Liquid Crystal Reflecting Surface Layout for Wide Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antenna devices face challenges in controlling the reflection phase and intensity of radio waves, particularly in 5G systems, due to limitations in voltage control and reflection intensity, and power supply wiring between patch electrodes can lead to a decrease in reflection intensity.
Innovation Solution
The intelligent reflecting surface employs a configuration with patch electrodes of varying sizes and equal wiring distances between adjacent electrodes, integrated with a liquid crystal layer and control signals to adjust the dielectric constant, allowing for precise phase control and enhanced reflection intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the amount of phase change in the reflection phase is expanded to control the reflection direction in any direction, then the reflection direction control capability is improved, but the voltage control becomes more difficult and reflection intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patch electrode is divided into multiple sub-electrodes (first patch electrode, second patch electrode, third patch electrode, fourth patch electrode) with different areas. Each sub-electrode can be independently controlled, allowing for finer granularity in voltage application and more precise phase control without requiring excessive voltage changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sub-electrodes have different areas (the first patch electrode has a different area from the second and third patch electrodes), creating local variations in electrical characteristics. This allows each region to contribute differently to the overall phase control, enabling expanded reflection direction control while maintaining manageable voltage requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the amount of phase change in the reflection phase is expanded, then the reflection direction control is improved, but the reflection intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the patch electrode into multiple sub-electrodes with different areas, the system achieves expanded phase change range through coordinated control of individual sub-electrodes rather than requiring large voltage changes across the entire electrode, thereby maintaining reflection intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric design where the first patch electrode has a different area from the second and third patch electrodes creates diverse local electrical characteristics. This asymmetry enables broader phase modulation capability while the optimized configuration maintains overall reflection intensity by distributing the phase control function across multiple elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If power supply wiring is placed between patch electrodes, then electrical connection is achieved, but reflection intensity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of the power supply wiring on reflection intensity is extracted and addressed by optimizing the wiring configuration. The wiring is positioned to minimize its negative impact on the electromagnetic field distribution, separating the electrical connection function from the radio wave reflection function to reduce interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration parameters of the wiring are optimized, specifically ensuring that the distance from the first patch electrode to the first wiring equals the distance from the second patch electrode to the first wiring. This symmetric parameter arrangement minimizes the adverse impact on reflection intensity while maintaining necessary electrical connections.
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 configuration enables a large phase change in reflected waves with minimal amplitude loss, effectively controlling the direction of radio waves in both horizontal and vertical directions, enhancing the reflection intensity and phase control capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A phased array antenna device using a phase shifter that utilizes a change in a dielectric constant due to the orientation state of a liquid crystal is disclosed
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent reflecting surface includes a first patch electrode; a second patch electrode adjacent to the first patch electrode; a third patch electrode adjacent to the first patch electrode; a fourth patch electrode adjacent to the second patch electrode and the third patch electrode; a common electrode facing the first patch electrode and the second patch electrode; a liquid crystal layer between the first patch electrode and the second patch electrode and the common electrode, and a first wiring between the first patch electrode and the second patch electrode, wherein an area of the first patch electrode is different from an area of the second patch electrode and the third patch electrode, and a distance between the first patch electrode and the first wiring is equal to a distance between the second patch electrode and the first wiring.