Liquid Crystal Microwave Controller for Simultaneous Amplitude-Phase Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave reconfigurable devices can only control either the amplitude or phase of a microwave signal at a fixed frequency, limiting their application and increasing complexity and energy consumption when multiple control mechanisms are used to control both simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A microwave amplitude-phase controller comprising a liquid crystal layer between two substrates, with a conductive layer and a resonant structure on either side, allowing for simultaneous control of microwave amplitude and phase by adjusting voltage signals applied to these components, which affects the equivalent dielectric constant and resonance, thereby modulating the microwave signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control mechanisms are used to simultaneously control the amplitude and phase of the output microwave signal, then the control capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines amplitude control and phase control functions into a single reconfigurable device by integrating multiple control mechanisms (varactor diodes, PIN diodes, and resistive elements) that can simultaneously adjust both amplitude and phase of the microwave signal through a unified structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable device is designed with multi-functional control elements that can perform both amplitude modulation and phase shifting operations. The varactor diodes provide both capacitance variation for amplitude control and reactance variation for phase control, while PIN diodes offer switching functionality for both parameters, enabling a single device to fulfill multiple control functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control mechanisms are used to simultaneously control the amplitude and phase of the output microwave signal, then the control capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic switching of PIN diodes to achieve phase control and amplitude control in a time-multiplexed manner, where the diodes are switched between forward-biased and reverse-biased states in periodic cycles, reducing the continuous energy consumption compared to simultaneously active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different control mechanisms locally to different parts of the microwave signal path - varactor diodes are placed in specific regions for continuous tuning, PIN diodes in switching regions, and resistive elements in attenuation regions. This localized application ensures that only the necessary control elements are active at any given time, minimizing overall energy consumption while maintaining full control capability
3Device complexity
If a single control mechanism is used at a fixed frequency position, then the device structure is simple, but the application scenarios are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable device incorporates dynamically adjustable elements including varactor diodes with voltage-controlled capacitance and PIN diodes with switchable conductance states. These dynamic components allow the device to adapt its electrical characteristics in real-time, enabling operation across multiple frequency positions and various application scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple base structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the control elements - varying the reverse bias voltage of varactor diodes to change capacitance values, and changing the bias state of PIN diodes to alter conductance. These parameter changes enable the same physical structure to operate at different frequency positions and provide different control functions, greatly expanding application scenarios without increasing structural 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
Enables efficient and cost-effective simultaneous control of microwave amplitude and phase without the need for multiple control mechanisms, reducing energy consumption and improving working efficiency, while allowing for flexible operation as either an amplitude or phase controller.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate
Implementation Method 2
adjusting voltage signals applied to these components, which affects the equivalent dielectric constant and resonance
Implementation Method 3
a resonant structure on a side of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, the resonant structure being configured to receive a second voltage signal and to transmit a microwave signal
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave amplitude-phase controller and a method of controlling amplitude and/or phase of a microwave are provided. The microwave amplitude-phase controller includes: a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to each other; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a conductive layer on a side of the first substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, the conductive layer being configured to receive a first voltage signal; and a resonant structure on a side of the second substrate facing the liquid crystal layer, the resonant structure being configured to receive a second voltage signal and to transmit a microwave signal.