Liquid Crystal Binary Phase Shifter With Discrete Bias Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters in wireless communication and radar systems face challenges in achieving low cost, low power consumption, and fast response speed, particularly in millimeter wave and super-high-frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-crystal-based binary phase shifter is designed with a phase shift circuit board that applies discrete bias voltages to selectively divided regions, utilizing a high-voltage bias to improve response speed and achieve phase shifts from 0 to 330 degrees at 30-degree intervals, while allowing RF signals to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional phase shifter design is used, then the device can achieve phase shifting function, but the response speed is slow and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into multiple independently controllable phase shift regions (first, second, third, and fourth regions), each with its own bias electrode. This segmentation allows selective activation of regions, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining fast response speed in active regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by applying different bias voltages to different phase shift regions based on operational requirements. The bias electrodes can independently adjust the liquid crystal state in each region, enabling dynamic phase shifting with fast response speed only where needed, thus optimizing power consumption.
2Speed
If discrete bias voltage application is implemented, then response speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is segmented into four distinct phase shift regions, each with independent bias control. This segmentation enables discrete bias voltage application to improve response speed while maintaining manageable complexity through modular regional control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different bias voltages are applied to different phase shift regions based on local requirements. The first and second regions receive one bias voltage configuration while the third and fourth regions receive another, optimizing performance locally without requiring complex global control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If maximum phase shift amount is achieved, then all phase values from 0 to 330 degrees are obtained, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into four regions that can be independently controlled, enabling the generation of multiple phase shift values (0, 30, 60, ..., 330 degrees) through different combinations of region activations. This segmentation achieves comprehensive phase coverage without requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves dynamic phase shifting across the full range of 0 to 330 degrees by selectively activating different combinations of the four phase shift regions. Each region contributes a specific phase shift amount, and their combined activation patterns generate all required phase values, providing adaptability through dynamic regional control.
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 solution enhances the response speed of the phase shifter, enabling it to achieve maximum phase shift amounts and highest response speeds, expanding the technology for liquid-crystal-based RF circuits and improving beam scanning speed in beamforming antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal being inserted into the spacer; wherein phase shift regions of the lower metal ground plane are selectively divided and bias is discretely applied by region
Implementation Method 2
a liquid-crystal-based binary phase shifter using a liquid crystal, a material in the spotlight in the super-high-frequency field
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a liquid-crystal-based binary phase shifter using a liquid crystal, a material in the spotlight in the super-high-frequency field. The liquid-crystal-based binary phase shifter includes a phase shift circuit board having an upper substrate and a lower substrate combined each other with a spacer having a liquid crystal cell gap therebetween, a liquid crystal being inserted into the spacer; metal vias provided at opposite ends of the upper substrate with transmission lines between the metal vias; and a phase shift meander line provided on a lower metal ground plane placed between the metal vias positioned at the opposite ends, wherein phase shift regions of the lower metal ground plane are selectively divided and bias is discretely applied by region. Beyond the use of a liquid crystal in an RF circuit, a unique method of applying a bias voltage is proposed for a variable speed of the liquid crystal, thereby obtaining the maximum phase shift amount and the highest response speed.