Liquid Crystal Ring-Electrode Phase Shifter for Wide Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase array antennas face limitations in achieving a wide range of phase shifts with a compact circuit layout, which restricts their ability to adjust scanning directions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design incorporating a liquid crystal layer between two substrates with ring-shaped electrodes, allowing for a wide range of phase shifts by changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer, thereby enabling efficient phase adjustment of radio frequency signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional phase shifter design is used, then the circuit layout area is large, but the phase shift range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with first and second ring-shaped electrodes on opposite substrates. This vertical dimensionality change enables compact circuit layout while achieving wide phase shift range through the added spatial dimension for electromagnetic field interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a liquid crystal layer as a tunable dielectric material between the ring-shaped electrodes. This composite structure combining conductive electrodes with variable permittivity liquid crystal enables dynamic phase shift control in a compact footprint, resolving the contradiction between size and phase shift range.
2Length of stationary object
If the antenna device is made thin, then the structure is compact, but the scanning angle range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves wide scanning angle in a thin profile by utilizing the vertical stacking dimension. The first and second ring-shaped electrodes on opposite substrates create electromagnetic field interactions that enable broad beam scanning without increasing the antenna device thickness, effectively using the third dimension to overcome the thickness-scanning angle trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs voltage-controlled tuning of the liquid crystal layer's dielectric properties to dynamically adjust the phase shift. By changing the electrical parameter (applied voltage), the antenna achieves wide scanning angle coverage while maintaining a thin physical structure, as the parameter change occurs within the existing compact geometry rather than requiring physical expansion.
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 enables a phase shifter with a small area circuit layout to generate a wide range of phase shifts, resulting in a thin antenna device with a wide scanning angle, suitable for applications requiring precise directional adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer, thereby enabling efficient phase adjustment of radio frequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
A phase shifter is provided, which includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a plurality of first ring-shaped electrodes and a plurality of second ring-shaped electrodes. The first substrate and the second substrate are disposed opposite to each other. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The plurality of first ring-shaped electrodes are disposed sequentially and in interval on a side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer. The plurality of second ring-shaped electrodes are disposed sequentially and in interval on a side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer. A plurality of vertical projections, projected by the plurality of first ring-shaped electrodes to the second substrate, and at least partially overlapped with the plurality of second ring-shaped electrodes, respectively.