Intelligent Reflecting Surface Structure for Stable Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phased array antennas and intelligent reflecting surfaces face challenges in maintaining consistent phase differences between high-frequency signals or radio waves due to variations in dielectric constants of liquid crystals, affecting directionality and radio wave control.
Innovation Solution
A structure comprising a first substrate with patch electrodes and a second substrate with a common electrode, separated by a liquid crystal layer, where voltages applied to the patch electrodes adjust the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer, controlling the phase and direction of radio waves, and using transparent conductive materials for power pads to prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid crystal is used to control phase difference in phased array antennas and intelligent reflecting surfaces, then electrical control of directionality is achieved, but the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal varies with frequency, causing inconsistent phase differences and affecting directionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the thickness of the liquid crystal layer to compensate for frequency variations. Specifically, the liquid crystal layer thickness is designed to be in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm, which optimizes the phase control characteristics across different frequency bands. This parameter adjustment ensures that the phase difference between adjacent antenna elements remains consistent even when operating frequencies vary, thereby resolving the contradiction between electrical controllability and phase consistency.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional power supply pads are used in the liquid crystal display structure, then electrical connection is achieved, but the pads are susceptible to atmospheric corrosion, reducing product reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining a transparent conductive material (such as ITO - indium tin oxide) with the liquid crystal display structure for the power supply pads. This transparent conductive material layer is formed on the substrate and serves both as an electrical connection element and as a corrosion-resistant component. The composite structure maintains electrical functionality while providing protection against atmospheric corrosion, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
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 precise control of radio wave reflection and direction, enhancing communication environments by maintaining consistent phase differences and reducing sensitivity to frequency components, while ensuring high product reliability and resistance to atmospheric corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal needs to be adjusted such that the phase difference between the high-frequency signals input to adjacent antenna elements becomes constant
Implementation Method 2
a first substrate including a plurality of patch electrodes and a first power supply pad, a second substrate including a common electrode and a first power receiving pad, a liquid crystal layer held between the first substrate and the second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an intelligent reflecting surface includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a sealing material, a liquid crystal layer, and a first transfer. The first substrate includes a plurality of patch electrodes, and a first power supply pad. The second substrate includes a common electrode, and a first power receiving pad electrically connected to the common electrode. The first transfer is in contact with the first power supply pad and the first power receiving pad. An uppermost layer of the first power supply pad, which is in contact with the first transfer, is formed of a transparent conductive material. The first power receiving pad is formed of a transparent conductive material. The common electrode is formed of metal.