Liquid Crystal Phase Shifter With Metal Patches and One-Piece Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters, such as ferrite and PIN diode phase shifters, face issues of large size, slow response speed, high power consumption, and significant loss, making them unsuitable for high-speed beam scanning and portable, low-power electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter utilizing a dielectric layer with liquid crystal molecules between two substrates, where the first electrode and second electrode control the rotation of liquid crystal molecules with different voltages, creating an electric field that changes the dielectric constant and phase of microwaves, reducing loss and response time while minimizing volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ferrite or PIN diode phase shifters are used, then phase shifting function is achieved, but the device size becomes large and response speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of liquid crystal molecules through voltage control, transitioning them between different alignment states to achieve phase shifting. This replaces traditional ferrite or PIN diode mechanisms with a voltage-controlled liquid crystal system, enabling faster response and smaller size while maintaining phase shifting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of liquid crystal molecules, specifically their ability to transition between different alignment states (radial, tangential, or intermediate) in response to voltage changes. This phase transition mechanism enables rapid phase shifting without the mechanical or electronic complexity of traditional devices
2Loss of energy
If traditional phase shifters are used, then phase shifting is achieved, but power consumption increases and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs voltage-controlled parameter changes in liquid crystal molecules to achieve phase shifting with minimal power consumption. The liquid crystal material's dielectric properties are modulated by applied voltage, creating a low-loss, low-power phase shifting mechanism compared to traditional ferrite or diode-based systems
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 shifter achieves efficient phase shifting with reduced power consumption and response time, improving performance by using a liquid crystal-based structure that adjusts the dielectric constant and resonance frequency of microwaves, thereby enhancing the phase shifting efficiency and reducing energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to control rotation of the liquid crystal molecules according to different voltages respectively received by the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
the dielectric layer includes liquid crystal molecules, and the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to control rotation of the liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 3
creating an electric field that changes the dielectric constant and phase of microwaves
Data Source
AI summary
A phase shifter and a method for operating the same, an antenna and a communication device are provided. The phase shifter includes: a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to each other; a dielectric layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first electrode on a side of the first substrate proximal to the second substrate; a second electrode on a side of the second substrate proximal to the first substrate; and a ground electrode on a side of the second substrate distal to the first substrate. The dielectric layer includes liquid crystal molecules, and the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to control rotation of the liquid crystal molecules according to different voltages respectively received by the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode has a one-piece structure.