Liquid Crystal Phase Shifter Bias Line Electric Field Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters have a limited phase shift angle due to insufficient electric field coverage over the microwave transmission region, leading to increased insertion loss when trying to achieve a certain phase shift, as the electric field region generated by the delay line and ground electrode does not fully cover the transmission area.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating bias lines on the second substrate that overlap with the reference electrode but not the delay line, allowing both to form electric fields with the ground electrode, ensuring the electric field region covers the microwave transmission region, thereby increasing the phase shift angle and reducing insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a delay line and ground electrode are used to generate electric field, then the device complexity is low, but the electric field coverage is insufficient leading to limited phase shift angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electric field generation function into multiple segments: the delay line generates electric field in its immediate vicinity, while bias lines generate electric field in adjacent regions. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the microwave transmission region without requiring a single complex structure, thus resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and sufficient phase shift angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias lines serve multiple functions: they generate electric field to extend coverage area, control liquid crystal deflection in specific regions, and work cooperatively with the delay line to achieve comprehensive phase shifting. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve broader electric field coverage while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Reliability
If the electric field region is expanded to cover the entire transmission area, then the phase shift angle increases, but the insertion loss increases due to longer delay line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electric field generation task between delay line and bias lines. The delay line maintains its original length for microwave signal transmission, while bias lines are added to extend electric field coverage. This segmentation allows achieving comprehensive coverage without extending the delay line, thus preventing insertion loss increase while maintaining sufficient phase shift angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias lines act as intermediaries that extend the electric field coverage without directly carrying the microwave signal. They mediate between the delay line's limited field coverage and the requirement for comprehensive coverage, allowing the delay line to remain short (low insertion loss) while achieving full coverage through the intermediary bias lines.
3Reliability
If bias lines are added to extend electric field coverage, then the phase shift angle increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bias lines are designed to perform multiple functions within the system: generating electric field for liquid crystal control, extending coverage area, and working cooperatively with the delay line. By making these additional components multi-functional, the patent justifies the increased component count through enhanced system capability, achieving better phase shift angle with reasonable complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The bias lines are strategically positioned to provide electric field coverage in specific regions where the delay line's field is insufficient. This local quality approach ensures that additional components are placed only where needed, achieving comprehensive coverage with minimal additional structure, thus resolving the contradiction between phase shift angle and 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
The phase shift angle is enhanced by one-third, and the insertion loss is reduced correspondingly, as the electric field from the bias lines complements the delay line's field to fully deflect liquid crystal molecules, ensuring complete phase shifting of the microwave signal.
Implementation Method 1
electric field areas formed respectively between the reference electrode and the delay line, and between the reference electrode and the at least one bias line, cover the microwave transmission region
Implementation Method 2
a medium layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate
Implementation Method 3
the relative dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 30 changes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a phase shifter and a manufacturing method thereof, and an antenna. The phase shifter includes a first substrate including a reference electrode, and a second substrate including a delay line and a bias line. An orthographic projection of the bias line on the first substrate and that of the delay line, at least partially overlap with that of the reference electrode respectively. The orthographic projection of the bias line on the first substrate does not overlap with that of the delay line. The delay line is used for transmitting a microwave signal and defining a microwave transmission region. When electrical signals are applied to the reference electrode, the delay line and the bias line, electric field areas formed respectively between the reference electrode and the delay line, and between the reference electrode and the bias line, cover the microwave transmission region.