Phase-Change Antenna Cell for Dynamic Beam Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmitarray and reflectarray antennas lack the ability to dynamically modify the phase of radiated waves, particularly in the frequency range of 50 to 350 GHz, and have high electric power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating phase-change material switches, such as chalcogenide materials, into the antenna elements to enable electronic phase control, with each switch comprising a region in contact with conductive regions and a heater for temperature control, allowing switching between phase states and reducing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional transmitarray or reflectarray antennas are used, then the antenna structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the phase of radiated waves cannot be dynamically modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic phase controlVSAvoidantenna structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the antenna phase characteristics dynamically adjustable through phase-change material switches. Each elementary cell contains switches that can change their electrical properties in response to control signals, enabling real-time modification of the radiated wave phase without mechanical displacement. This transforms a static antenna structure into a dynamic one capable of adaptive beamforming and phase control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing phase-change materials that alter their electrical properties (such as dielectric constant or conductivity) in response to external stimuli like temperature or electrical fields. These parameter changes in the material properties enable dynamic phase control of the radiated waves, allowing the antenna to adapt its characteristics without changing its physical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional switches are used in antenna elements, then the antenna can be reconfigured, but the electric power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies phase transitions by utilizing materials that change their physical state (such as from amorphous to crystalline phase) in response to thermal or electrical stimulation. These phase transitions enable the switches to change their electrical properties with low energy consumption, as the phase change itself acts as the switching mechanism rather than requiring continuous power input to maintain a state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by using pulsed or intermittent control signals to trigger phase changes in the material. Instead of continuous power application, brief periodic pulses are sufficient to induce the phase transition and achieve the desired switching effect, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reconfigurability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If phase-change material switches are incorporated into antenna elements, then electronic phase control is enabled with decreased power consumption, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric power consumptionVSAvoidswitch structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the phase-change material directly into the antenna element structure, combining the switching function with the radiating element. This integration eliminates the need for separate switch components and reduces interconnections, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the advanced material requirements. The multi-functional design merges phase control and radiation functions into a single unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 electronic phase control in the specified frequency range with decreased electric power consumption, allowing for dynamic modification of beam characteristics without mechanical displacement.

Implementation Method 1

at least two switches made of a phase-change material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

each switch made of a phase-change material comprises a region of said phase-change material located on top of and in contact with first and second separate conductive regions of a patch antenna

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12126094B2Transmit or reflectarray antenna cell

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

The present description concerns a transmitarray or reflectarray cell (105), comprising at least two switches made of a phase-change material.