Liquid Crystal Signal Conditioner for Antenna Sidelobe Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal phased array antennas in existing technologies cannot adjust the amplitude of electromagnetic wave signals, making it difficult to reduce sidelobes of the directional pattern.
Innovation Solution
A signal conditioner comprising a microstrip line, insulating layers, electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer, where the liquid crystal layer covers the microstrip line and electrodes, allowing for the adjustment of electromagnetic wave signal amplitude by applying voltages to the electrodes, thereby changing the dielectric constants and phases of the signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal phase shifter is added to antenna element, then phase adjustment is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid crystal phase shifter is integrated directly into the antenna element structure, merging the phase control function with the radiating element. This combination eliminates the need for separate phase shifting components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining phase adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter operates by changing the dielectric constant of liquid crystal material through voltage control, which directly modifies the electrical length of the antenna element. This parameter-based control method provides phase adjustment without adding mechanical moving parts or complex switching networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antenna elements with phase shifters are used, then scanning and sidelobe reduction are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is designed as multiple identical, modular antenna elements that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. Each element contains an integrated liquid crystal phase shifter with the same structure, allowing for standardized production processes and simplified quality control across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal phase shifter uses voltage-controlled dielectric constant changes to achieve phase adjustment, which can be programmed and controlled electronically. This electronic control method simplifies manufacturing compared to mechanical phase shifters, as it requires only voltage delivery networks rather than precise mechanical alignment mechanisms for each element.
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
Enables the adjustment of electromagnetic wave signal amplitude, reducing sidelobes and improving the anti-interference ability of the antenna device by changing the amplitude and phase of the signal.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for the adjustment of electromagnetic wave signal amplitude by applying voltages to the electrodes, thereby changing the dielectric constants and phases of the signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a signal conditioner, an antenna device and a manufacturing method. The signal conditioner includes: a microstrip line including a first portion and a second portion; an insulating layer including a first insulating layer covering the first portion; at least one electrode; a liquid crystal layer covering the microstrip line, the insulating layer, and the at least one electrode; and a common electrode line. A first end of the first portion is connected to a first end of the second portion. A second end of the first portion is connected to a second end of the second portion. The at least one electrode includes a first electrode on a side of the first insulating layer facing away from the first portion. The common electrode line is on a side of the liquid crystal layer facing away from the microstrip line.