Multi-Polarization Antenna Structure Using Liquid Crystal Phase Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication technologies face challenges in accommodating multiple polarization types, such as line, left-handed circular, and right-handed circular polarization, with existing antennas, which are often bulky and cannot be installed simultaneously due to size constraints.
Innovation Solution
An antenna structure comprising a radiation patch, a radio frequency port, a power divider, and phase modulators using liquid crystal layers to distribute and modulate electromagnetic waves, enabling the transmission and reception of various polarization types using a single radio frequency port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antennas (horn antennas, spiral antennas, array antennas) are used to support multiple polarization types, then the antenna can transmit and receive various polarization waves, but the antenna size becomes large and multiple antennas cannot be installed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna structure that can transmit and receive multiple polarization types (line polarization, left-handed circular polarization, right-handed circular polarization) by integrating phase modulators with liquid crystal layers. The antenna uses a power divider to split the signal into multiple paths, each with phase modulators that can independently control the phase of horizontal and vertical polarization components, enabling one antenna to perform functions that traditionally required multiple antennas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses liquid crystal layers as phase modulators that can dynamically change their refractive index by applying voltage. This dynamic control allows the antenna to switch between different polarization modes and adjust phase differences in real-time, enabling flexible multi-polarization capability without requiring physically large or fixed-configuration antenna structures
2Volume of moving object
If a single antenna is used to achieve multi-polarization capability, then the antenna size can be reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional phase modulators and signal lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna structure into distinct functional segments: a radiation patch for electromagnetic wave radiation, a power divider for signal distribution, multiple phase modulators for independent phase control of different polarization components, and feed points connected to signal lines. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness and multi-polarization capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If phase modulators with liquid crystal layers are used to modulate electromagnetic waves, then the antenna can achieve circular polarization and improve information transmission, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses liquid crystal layers whose refractive index can be changed by applying voltage, allowing dynamic control of phase differences between horizontal and vertical polarization components. By precisely controlling the voltage applied to each liquid crystal layer, the system can achieve the required 90-degree phase difference for circular polarization and maintain high manufacturing tolerance through electrical adjustment rather than relying solely on physical dimension precision
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 antenna structure efficiently receives and transmits line, left-handed circular, and right-handed circular polarization waves by modulating the phase of electromagnetic waves, facilitating miniaturization and multi-polarization capabilities while maintaining a small axial ratio for improved information transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a first phase modulator, configured to modulate a phase of an electromagnetic wave of the first signal line
Implementation Method 2
The phase modulator includes a liquid crystal layer, and an orthographic projection of the signal line on the first substrate is at least partially overlapped with an orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer on the first substrate
Implementation Method 3
the power divider is respectively connected with the radio frequency port, the other end of the first signal line, and the other end of the second signal line, and configured to distribute an electromagnetic wave of the radio frequency port to the first signal line and the second signal line
Implementation Method 4
a polarization characteristic of an antenna is defined by a spatial orientation of an electric field intensity vector of an electromagnetic wave radiated by the antenna in the maximum radiation direction
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna structure and a modulation method therefor are provided. The antenna structure includes a radiation patch, a radio-frequency port, a first signal line, a second signal line, a power divider, and a first phase modulator. The radiation patch includes a first feed point and a second feed point. One end of the first signal line is connected to the first feed point. One end of the second signal line is connected to the second feed point. The power divider is separately connected to the radio-frequency port, the other end of the first signal line, and the other end of the second signal line, and is configured to allocate electromagnetic waves of the radio-frequency port to the first signal line and the second signal line; and the first phase modulator is configured to modulate the phase of the electromagnetic waves of the first signal line.