Liquid Crystal Phase Shifter for Compact Microwave Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters, such as ferrite and PIN diode phase shifters, face issues of large size, slow response speed, high power consumption, and high loss, making them unsuitable for high-speed beam scanning and portable phased array systems.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design incorporating a dielectric layer with liquid crystal molecules between two substrates, where the first electrode and second electrode control the rotation of liquid crystal molecules with different voltages, creating an electric field that changes the dielectric constant and achieves phase shifting of microwaves, using materials like aluminum, silver, and glass substrates to reduce loss and improve response speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If ferrite or PIN diode phase shifters are used, then phase shifting function is achieved, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and electromagnetic properties of liquid crystal molecules through voltage control, altering their dielectric constant and orientation to achieve phase shifting without requiring large mechanical or magnetic components. This parameter-based control enables compact integration while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining liquid crystal materials with substrate and electrode layers, creating a multi-layered phase shifter that achieves effective phase control in a reduced volume. The composite material approach allows optimization of both electromagnetic performance and physical compactness.
2Speed
If traditional phase shifters are used, then phase control is achieved, but response speed becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or magnetic field-based phase control mechanisms with an electric field-based liquid crystal system. This substitution enables faster response times as liquid crystal molecules can reorient rapidly under electric fields, while the dielectric properties provide efficient energy coupling with minimal loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition and reorientational behavior of liquid crystal molecules in response to applied voltages. By controlling the molecular orientation through electric fields, the system achieves rapid phase modulation with low energy consumption, as the liquid crystal state changes are reversible and require minimal energy input.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional phase shifters are used, then phase adjustment is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the voltage-dependent dielectric constant of liquid crystal molecules to achieve phase shifting with minimal power consumption. By changing the electrical parameter (voltage) rather than relying on continuous power-intensive mechanisms, the system maintains reliable phase control while significantly reducing energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal material inherently provides the phase shifting function through its electro-optic properties, requiring minimal external control infrastructure. The material's self-responsive nature to electric fields enables efficient energy utilization while maintaining robust phase control capability.
4Loss of energy
If traditional phase shifter materials are used, then phase control is achieved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material structure combining liquid crystal with substrate and electrode layers, where each material is selected for its low-loss properties at microwave frequencies. This composite approach minimizes signal attenuation while the integrated design keeps the overall structure relatively simple despite the multi-material composition.
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 reduces the volume and response time of the phase shifter, lowers power consumption, and enhances performance by effectively adjusting the phase of microwaves with minimal energy loss, suitable for high-speed applications.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to control rotation of the liquid crystal molecules according to different voltages respectively received by the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
the dielectric layer includes liquid crystal molecules, and the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to control rotation of the liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 3
creating an electric field that changes the dielectric constant and achieves phase shifting of microwaves
Data Source
AI summary
A phase shifter and a method for operating the same, an antenna and a communication device are provided. The phase shifter includes: a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to each other; a dielectric layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first electrode on a side of the first substrate proximal to the second substrate; a second electrode on a side of the second substrate proximal to the first substrate; and a ground electrode on a side of the second substrate distal to the first substrate. The dielectric layer includes liquid crystal molecules, and the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to control rotation of the liquid crystal molecules according to different voltages respectively received by the first electrode and the second electrode.