Liquid crystal phase shifter and antenna

Abstract

The present application discloses a liquid crystal phase shifter and an antenna. The liquid crystal phase shifter comprises a first dielectric substrate layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a second dielectric substrate layer. The first dielectric substrate layer comprises a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other, and a metal layer is laid on the first surface to form a reference ground layer; the liquid crystal layer is close to the first surface and stacked on the first dielectric substrate layer; and the second dielectric substrate layer is stacked on the liquid crystal layer, the second dielectric substrate layer comprises a third surface and a fourth surface which are opposite to each other, and the fourth surface is close to the liquid crystal layer and is provided with a metal wire.

Description

Liquid crystal phase shifter and antenna

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on November 23, 2023, with application number 202323181160.4 and application name “A Liquid Crystal Phase Shifter and Antenna”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a liquid crystal phase shifter and an antenna. Background Art

[0003] Phase shifters are crucial components for RF and microwave systems, serving as key components in phased array radar, satellite communications, and mobile communications. They can adjust phases to achieve a variety of effects, including beam combining, beam differentiation, and directional beamforming. Technical issues

[0004] However, currently commonly used phase shifters are generally in the form of PIN diode phase shifters, ferrite phase shifters and GaAs phase shifters. Their production processes and technical difficulties determine their high prices and large sizes. Technical Solutions

[0005] The present application provides a liquid crystal phase shifter and an antenna, which can effectively solve the problems of large size and high cost of current phase shifters.

[0006] The present application provides a liquid crystal phase shifter, comprising a first dielectric substrate layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a second dielectric substrate layer; wherein the first dielectric substrate layer comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a metal layer being provided on the first surface to form a reference ground layer; the liquid crystal layer being stacked on the first dielectric substrate layer near the first surface; and the second dielectric substrate layer being stacked on the liquid crystal layer, the second dielectric substrate layer comprising a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other, the fourth surface being near the liquid crystal layer and provided with metal lines.

[0007] In some embodiments of the liquid crystal phase shifter, the metal layer completely covers the first surface.

[0008] In some embodiments of the liquid crystal phase shifter, one side of the first dielectric substrate layer extends outward to form a first connection region; the first connection region is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal layer.

[0009] In some embodiments of the liquid crystal phase shifter, the other side of the first dielectric substrate layer opposite to the first connection region extends outward to form a second connection region; the second connection region is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal layer.

[0010] In some embodiments of the liquid crystal phase shifter, the second dielectric substrate layer includes a wiring area and a third connection area connected to the wiring area. The third connection area is located on one side of the second dielectric substrate layer, and the side of the third connection area is adjacent to the side of the first connection area and the side of the second connection area.

[0011] The third connection region is offset from the first dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the second dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal wire.

[0012] In some embodiments of the liquid crystal phase shifter, the metal line includes a routing portion and a wiring portion, the wiring portion is arranged in the third connection area, the routing portion is arranged in the routing area, and the wiring portion includes a signal input connection end and a signal output connection end.

[0013] In the liquid crystal phase shifter of some embodiments, the projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second dielectric substrate layer is located in the wiring area.

[0014] In some embodiments of the liquid crystal phase shifter, the routing portion of the metal wire has a curved structure.

[0015] In some embodiments of the liquid crystal phase shifter, the liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal region and a plastic frame surrounding the liquid crystal region.

[0016] The embodiment of the present application further includes an antenna, the antenna including the above-mentioned liquid crystal phase shifter, the liquid crystal phase shifter including:

[0017] a first dielectric substrate layer, the first dielectric substrate layer comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a metal layer being laid on the first surface to form a reference ground layer;

[0018] a liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer being stacked on the first dielectric substrate layer close to the first surface;

[0019] The second dielectric substrate layer is stacked on the liquid crystal layer. The second dielectric substrate layer includes a third surface and a fourth surface that are opposite to each other. The fourth surface is close to the liquid crystal layer and is provided with a metal line.

[0020] In some embodiments of the antenna, the metal layer completely covers the first surface.

[0021] In some embodiments of the antenna, one side of the first dielectric substrate layer extends outward to form a first connection region; the first connection region is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal layer.

[0022] In some embodiments of the antenna, the other side of the first dielectric substrate layer opposite to the first connection region extends outward to form a second connection region; the second connection region is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal layer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the antenna includes a routing area and a third connection area connected to the routing area on the second dielectric substrate layer. The third connection area is located on one side of the second dielectric substrate layer, and the side of the third connection area is adjacent to the side of the first connection area and the side of the second connection area.

[0024] The third connection region is offset from the first dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the second dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal wire.

[0025] In some embodiments of the antenna, the metal wire includes a routing portion and a wiring portion, the wiring portion is arranged in the third connection area, the routing portion is arranged in the routing area, and the wiring portion includes a signal input connection end and a signal output connection end.

[0026] In the antenna of some embodiments, the projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second dielectric substrate layer is located in the routing area.

[0027] In some embodiments of the antenna, the routing portion of the metal wire has a curved structure.

[0028] In some embodiments of the antenna, the liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal region and a plastic frame surrounding the liquid crystal region.

[0029] In some embodiments of the antenna, the first dielectric substrate layer and the second dielectric substrate layer are both glass substrate layers.

[0030] Intentional effect

[0031] The present application provides a liquid crystal phase shifter and antenna, wherein the liquid crystal phase shifter includes a first dielectric substrate layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a second dielectric substrate layer. The first dielectric substrate layer includes a first surface and a second surface facing each other, and a metal layer is provided on the first surface to form a reference ground layer. The second dielectric substrate layer is stacked on the liquid crystal layer, and the second dielectric substrate layer includes a third surface and a fourth surface facing each other, and the fourth surface is adjacent to the liquid crystal layer and provided with a metal wire. In the present application, a DC deflection voltage is applied to the metal wire to deflect the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, and the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer can be changed by changing the voltage, thereby achieving phase deflection of the radio frequency signal to achieve the function of a phase shifter. Compared with conventional phase shifters, the liquid crystal phase shifter in the present application is conducive to miniaturization design and can effectively save costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The following detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings will make the technical solutions and other beneficial effects of the present application apparent.

[0033] FIG1 is an exploded view of the structure of a liquid crystal phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] FIG2 is a top view of a liquid crystal phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] 3 and 4 are schematic cross-sectional views of the liquid crystal phase shifter provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] FIG5 is a graph showing the deflection of liquid crystal in a liquid crystal phase shifter according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Reference numerals: 10, first dielectric substrate layer; 20, liquid crystal layer; 30, second dielectric substrate layer; 11, metal layer; 31, metal wire; 21, liquid crystal region; 22, plastic frame; 310, routing portion; 320, wiring portion; 101, first connection region; 301, second connection region; 302, third connection region. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. The features specified as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0040] Referring to FIG1 , this embodiment provides a liquid crystal phase shifter, which includes a first dielectric substrate layer 10, a liquid crystal layer 20, and a second dielectric substrate layer 30. The first dielectric substrate layer 10 includes a first surface and a second surface facing each other, and a metal layer 11 is laid on the first surface of the first dielectric substrate layer 10 to form a reference ground. The liquid crystal layer 20 is stacked on the first dielectric substrate layer 10 near the first surface. The second dielectric substrate layer 30 is stacked on the liquid crystal layer 20, and the second dielectric substrate layer 30 includes a third surface and a fourth surface facing each other, and the fourth surface is provided on the first dielectric substrate layer 10. The surface is close to the liquid crystal layer 20 and is provided with a metal wire 31; that is, the fourth surface of the second dielectric substrate layer 30 is provided with a metal wire 31, and the metal wire 31 is a radio frequency trace. In this application, a DC deflection voltage is applied to the metal wire 31, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 20 are deflected, and by changing the magnitude of the voltage, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 20 can be changed, thereby achieving the phase deflection of the radio frequency signal to achieve the effect of a phase shifter; the liquid crystal phase shifter in this application is more conducive to miniaturization design and can effectively save costs compared to conventional phase shifters.

[0041] In some embodiments, the metal layer 11 laid on the first dielectric substrate layer 10 completely covers the first surface of the first dielectric substrate layer 10. One side of the first dielectric substrate layer 10 extends outward to form a first connection region 101. The first connection region 101 is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer 30 in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer 10 to expose the metal layer 11. In this embodiment, the exposed metal layer 11 in the first connection region 101 forms a pad, facilitating electrical connection to a reference ground.

[0042] Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 4, in some embodiments, the side of the first dielectric substrate layer 10 opposite the first connection region 101 extends outward to form a second connection region 301. The second connection region 301 is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer 30 in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer 10 to expose the metal layer 11. Similarly, the metal layer 11 exposed in the second connection region 301 in this embodiment functions as a solder pad, facilitating electrical connection of the reference ground to the outside world. In other words, the reference ground in the liquid crystal phase shifter in this embodiment is provided with two solder pads, and either one can be selected for electrical connection to the outside world based on wiring requirements, thereby enhancing the flexibility of the liquid crystal phase shifter's application.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second dielectric substrate layer 30 includes a routing area and a second connection area 302 connected to the routing area. The second connection area 302 is located on one side of the second dielectric substrate layer 30, and the side of the second connection area 302 is adjacent to the side of the first connection area 101 and the side of the second connection area 301. The second connection area 302 is offset from the first dielectric substrate layer 10 in the thickness direction of the second dielectric substrate layer 30 to expose the metal wire 31. Similarly, in this embodiment, the metal wire 31 exposed in the second connection area 302 forms a pad to facilitate electrical connection between the metal wire 31 and the outside.

[0044] If the liquid crystal phase shifter is considered a single entity, the first connection region 101 and the second connection region 301 are located on opposite sides of the liquid crystal phase shifter, while the second connection region 302 is located on either side of the other two sides of the liquid crystal phase shifter. The first connection region 101 and the second connection region 302 are vertically opposite to each other, that is, if the first connection region 101 faces upward, then the second connection region 302 faces downward. Similarly, the second connection regions 301 and the second connection regions 302 are also vertically opposite to each other, that is, if the second connection region 301 faces upward, then the second connection region 302 faces downward.

[0045] In some embodiments, the metal wire 31 includes a routing portion 310 and a wiring portion 320, the wiring portion 320 is arranged in the second connection area 302, the routing portion 310 is arranged in the routing area, and the wiring portion 320 includes a signal input connection end and a signal output connection end, so as to electrically connect the signal input connection end and the signal output connection end of the metal routing to the outside through the second connection area 302.

[0046] In some embodiments, the projection of the liquid crystal layer 20 on the second dielectric substrate layer 30 is located in the wiring area. In this embodiment, two sides of the first dielectric substrate layer 10 extend outward to form two bonding pads. Because these two sides are offset from the second dielectric substrate layer 30 in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer 10, and the second dielectric substrate layer 30 is provided with a second connection area 302, the side of the second dielectric substrate layer 30 on which the second connection area 302 is located is offset from the first dielectric substrate layer 10 in the thickness direction of the second dielectric substrate layer 30. The liquid crystal layer 20 is located in the overlapping area between the first and second dielectric substrate layers 10, 30. Similarly, the wiring area of ​​the metal wire 31 is also located in the overlapping area between the first and second dielectric substrate layers 30, so as to facilitate deflection of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 20 when a deflection voltage is applied.

[0047] In this embodiment, the connection area is formed by staggering the sides of the first dielectric substrate layer 10 and the second dielectric substrate layer 30 to avoid forming signal leads inside the first dielectric substrate layer 10 and the second dielectric substrate layer 30, thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty. In actual applications, the surface mounting (SMT) process can be implemented by applying solder paste on the connection area.

[0048] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal material of the liquid crystal layer 20 may be TUD-566. The dielectric constant of the liquid crystal molecules of this liquid crystal material is 2.41 when deflected vertically and is 3.34 when deflected parallelly.

[0049] In some embodiments, the routing portion 310 of the metal wire 31 in this embodiment has a curved structure. In this embodiment, the curved routing structure is used to achieve phase deflection in two states (vertical deflection state and horizontal deflection state of the liquid crystal molecules). Calculation and simulation results verify that the curved structure shown in FIG2 is ultimately formed. As shown in FIG5 , the phase deflection in both states is 180.26 degrees.

[0050] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer 20 includes a liquid crystal region 21 and a plastic frame 22 surrounding the liquid crystal region 21 ; wherein the plastic frame 22 fixes the liquid crystal region 21 .

[0051] As an embodiment, in the present application, the widths of the first connection region 101, the second connection region 301, and the second connection region 302 can all be 0.5 mm; the total thickness of the liquid crystal layer 20, the reference ground layer, and the metal line 31 is 100 μm; the width of the metal line 31 is 0.18 mm, and its impedance is between 47Ω and 53Ω; in at least one embodiment, the metal line 31 and the metal layer 11 are both copper; and in this embodiment, the first dielectric substrate layer 10 and the second dielectric substrate layer 30 are both glass substrate layers.

[0052] The present application also provides an antenna, which includes the above-mentioned liquid crystal phase shifter. Since the liquid crystal phase shifter has been described in detail above, it will not be repeated here.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0054] The above is a detailed introduction to the liquid crystal phase shifter provided in the embodiments of the present application. Specific examples are used herein to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the technical solutions and core ideas of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal phase shifter, wherein: include: A first dielectric substrate layer, the first dielectric substrate layer comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a metal layer being laid on the first surface to form a reference ground layer; a liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer being stacked on the first dielectric substrate layer close to the first surface; The second dielectric substrate layer is stacked on the liquid crystal layer, and the second dielectric substrate layer includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other, and the fourth surface is close to the liquid crystal layer and is provided with a metal line.

2. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein: The metal layer completely covers the first surface.

3. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 2, wherein: One side of the first dielectric substrate layer extends outward to form a first connection region; the first connection region is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal layer.

4. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 3, wherein: The other side of the first dielectric substrate layer opposite to the first connection area extends outward to form a second connection area; the second connection area is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal layer.

5. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 4, wherein: The second dielectric substrate layer includes a routing area and a third connection area connected to the routing area, wherein the third connection area is located on one side of the second dielectric substrate layer, and the side where the third connection area is located is adjacent to the side where the first connection area is located and the side where the second connection area is located; The third connection region is offset from the first dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the second dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal wire.

6. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 5, wherein: The metal wire includes a routing portion and a wiring portion, the wiring portion is arranged in the third connection area, the routing portion is arranged in the routing area, and the wiring portion includes a signal input connection end and a signal output connection end.

7. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 5, wherein: The projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second dielectric substrate layer is located in the wiring area.

8. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 6, wherein: The routing portion of the metal wire is in a bent structure.

9. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 8, wherein: The liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal region and a plastic frame surrounding the periphery of the liquid crystal region.

10. The liquid crystal phase shifter according to claim 9, wherein: The first dielectric substrate layer and the second dielectric substrate layer are both glass substrate layers.

11. An antenna, wherein: The antenna includes a liquid crystal phase shifter, and the liquid crystal phase shifter includes: A first dielectric substrate layer, the first dielectric substrate layer comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a metal layer being laid on the first surface to form a reference ground layer; a liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal layer being stacked on the first dielectric substrate layer close to the first surface; The second dielectric substrate layer is stacked on the liquid crystal layer, and the second dielectric substrate layer includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other, and the fourth surface is close to the liquid crystal layer and is provided with a metal line.

12. The antenna according to claim 11, wherein: The metal layer completely covers the first surface.

13. The antenna according to claim 12, wherein: One side of the first dielectric substrate layer extends outward to form a first connection region; the first connection region is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal layer.

14. The antenna according to claim 13, wherein: The other side of the first dielectric substrate layer opposite to the first connection area extends outward to form a second connection area; the second connection area is offset from the second dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the first dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal layer.

15. The antenna according to claim 14, wherein: The second dielectric substrate layer includes a routing area and a third connection area connected to the routing area, wherein the third connection area is located on one side of the second dielectric substrate layer, and the side where the third connection area is located is adjacent to the side where the first connection area is located and the side where the second connection area is located; The third connection region is offset from the first dielectric substrate layer in the thickness direction of the second dielectric substrate layer to expose the metal wire.

16. The antenna according to claim 15, wherein: The metal wire includes a routing portion and a wiring portion, the wiring portion is arranged in the third connection area, the routing portion is arranged in the routing area, and the wiring portion includes a signal input connection end and a signal output connection end.

17. The antenna according to claim 15, wherein: The projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second dielectric substrate layer is located in the wiring area.

18. The antenna according to claim 16, wherein: The routing portion of the metal wire is in a bent structure.

19. The antenna according to claim 18, wherein: The liquid crystal layer includes a liquid crystal region and a plastic frame surrounding the periphery of the liquid crystal region.

20. The antenna according to claim 19, wherein: The first dielectric substrate layer and the second dielectric substrate layer are both glass substrate layers.

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