Phase-Change Antenna Element for Compact High-Frequency Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency antenna arrays face challenges due to large size and high costs, primarily attributed to the use of varactors with low cut-off frequencies and complex manufacturing processes, which are difficult to implement in 6G communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
The antenna element incorporates a tuning member and an electronic control component, including a heating member and electrodes, to induce phase transitions between metallic and insulating phases using thermal pulses, allowing for a compact design and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If varactors are used to achieve reconfigurable characteristics in antenna arrays, then the antenna array can be reconfigured, but the size becomes large and the cut-off frequency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition materials that can switch between metallic and insulating phases through thermal stimulation. This phase transition mechanism enables the antenna elements to be reconfigured without requiring large varactor components, thereby achieving adaptability while maintaining compact size and high cut-off frequency performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical control mechanism (varactors) with a thermal control mechanism. By using heating members to induce phase transitions in the tuning members, the system achieves reconfigurability through thermal fields instead of electrical fields, eliminating the need for large varactor components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple varactors are disposed in the antenna array to achieve reconfigurability, then the antenna characteristics can be adjusted, but the manufacturing costs and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the varactor component from the antenna array design. By replacing varactors with phase transition materials controlled by heating members, the system removes the need for multiple expensive electronic components, thereby reducing manufacturing and production costs while maintaining reconfigurable functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from electrical voltage (required by varactors) to thermal energy (applied to phase transition materials). This parameter change enables the use of simpler, cheaper materials and manufacturing processes, reducing overall system cost while achieving the same reconfigurable effect
3Ease of manufacture
If varactors with low cut-off frequency are used, then the antenna array can be manufactured, but it cannot meet the requirements of high-frequency communication technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition materials that inherently support high-frequency operation. The phase transition mechanism occurs rapidly and can be controlled at high frequencies, enabling the antenna array to meet high-frequency communication requirements while remaining manufacturable through conventional techniques
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 solution enables intelligent reconfigurability with reduced material and manufacturing costs, supports high-frequency communication, and improves stability and reliability by minimizing parasitic effects and short circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The heating member is configured to: when the control circuit inputs a voltage pulse to the first electrode and the second electrode, convert the voltage pulse into a thermal pulse, and conduct the thermal pulse to the tuning member
Implementation Method 2
The tuning member is used to induce phase transition between a metallic phase and an insulating phase when being subjected to the thermal pulse
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide an antenna element, an antenna array, a communication apparatus, and a control method. The antenna element includes a radiator, a tuning member, and an electronic control component. The electronic control component includes a heating member, a first electrode, and a second electrode. One end of the heating member is connected to the tuning member, the other end of the heating member is electrically connected to both one end of the first electrode and one end of the second electrode, and both the other end of the first electrode and the other end of the second electrode are electrically connected to a control circuit. The heating member is configured to: when the control circuit inputs a voltage pulse to the first electrode and the second electrode, convert the voltage pulse into a thermal pulse, and conduct the thermal pulse to the tuning member. The tuning member is used to induce phase transition between a metallic phase and an insulating phase when being subjected to the thermal pulse. This enables the antenna element to be designed in a compact size, allowing the antenna array to be used in high-frequency bands. Moreover, the tuning member is simple to manufacture and low in costs, thereby effectively reducing material costs and manufacturing costs of the antenna array.