Liquid Crystal Phase Shifter With Shielded Electrodes for Low-Loss Microwaves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase shifters, such as ferrite and PIN diode phase shifters, suffer from large losses, slow response times, high power consumption, and significant electromagnetic radiation, making them unsuitable for high-speed and low-power electronic communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal phase shifter is designed with a configuration of substrates, electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer that changes the dielectric constant of the phase shifter by applying different voltages, reducing electromagnetic radiation through shielding electrodes and optimizing the dielectric constants of materials to achieve efficient phase shifting of microwave signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ferrite or PIN diode phase shifters are used, then phase shifting function is achieved, but electromagnetic radiation increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid crystal layer as an intermediary substance between the electrodes to achieve phase shifting. The liquid crystal material responds to electric fields by changing its dielectric constant, which modifies the phase of microwave signals without requiring high-power switching devices like PIN diodes or ferrite materials, thereby reducing both electromagnetic radiation and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter (dielectric constant) of the liquid crystal material through voltage control. By applying different voltages to the electrodes, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer is dynamically adjusted, enabling continuous phase shifting of microwave signals without the need for high-power switching components that generate electromagnetic radiation.
2Speed
If ferrite or PIN diode phase shifters are used, then phase shifting function is achieved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or high-power electronic switching mechanisms (ferrite devices, PIN diodes) with an electric field-controlled liquid crystal system. The liquid crystal molecules respond rapidly to electric field changes by reorienting themselves, providing fast response times while maintaining reliable phase shifting performance through precise voltage control.
3Loss of energy
If ferrite or PIN diode phase shifters are used, then phase shifting function is achieved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of liquid crystal material between transparent electrodes and substrate layers. This composite design allows for low-loss microwave propagation while achieving the desired phase shifting function. The liquid crystal layer, being a homogeneous isotropic dielectric material, introduces minimal insertion loss compared to ferrite or PIN diode-based solutions, while maintaining reliable phase control.
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 liquid crystal phase shifter achieves low loss and low power consumption, with reduced electromagnetic interference, enabling high-speed and efficient phase shifting suitable for advanced electronic communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to generate an electric field when being provided with different voltages, respectively, to change a dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer
Implementation Method 2
to change a dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer so as to adjust a phase shifting degree of a microwave signal
Implementation Method 3
the first shielding electrode and the second shielding electrode are configured to shield radiation generated by the first electrode and the second electrode when the different voltages are applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid crystal phase shifter and an antenna are provided. The liquid crystal phase shifter includes: first and second substrates opposite to each other, a liquid crystal layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode that are between the first and second substrates, a first shielding electrode on a side of the first substrate distal to the liquid crystal layer, and a second shielding electrode on a side of the second substrate distal to the liquid crystal layer. The first and second electrodes generate an electric field when being provided with different voltages, respectively, to change a dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer so as to adjust a phase shifting degree of a microwave signal. The first and second shielding electrodes shield radiation generated by the first and second electrodes when the different voltages are applied to the first and second electrodes, respectively.