Dual-Substrate Microwave Feed With Liquid Crystal Phase Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dielectric adjustable phase shifters have high loss and a low phase shifting degree per unit loss, limiting their effectiveness in communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A dual-substrate feeding structure with a dielectric layer and phase shifting structure that forms a current loop with input, receiving, and reference electrodes, utilizing a liquid crystal layer to achieve a phase difference of 180° between microwave signals, enhancing phase shifting capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-line transmission structure is used to achieve phase shifting, then the device structure is simple, but the loss is high and phase shifting degree per unit loss is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single transmission line into two separate transmission lines (first and second transmission lines) with different path lengths. This segmentation allows the microwave signal to be split into two paths, where one path experiences more phase delay than the other, achieving phase shifting without requiring high loss in a single line. The segmented structure reduces the phase shifting degree per unit loss compared to traditional single-line approaches.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-line transmission structure is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the phase shifting efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-line (one-dimensional) transmission structure to a dual-line (two-dimensional) transmission structure. By introducing a second transmission line with a different path length and configuring them in parallel, the system achieves phase shifting in an additional dimensional space. This dimensional expansion allows for more efficient phase control while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized dual-line configurations.
3Device complexity
If traditional dielectric adjustment methods are used, then the phase shifting mechanism is simple, but the phase shifting degree per unit loss is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter from dielectric constant adjustment to transmission line path length difference. Instead of adjusting the dielectric constant of a single line to achieve phase shifting, the system uses two transmission lines with fixed dielectric properties but different physical lengths. This parameter change allows phase shifting to be achieved through geometric configuration rather than material property adjustment, improving loss efficiency while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
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 dual-substrate structure reduces signal loss and increases phase shifting efficiency by forming a high-capacitance liquid crystal capacitor, allowing for a larger phase shifting degree compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the input electrode, the receiving electrode and the phase shifting structure all form a current loop with the reference electrode
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric layer between the first substrate and the second substrate
Implementation Method 3
an output terminal of at least one of the input electrode and the receiving electrode is connected to a phase shifting structure to differ a phase of a microwave signal transmitted via the first substrate from a phase of a microwave signal transmitted via the second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding structure is provided that includes a reference electrode, first and second substrates opposite to each other, and a dielectric layer between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a first base plate and an input electrode on a side of the first base plate proximal to the dielectric layer. The second substrate includes a second base plate and a receiving electrode on a side of the second base plate proximal to the dielectric layer, and orthographic projections of the receiving electrode and the input electrode on the first base plate at least partially overlaps each other to form a coupling structure. An output terminal of the input electrode or the receiving electrode is connected to a phase shifting structure to differ a phase of a microwave signal transmitted via the first substrate from a phase of a microwave signal transmitted via the second substrate.