Liquid Crystal Antenna Layout for Higher RF Coupling Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing liquid crystal antennas suffer from reduced coupling efficiency of radio frequency signals due to significant coupling damage by the liquid crystal layer, leading to decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
The antenna unit design includes a first substrate with a feeding unit and electrode, a second substrate with a radiation unit and electrode, and a liquid crystal layer in between, where the feeding unit partially overlaps the electrode, reducing the number of media through which the signal passes and minimizing signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid crystal layer is used to control phase of radio frequency signals, then beam direction control is achieved, but coupling efficiency of radio frequency signals deteriorates due to significant coupling damage
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is divided into multiple independent phase shifter units, each with its own feeding unit, electrode, and liquid crystal layer. This segmentation allows the signal path to be optimized in each unit while maintaining overall beam control capability, reducing cumulative coupling damage across multiple layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical stacking dimension by overlapping the feeding unit and electrode in the thickness direction of the substrate. This three-dimensional arrangement shortens the horizontal signal transmission path and reduces the area of liquid crystal layer the signal must pass through, thereby improving coupling efficiency while preserving beam direction control through electrode activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the signal transmission path through multiple media is maintained, then liquid crystal phase control function is preserved, but signal loss increases due to media-induced attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking the feeding unit and electrode vertically in the thickness direction rather than arranging them horizontally, the patent creates a compact three-dimensional structure. This reduces the total path length through the liquid crystal layer and other media, minimizing signal attenuation while maintaining the ability to control liquid crystal phase through electrode activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding unit and electrode are merged into a vertically integrated structure where they overlap in the thickness direction. This consolidation reduces the number of separate media interfaces the signal must traverse and minimizes cumulative coupling damage, thereby reducing signal loss while preserving phase control functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the feeding unit and electrode are arranged horizontally without overlap, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but coupling efficiency deteriorates due to longer signal transmission path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal arrangement to a three-dimensional vertical arrangement by overlapping the feeding unit and electrode in the thickness direction. This dimensional change shortens the signal transmission path through media while remaining compatible with standard thin-film fabrication processes used in liquid crystal display manufacturing, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving coupling efficiency.
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 design enhances coupling efficiency and performance by shortening the signal transmission path, reducing media-induced loss, and improving manufacturing yield and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
Based on the anisotropic characteristics of liquid crystal molecules, an electric signal is used by a liquid crystal antenna to control the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules, so that the dielectric parameters of the radio frequency signals of each phase shifter unit are changed
Implementation Method 2
the dielectric parameters of the radio frequency signals of each phase shifter unit are changed, thereby controlling a phase of the radio frequency signals in each unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an antenna unit, an antenna apparatus and an electronic device. The antenna unit includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a first base, a feeding unit and a first electrode. The feeding unit and the first electrode are disposed at two opposite sides of the first base, and along a direction perpendicular to a plane where the first substrate is located, the feeding unit at least partially overlaps the first electrode. The second substrate includes a second base, a radiation unit and a second electrode, the second electrode is located at a side of the second base facing the first substrate, the second electrode is electrically connected to a ground signal end, the radiation unit is disposed on the second base, and the radiation unit is insulated from the second electrode.