MEMS-Switched Tunable Antenna for Fast Frequency Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency-reconfigurable antennas using liquid crystals have long response times due to the reliance on liquid crystal molecule deflection under an electric field, which hinders efficient frequency reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A tunable antenna design utilizing MEMS switches with cantilever beams and drive electrodes to control conduction between microstrip feeders and antennas, allowing for rapid frequency reconfiguration by adjusting the state of the cantilever beams with driving voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liquid crystal is used to realize frequency reconfiguration, then frequency reconfiguration can be achieved, but response time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid crystal-based frequency reconfiguration mechanism with a MEMS switch-based mechanism. The MEMS switch uses mechanical movement of a cantilever beam to control signal routing between different antenna elements, enabling frequency reconfiguration without relying on liquid crystal molecule deflection. This substitution dramatically reduces response time while maintaining frequency reconfiguration capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are arranged to achieve frequency reconfiguration, then frequency bands can be adjusted, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated antenna array structure that shares common feed networks and control mechanisms. By merging the functionality of multiple independent antennas into a unified structure with shared components, the patent achieves frequency reconfiguration capability while minimizing the overall device footprint suitable for mobile phones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the antenna system with multi-functional capability where a single antenna array can operate across multiple frequency bands by adjusting the excitation states of different antenna elements through MEMS switches. This universal design allows the same physical structure to serve multiple frequency communication needs without requiring separate dedicated antennas for each band.
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 MEMS switch-based design enables fast frequency reconfiguration, reducing response time and minimizing electromagnetic interference while maintaining a compact size, suitable for miniaturized devices like mobile phones.
Implementation Method 1
the drive electrode is configured to apply a driving voltage; and the cantilever beam includes a fixed end and a movable end, and the movable end is configured to contact with or separate from the antenna under an action of the driving voltage
Implementation Method 2
the control switch is configured to control conduction between the microstrip feeder and at least one of the plurality of antennas, so as to output the coupling signal provided by the microstrip feeder into electromagnetic waves of different frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a tunable antenna, a method for preparing the tunable antenna and an electronic device, wherein the tunable antenna includes a substrate, and a microstrip feeder and a plurality of antennas arranged at intervals on a side of the substrate, wherein the microstrip feeder is configured to provide a coupling signal; and a control switch, arranged between the microstrip feeder and the plurality of antennas, and/or between at least two adjacent antennas the plurality of antennas, wherein the control switch is configured to control conduction between the microstrip feeder and at least one of the plurality of antennas, so as to output the coupling signal provided by the microstrip feeder into electromagnetic waves of different frequency bands.