Phase-Transition Antenna Element for Compact 6G Reconfigurability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-frequency antenna arrays face challenges due to large varactor sizes, high costs, and low cut-off frequencies, making them unsuitable for 6G communication technologies, and the use of lasers for phase transition increases costs and implementation difficulties.

Innovation Solution

An antenna element with a tuning member and electronic control component, including a heating member and electrodes, converts voltage pulses into thermal pulses to induce phase transitions in the tuning member, allowing for intelligent reconfigurability and reducing size and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If varactors are used for reconfigurable antenna array, then reconfigurable characteristic is achieved, but device size increases and cut-off frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurable characteristicVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameter from electrical (varactor capacitance) to thermal (phase transition temperature), enabling smaller device size while maintaining reconfigurable characteristics through phase transition of the tuning member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical varactor system with a thermal phase transition system, substituting the mechanical/electrical control mechanism with a thermal field-based control mechanism that achieves the same reconfigurable effect with smaller dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple varactors are disposed in antenna array, then reconfigurable characteristic is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconfigurable characteristicVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the expensive varactor components from the antenna array design and replaces them with a simpler phase transition-based tuning member that achieves the same function at lower cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a tuning member based on phase transition materials that can be manufactured at low cost, replacing the expensive and complex varactor components while maintaining the reconfigurable functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If lasers are used for phase transition control, then tuning is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetuning capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the complex laser-based control system with a simpler thermal field control mechanism, using temperature changes to induce phase transitions in the tuning member, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining tuning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a thermal field as an intermediary between the control signal and the phase transition, replacing the direct laser-optical interaction with a thermal mediation process that simplifies the overall control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 small-sized, low-cost, high-frequency operation with improved stability and reliability, meeting the requirements of 6G communication technologies by using a simple structure and low-cost materials.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS20260081356A1Antenna element, antenna array, communication apparatus, and control method

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

An antenna element, an antenna array, a communication apparatus, and a control method, where 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 convert the voltage pulse into a thermal pulse, and conduct the thermal pulse to the tuning member, when the control circuit inputs a voltage pulse to the first electrode and the second electrode.