Liquid Crystal Phase Shifter With Segmented Low-Loss Microwave Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters for microwave signals face challenges in achieving low insertion loss and amplitude balance across different phase states, which is crucial for efficient beam scanning and digital communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal phase shifter is designed with a microwave transmission structure and a phase adjustment structure separated by a liquid crystal layer, where the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer is altered by applied voltages to adjust the phase of microwave signals, utilizing multiple phase adjustment units to achieve distinct phase shift amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional phase shifters are used to change phase of microwave signals, then phase adjustment is achieved, but insertion loss increases and amplitude balance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer by adjusting the voltage applied to the phase adjustment structure, thereby controlling the phase of microwave signals without significantly increasing insertion loss. This parameter change approach allows precise phase control while maintaining low energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining liquid crystal material with microwave transmission structures (microstrip or coplanar waveguide). The liquid crystal layer's variable dielectric properties enable phase control, while the transmission structures guide microwaves with minimal loss, achieving both precise phase adjustment and low insertion loss.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase adjustment units are used to achieve different phase shift amounts, then phase control versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase adjustment structure is divided into multiple independent phase adjustment units, each capable of producing different phase shift amounts. This segmentation allows the system to achieve versatile phase control by selectively activating different units or combinations of units, while each unit remains relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple phase adjustment units with different phase shift capabilities (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). By selectively applying voltage to specific units based on the required phase shift, the system achieves versatile control without requiring all units to be active simultaneously, thus managing complexity effectively.
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 allows for precise control of phase shifts with low power consumption and reduced signal loss, enabling efficient beam scanning and communication by allowing each phase adjustment unit to independently adjust its phase shift amount, thereby simplifying control and reducing power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of phase adjustment units are configured to change a dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer according to a voltage applied to the phase adjustment units and a voltage applied to the microwave transmission structure, so as to adjust a phase of a microwave signal
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal phase shifter, a liquid crystal antenna, a communication apparatus, and a method for operating a liquid crystal phase shifter are provided. The liquid crystal phase shifter includes a microwave transmission structure and a phase adjustment structure opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal layer between the microwave transmission structure and the phase adjustment structure; wherein the phase adjustment structure comprises a plurality of phase adjustment units; the plurality of phase adjustment units are configured to change a dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer according to a voltage applied to the phase adjustment units and a voltage applied to the microwave transmission structure, so as to adjust a phase of a microwave signal; and phase shift amounts adjusted by at least two of the plurality of phase adjustment units are different from each other.