Liquid Crystal Phased-Array Antenna Phase Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing phased-array antennas require a large number of phase shifters, leading to high costs and power consumption, especially in advanced communication systems like 5G and 6G, due to their fixed phase-shifting capabilities, which limit the adjustability of the main lobe direction of the wave beam.
Innovation Solution
A phased-array antenna design utilizing a cavity with phase-shifting units that include a power feeder, radiator, ground electrode, and liquid crystals, where the dielectric constant of the liquid crystals changes under an electric field to phase-shift radio frequency signals, allowing for adjustable main lobe direction without the need for multiple phase shifters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If each antenna unit includes multiple phase shifters with electronic switches to achieve adjustable main lobe direction, then the adaptability of the antenna system is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using liquid crystal materials whose dielectric constant can be dynamically adjusted through voltage control. Instead of using multiple discrete phase shifters, the system changes the electrical parameter (dielectric constant) of the liquid crystal to achieve continuous phase adjustment of the radio frequency signal, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electronic switching system (multiple phase shifters and electronic switches) with a field-based control mechanism using liquid crystals. The phase shifting is achieved through electromagnetic field interaction with the liquid crystal material rather than through physical switching between multiple discrete phase shifter components
2Adaptability or versatility
If each antenna unit includes multiple phase shifters to enable phase adjustment, then the versatility of the phased-array antenna is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses voltage-controlled dielectric constant changes in liquid crystals to achieve phase shifting. By dynamically adjusting the voltage parameter applied to the liquid crystal, the dielectric constant changes, which in turn changes the phase of the radio frequency signal. This continuous parameter adjustment replaces the need for multiple powered phase shifter components, reducing overall power consumption
3Ease of manufacture
If the number of phase shifters is reduced to lower manufacturing cost, then the manufacturing cost is improved, but the ability to adjust main lobe direction may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves cost reduction by eliminating multiple phase shifter components while preserving adjustability through parameter changes in the liquid crystal material. The dielectric constant of the liquid crystal can be continuously adjusted via voltage control, enabling the same phase adjustment functionality that would traditionally require multiple discrete phase shifters, thus lowering manufacturing cost without sacrificing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal-based phase-shifting structure serves multiple functions: it provides continuous phase adjustment, enables main lobe direction control, and reduces component count. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized phase shifter units, achieving both cost reduction and functional versatility
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 reduces the number of phase shifters required, lowers manufacturing costs, and enables continuous adjustment of the main lobe direction, improving the efficiency and flexibility of the phased-array antenna.
Implementation Method 1
deflecting the plurality of liquid crystals of each of the plurality of phase-shifting units under an electric field formed by the driving electrode and the ground electrode in such a manner that a dielectric constant of the plurality of liquid crystals changes, so as to phase-shift the radio frequency signal transmitted in the power feeder
Implementation Method 2
liquid crystals located between the first substrate and the second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a phased-array antenna and a control method thereof. The phased-array antenna includes two parallel substrates attached by sealant into a cavity filled with liquid crystals, a plurality of phase-shifting units is provided in the cavity defined. Each unit comprises: a power feeder electrically connected to a radio frequency signal terminal, a radiator electrically connected to the power feeder, a ground electrode electrically connected to a ground signal terminal but electrically insulated from the power feeder and the radiator respectively, and a driving electrode electrically connected to a control signal wire. The orthographic projections of the driving electrode, the power feeder, and the ground electrode overlap on one substrate.