Phased Array Antenna Via Feed Structure for Lower Insert Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Liquid crystal phased array antennas face challenges with inefficient energy transmission and large space requirements due to coupling feed methods, leading to high loss and limited device volume and weight.
Innovation Solution
The antenna design incorporates a conductive member that directly connects the feed structure to the electrode layer through vias in the dielectric substrate, reducing the need for multiple reference electrode layers and minimizing layout space, thereby improving energy transmission efficiency and reducing insert loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If coupling feed method is used in liquid crystal phased array antennas, then beam scanning function is achieved, but energy transmission efficiency deteriorates and insert loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex coupling feed structure from the antenna system. By directly connecting the feed electrode to the radiation electrode through vias without intermediate coupling structures, the harmful coupling feed method is eliminated, thereby reducing energy loss and insert loss while maintaining the beam scanning function through phase-shifting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vias as intermediary conductive elements to directly connect the feed electrode layer and radiation electrode layer. These vias serve as efficient mediators for energy transmission, replacing the inefficient coupling feed method and improving energy transmission efficiency while reducing insert loss.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple reference electrode layers are used, then electromagnetic shielding is improved, but layout space increases and device volume expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant reference electrode layers from the antenna structure. By using a simplified feed structure with direct via connections, the need for multiple reference electrode layers is removed, thereby reducing antenna volume and layout space while maintaining electromagnetic performance through the optimized feed design.
3Reliability
If conventional feed structure is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but layout space is large and device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feed electrode, radiation electrode, and connecting vias into an integrated structure. By combining these elements into a unified feed system with direct via connections, the antenna structure is simplified, reducing both layout space and device weight while maintaining reliable electrical connection for beam scanning operation.
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 enhances energy transmission performance and reduces insert loss, allowing for a more compact and lightweight antenna structure.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a tunable dielectric layer that are disposed between the first dielectric substrate and the second dielectric substrate, wherein the tunable dielectric layer is disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an antenna. The antenna includes: at least one phase-shifting structure, a first reference electrode layer, and a feed substrate; wherein each of the at least one phase-shifting structure includes a first dielectric substrate, a second dielectric substrate, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a tunable dielectric layer; a first via is defined in the first reference electrode layer; the feed substrate includes a first dielectric layer and a feed structure, and a second via is defined in the first dielectric layer; and the antenna further includes a conductive member, wherein the feed structure includes a main circuit and at least one branch circuit, one of the at least one branch circuit is electrically connected to the conductive member, the conductive member is electrically connected to the first electrode layer through the first via, the second via, and a third via.