Temperature-Controlled Phase-Shift Antenna for Stable Beam Pointing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antennas face performance deterioration due to temperature-induced changes in the dielectric constant of phase shifter dielectric layers, leading to narrowed phase shift ranges and increased insertion loss.
Innovation Solution
The antenna design includes a feed layer, a phase adjustment layer with tunable dielectric materials, and a radiation layer with specifically configured radiation patches. A temperature control unit is integrated to manage the operating temperature of the phase adjustment layer, utilizing flow channels, electric heating sheets, and semiconductor refrigeration sheets to maintain optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature control units (heating sheets, refrigeration sheets, flow channels) are integrated into the antenna structure, then temperature stability and performance consistency are improved, but device complexity and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control units (heating sheets, refrigeration sheets, or flow channels) are nested within or integrated into the antenna structure layers. The phase adjustment layer is positioned between the feed layer and radiation layer, with temperature control elements embedded in the same structure, creating a compact nested configuration that maintains performance consistency while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control function is merged with the antenna structure by integrating heating sheets, refrigeration sheets, or flow channels directly into the antenna layers. This combining approach allows the temperature control system to share the same structural space as the antenna components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable temperature stability.
2Measurement precision
If temperature control units are integrated into the antenna, then beam pointing accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna structure is segmented into distinct functional layers (feed layer, phase adjustment layer, radiation layer) with temperature control units assigned to specific layers. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately before assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling precise beam pointing through controlled phase adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses temperature as a controllable parameter to adjust the dielectric constant of the phase adjustment layer, thereby controlling beam pointing accuracy. By changing the temperature parameter through integrated control units, the system achieves precise beam control without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, simplifying the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dielectric layer with high dielectric constant is used in the phase shifter, then phase shift range is improved, but temperature sensitivity increases causing performance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements temperature control units (heating sheets, refrigeration sheets, or flow channels) that provide active feedback control to the phase adjustment layer. These units monitor and adjust the temperature of the dielectric layer to maintain optimal operating conditions, compensating for temperature-induced changes in dielectric constant and ensuring consistent phase shift range across varying environmental temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention actively manages the temperature parameter of the dielectric layer to counteract temperature sensitivity. By using integrated temperature control units that can heat or cool the phase adjustment layer, the system maintains a stable dielectric constant despite environmental temperature variations, preserving the intended phase shift range and performance characteristics.
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
This design effectively stabilizes the antenna's performance across varying temperatures by maintaining a consistent phase shift range and reducing insertion loss, thereby enhancing beam pointing accuracy and reducing side lobe elevation.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor refrigeration sheet, and configured to actively cool the phase adjustment layer
Implementation Method 2
an electric heating sheet, and configured to actively warm the phase adjustment layer
Implementation Method 3
a flow channels structure, and configured to passively cool the phase adjustment layer by passing a coolant through the flow channels
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an antenna and electronic device, and belongs to the field of communication technology. The antenna includes a feed layer, a phase adjustment layer, and a radiation layer, wherein the feed layer is configured to transmit a microwave signal to the phase adjustment layer; the phase adjustment layer is configured to phase-shift the microwave signal by a preset phase shift amount; and the radiation layer is configured to radiate the microwave signal phase-shifted by the phase adjustment layer; the radiation layer includes at least one first radiation patch.