Liquid Crystal Phased-Array Antenna Phase Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Phased-array antennas require a large number of phase shifters, leading to high manufacturing costs and power consumption, especially in advanced communication systems like 5G and 6G, where cost reduction is urgent.
Innovation Solution
A phased-array antenna design that incorporates liquid crystal molecules between substrates, using a power feeder, radiator, ground electrode, and transmission electrode to shift radio-frequency signal phases through electric field manipulation, reducing the need for multiple phase shifters by allowing a single phase-shifting unit to produce multiple phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase shifters are provided in each antenna unit to enable phase adjustment, then the main lobe direction of the antenna beam can be adjusted, but the number of phase shifters increases, leading to high manufacturing cost and high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal phase shifter integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both the phase control element and the tuning mechanism. By applying different voltages to the liquid crystal molecules, the same physical structure can produce multiple phase shifts (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, etc.), eliminating the need for multiple separate phase shifters or electronic switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the liquid crystal molecules through voltage control, which alters their dielectric constant and optical properties. This parameter change enables continuous phase adjustment from a single phase shifter structure, replacing the discrete selection of multiple fixed phase shifters.
2Device complexity
If a fixed phase shifter is used in each antenna unit, then the structure is simple, but the antenna can only form a beam with a specific main lobe direction that cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the fixed phase shifter into a dynamic, adjustable component. The liquid crystal phase shifter can change its phase shift characteristic in real-time by applying different control voltages, enabling the antenna beam direction to be dynamically adjusted without changing the physical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A single liquid crystal phase shifter structure performs multiple functions: it provides fixed phase shifts when no voltage is applied, and enables continuous phase adjustment when voltage is applied, combining the simplicity of fixed structures with the flexibility of adjustable systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic switches are used to select different phase shifters, then phase adjustment is achieved, but the number of components increases, causing high manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the switching function from the phase control system. Instead of using electronic switches to select between multiple phase shifters, the liquid crystal phase shifter directly provides multiple phase states through voltage control, eliminating the need for separate switching components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the phase shifting function and the switching function into a single liquid crystal phase shifter. The same device that provides phase shifting also provides the selection capability through voltage-controlled state changes, reducing the total number of components.
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 design decreases the number of phase shifters, lowers manufacturing costs, and enables continuous adjustment of the main lobe direction of the antenna beam, improving phase accuracy and reducing signal loss.
Implementation Method 1
deflecting the liquid crystal molecules of the phase-shifting unit by an electric field formed by the transmission electrode and the ground electrode, in such a manner that a dielectric constant of the liquid crystal molecules is changed to shift a phase of a radio-frequency signal transmitted in the transmission electrode
Implementation Method 2
deflecting the liquid crystal molecules of the phase-shifting unit by an electric field formed by the transmission electrode and the ground electrode
Implementation Method 3
deflecting the liquid crystal molecules of the phase-shifting unit by an electric field formed by the transmission electrode and the ground electrode
Implementation Method 4
Radio-frequency signals radiated by the plurality of phase-shifting units interfere with each other to form the beam having the main lobe direction
Data Source
AI summary
A phased-array antenna and a method for controlling the same are provided. The phased-array antenna includes first and second substrates between which a cavity is formed. Phase-shifting units in the cavity each includes: a power feeder located on a surface of the first substrate facing away from the second substrate and connected to a radio-frequency signal terminal, a radiator located on the surface and insulated from the power feeder, a ground electrode located on a surface of the first substrate facing towards the second substrate. The ground electrode connects to the ground signal terminal and overlaps with the power feeder and the radiator and includes a first and a second openings. A transmission electrode located on a surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate and connects to the control signal line.