Intelligent Reflecting Surface Phase Control via Liquid Crystal Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent reflecting surfaces face challenges in controlling the phase difference of radio waves between adjacent antenna elements or reflection controllers, which affects the directional control of radio waves, and there is a need for a solution that efficiently adjusts the dielectric constant of liquid crystal layers to achieve consistent phase differences.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent reflecting surface comprising a first and second substrate with a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between, where patch electrodes and a common electrode are arranged in a matrix, and driven by a longitudinal electric field to adjust the dielectric constant and thus the phase of radio waves, allowing for precise control of the reflection direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dielectric constant of liquid crystal is adjusted to achieve constant phase difference between adjacent antenna elements, then the directional control of radio waves is improved, but the complexity of controlling the phase difference between adjacent reflection controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent reflecting surface is divided into multiple independently controllable reflection controllers arranged in a matrix pattern. Each reflection controller can adjust its phase shift independently, allowing precise directional control of radio waves by controlling the phase difference between adjacent controllers without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Each reflection controller in the matrix is equipped with its own liquid crystal layer and control electrodes, enabling local adjustment of phase shift. This allows each element to have tailored phase characteristics to achieve the desired beamforming pattern, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining precise directional control.
2Manufacturing precision
If patch electrodes and common electrode are arranged in matrix to control liquid crystal with longitudinal electric field, then the phase adjustment precision is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrodes (patch electrodes and common electrode) are integrated into a unified matrix structure that applies a longitudinal electric field through the liquid crystal layer. This merging of electrode functions achieves precise phase control while reducing the number of separate control systems needed, thereby managing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix arrangement of patch and common electrodes serves multiple functions: it controls the liquid crystal orientation, adjusts the phase shift, and enables independent control of each reflection controller. This multi-functionality achieves high phase adjustment precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the intelligent reflecting surface to adjust the reflection phase of radio waves effectively, allowing for precise control of the reflection direction and improving the reflection characteristics by ensuring consistent phase differences between adjacent reflection controllers.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal needs to be adjusted such that the phase difference between the high-frequency signals input to adjacent antenna elements becomes constant
Implementation Method 2
patch electrodes and a common electrode are arranged in a matrix, and driven by a longitudinal electric field to adjust the dielectric constant and thus the phase of radio waves
Implementation Method 3
intelligent reflecting surfaces capable of controlling a direction of radio wave reflection using the liquid crystal
Implementation Method 4
the phase difference between reflected radio waves becomes constant between the adjacent reflection controllers
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an intelligent reflecting surface includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a sealing material, a liquid crystal layer, and a radar absorbent material. The first substrate includes a first basement located in a first area and a second area, and a plurality of patch electrodes. The second substrate includes a second basement and a common electrode. The radar absorbent material is located in the second area.