the second sub-line 120b can also be connected in parallel. When the first sub-line 120a and the second sub-line 120b are connected in parallel, the requirement for the power supply voltage is lower when the width of the first heating line 120 is constant and the heating power is constant.

[0104] Continuing with FIG12 , the first sub-line 120a and the second sub-line 120b can have the same shape. In this case, the orthographic projections of the first sub-line 120a and the second sub-line 120b on the liquid crystal cell 300 at least partially overlap, simplifying the routing within the first substrate 100. The term "overlap" here means that the overlapping portions of the first sub-line 120a and the second sub-line 120b have substantially the same routing direction, for example, both routing along the first direction X or both routing along the second direction Y.

[0105] Figure 13 illustrates another exemplary structure for the first heating wire. As shown in Figure 13, in some embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first sub-wires 120a and second sub-wires 120b on the liquid crystal cell 300 overlap to form a grid, with the orthographic projection of the first radiation unit 110 on the liquid crystal cell 300 located within the grid. Because the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 is positioned opposite the first radiation unit 110, the first heating wires 120 are positioned around each of the liquid crystal phase shifter 310, allowing the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 within the grid to be rapidly heated.

[0106] For example, the first sub-lines 120a include multiple lines extending along a first direction X, and the second sub-lines 124 include multiple lines extending along a second direction Y. The first sub-lines 120a and the second sub-lines 120b overlap to form a grid-like structure. For example, when the first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular, the overlap forms a rectangular or square grid.

[0107] In some embodiments, the first heating line 120 can be disposed on the same layer as at least part of the first radiating element 110. This eliminates the need for adding a conductive layer to the first substrate 100 to accommodate the first heating line 120, thereby reducing the cross-section of the liquid crystal antenna. Furthermore, when the first substrate 100 is a printed circuit board, the first heating line 120 and the first radiating element 110 are disposed on the same layer without the need for an additional conductive layer, thereby improving the flatness of the first substrate 100.

[0108] The first heating line 120 may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure; the first radiation unit 110 may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0109] For example, the first heating line 120 and the first radiation unit 110 are both located in the first conductive layer.

[0110] For another example, the first sub-line 120a of the first heating line 120 is located in the first conductive layer, the second sub-line 120b of the first heating line 120 is located in the second conductive layer, and the first radiation unit 110 is located in the first conductive layer or the first radiation unit 110 is located in the second conductive layer.

[0111] For another example, the first conductive structure 111 of the first radiation unit 110 is located in the first conductive layer, the second conductive structure 112 of the first radiation unit 110 is located in the second conductive layer, the third conductive structure 113 of the first radiation unit 110 is located in the third conductive layer, and the first heating line 120 is located in the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer or the third conductive layer.

[0112] For another example, the first sub-line 120a of the first heating line 120 is located in the first conductive layer, the second sub-line 120b of the first heating line 120 is located in the second conductive layer, the first conductive structure 111 of the first radiation unit 110 is located in the first conductive layer, the second conductive structure 112 of the first radiation unit 110 is located in the second conductive layer, and the third conductive structure 113 of the first radiation unit 110 is located in the third conductive layer.

[0113] Of course, an additional conductive layer may be provided in the first substrate 100 to form the first heating line 120, that is, the first heating line 120 and the first radiation unit 110 may be provided in a different layer. For example, the first substrate 100 may include a fourth conductive layer, the first heating line 120 may be located in the fourth conductive layer, and the first radiation unit 110 may not include any structure located in the fourth conductive layer. The fourth conductive layer may be a single layer or multiple layers.

[0114] Figure 14 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna. As shown in Figure 14 , the fourth conductive layer 140 can be located on the side of the first radiation unit 110 facing the liquid crystal cell 300 , that is, the first heating line 120 can be located on the side of the first radiation unit 110 facing the liquid crystal cell 300 .

[0115] Figure 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna, and Figure 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna. For example, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the fourth conductive layer 140 may be located on the side of the first radiating element 110 facing the liquid crystal cell 300. That is, the first heating line 120 may be located on the side of the first radiating element 110 facing away from the liquid crystal cell 300. The fourth conductive layer 140 may be a surface layer of the first substrate 100 or located within a layer of the first substrate 100.

[0116] Figure 20 exemplarily shows a cross-sectional view of another liquid crystal antenna. As shown in Figure 20 , the fourth conductive layer 140 can be a multi-layer structure, with one layer located on the side of the first radiation element 110 away from the liquid crystal cell 300 and another layer located on the side of the first radiation element 110 facing the liquid crystal cell 300.

[0117] The fourth conductive layer 140 is one layer of the overall structure of the first substrate 100. For example, the first substrate 100 is a printed circuit board, and the fourth conductive layer 140 is connected to other film layers into an integrated structure through a lamination process during the preparation process to form a printed circuit board.

[0118] When the fourth conductive layer 140 is located on the side of the first radiation unit 110 facing the liquid crystal box 300, the first heating line 120 is closer to the liquid crystal box 300, so that the heat generated by the first heating line 120 can be transferred to the liquid crystal box 300 more quickly, thereby improving the heating effect on the liquid crystal box 300.

[0119] When the fourth conductive layer 140 is located on a side of the first radiation unit 110 away from the liquid crystal cell 300 , the first heating line 120 is closer to the outside of the liquid crystal antenna, facilitating electrical connection between the first heating line 120 and the power supply.

[0120] In addition, when the first substrate 100 is a printed circuit board and the number of conductive layers included in the first substrate 100 is an even number, the additional provision of the fourth conductive layer 140 can make the number of conductive layers included in the first substrate 100 an odd number, thereby making the first substrate 100 a symmetrical stacked structure, making the warping of the first substrate 100 smaller, and also improving the utilization rate of the board material.

[0121] For example, in addition to the fourth conductive layer 140, the first substrate 100 may include an even number of conductive layers, such as two, four, or six. After the fourth conductive layer 140 is provided, the first substrate 100 includes three, five, or seven conductive layers, so that the first substrate 100 has a symmetrical stacked structure.

[0122] Figures 17 to 19 illustrate exemplary cross-sectional views of another liquid crystal antenna. As shown in Figures 17 to 19, when the second substrate 200 includes the second radiation unit 230, the second substrate 200 may further include a second heating line. The second heating line is configured to generate heat when energized to heat the liquid crystal cell 300, and the orthographic projections of the second heating line and the second radiation unit 230 on the liquid crystal cell 300 do not overlap.

[0123] The second substrate 200 may include a fifth conductive layer 240, and the second heating line is located within the fifth conductive layer 240. The fifth conductive layer 240 serves as one layer of the overall structure of the second substrate 200. For example, the second substrate 200 is a printed circuit board. During the manufacturing process, the fifth conductive layer 240 is connected to other film layers through a lamination process to form an integrated structure, thereby forming a printed circuit board.

[0124] As shown in FIG17 , the fifth conductive layer 240 can be located on the side of the second radiation unit 230 away from the liquid crystal cell 300. As shown in FIG18 and FIG19 , the fifth conductive layer 240 can also be located on the side of the second radiation unit 230 facing the liquid crystal cell 300. The fifth conductive layer 240 can be a surface layer of the second substrate 200 or a layer inside the second substrate 200.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 21 , the fifth conductive layer 240 may be a multi-layer structure, wherein one layer is located on the side of the second radiation unit 230 facing the liquid crystal cell 300 , and another layer is located on the side of the second radiation unit 230 away from the liquid crystal cell 300 .

[0126] The first substrate 100 may be provided with a first heating line 120 , and the second substrate 200 may be provided with a second heating line 240 . The first heating line 120 and the second heating line 240 heat the liquid crystal cell 300 simultaneously, thereby improving heating efficiency.

[0127] The structure and configuration of the second heating wire 240 may be the same as or different from the first heating wire 120. When the structure and configuration of the second heating wire 240 are the same as the first heating wire 120, reference may be made to the above content and no further details will be given here.

[0128] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a communication device, which includes the above-mentioned liquid crystal antenna and transmits or receives electromagnetic waves through the liquid crystal antenna. The communication device can be applied to a variety of communication systems, such as satellite communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems, global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), time division-synchronization code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution (LTE), fifth generation (5G) communication systems such as 5G new radio (NR), and three major application scenarios of 5G mobile communication systems: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra reliable low latency communications (uRLLC), and massive machine type communications (MTC). communications, mMTC), device-to-device (D2D) communication system, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, Internet of Vehicles communication system, or other or future communication systems, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0129] In the liquid crystal antenna of a communication device, the first substrate 100 includes a first radiating element 110 and a first heating line 120. When energized, the first heating line 120 generates heat to heat the liquid crystal cell 300. The orthographic projections of the first heating line 120 and the first radiating element 110 on the liquid crystal cell 300 do not overlap, meaning the first heating line 120 is not within the electromagnetic wave transmission path of the liquid crystal antenna. This allows heating of the liquid crystal phase shifter 310 without increasing losses in the liquid crystal antenna, thereby reducing the response time of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0130] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal antenna, characterized in that: It comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal box, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are arranged opposite to each other, and the liquid crystal box is located between the first substrate and the second substrate; The first substrate includes a plurality of first radiation units, the plurality of first radiation units are arranged at intervals, and the liquid crystal box includes a liquid crystal phase shifter arranged opposite to the first radiation units; A first heating line is also embedded in or on the surface of the first substrate. The first heating line is configured to generate heat to heat the liquid crystal box when powered on. A partial structure of the first heating line is located between the orthographic projections of two adjacent first radiation units on the liquid crystal box.

2. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gap is provided between two adjacent first radiation units, and a plurality of the gaps are connected to form a wiring channel, and at least a portion of the structure of the first heating line extends along the wiring channel.

3. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 2, characterized in that: Along a direction parallel to the first substrate, the first radiation unit includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and the first heating line is disposed on both the first side and the second side of the first radiation unit.

4. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first substrate includes a first area, a plurality of the first radiation units in the first area are arranged in an array, the routing channel in the first area includes a plurality of first routing channels extending along a first direction, and the first heating line includes a first routing line arranged along the first routing channel.

5. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first routing lines corresponding to two adjacent first routing channels are connected in series, or the first routing lines corresponding to two adjacent first routing channels are connected in parallel.

6. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first substrate also includes a second area, and the plurality of the first radiation units in the second area are arranged in an array, the routing channel in the second area includes a plurality of second routing channels extending along a second direction, the first heating line also includes a second routing line arranged along the second routing channel, and the first direction intersects with the second direction.

7. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 5, wherein: The first heating line also includes two third lines extending along the second direction, the first line is connected between the two third lines, the line width of the third line is greater than the line width of the first line, and the first direction intersects with the second direction.

8. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first heating line includes a first sub-line and a second sub-line, the first substrate includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, the first sub-line is located in the first conductive layer, and the second sub-line is located in the second conductive layer.

9. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first sub-line includes a first end and a second end, the second sub-line includes a third end and a fourth end, the first end and the third end are arranged adjacent to each other, and the second end and the fourth end are electrically connected through a metallized through hole.

10. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that: The orthographic projections of the first sub-line and the second sub-line on the liquid crystal box overlap to form a grid, and the orthographic projection of the first radiation unit on the liquid crystal box is located within the grid; Alternatively, the orthographic projections of the first sub-line and the second sub-line on the liquid crystal box at least partially overlap.

11. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first heating line and at least a portion of the first radiation unit are arranged in the same layer.

12. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first heating line is located at a side of the first radiation unit facing the liquid crystal box, or the first heating line is located at a side of the first radiation unit away from the liquid crystal box.

13. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 12, characterized in that: The conductive layers in the first substrate are odd-numbered layers.

14. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The second substrate comprises a plurality of second radiation units, the plurality of second radiation units are arranged at intervals, and the second radiation units are arranged opposite to the liquid crystal phase shifter; The second substrate further includes a second heating line, wherein the second heating line is configured to generate heat to heat the liquid crystal box when powered on, and the second heating line and the second radiation unit do not overlap in an orthographic projection of the liquid crystal box.

15. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The second substrate includes a feeding structure or a reflective ground structure.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: The invention comprises the liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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