Abstract
In various fields such as the 5G antenna system and satellite communication system, there is a growing demand to develop a smart antenna with a frequency selective or beamforming function within a limited space. While antennas utilizing mechanical, electronic, and material characteristics are being studied, a method of having tunable frequency characteristics by applying a liquid crystal material with dielectric anisotropy to a planar patch antenna is proposed. In resonance mode, the design method for using only the minimum amount of expensive liquid crystals is systematically arranged while maximizing the amount of change in the operating frequency of the antenna by considering the electric field distribution on the surface of the patch antenna. Furthermore, to increase the dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal must be aligned. Simultaneously, in cases where the cell gap of the liquid crystal exceeds 100 μm, the alignment force is weakened. While compensating for this shortcoming, securing the radiation characteristics of the antenna is proposed, and simulations are performed.
Highlights
Research on a multi-functional smart antenna is actively conducted
As mentioned in the previous chapter, the operating frequency of the patch antenna is determined according to the patch length in the wave propagation direction, and radiation mainly occurs at both ends of the wave propagation direction
Considering the electric field distribution on the surface, the analysis is conducted through simulation to see how the frequency change rate changes while partially injecting a liquid crystal
Summary
Research on a multi-functional smart antenna is actively conducted. Systems that can quickly exchange large amounts of information, such as satellite communications, next-generation mobile networks, and radar systems, are required [1,2]. We propose applying a liquid crystal to a frequency tunable patch antenna for a microwave frequency band. This liquid crystal is being actively studied in the field of an antenna for variable frequency [16–20] and an electronic beamforming antenna for the mm-wave frequency band [21–26]. Considering the electricfield distribution on the surface of the patch antenna and the polarization ratio inside the liquid crystal according to the thickness of the antenna substrate, a design method that optimizes the injection position and quantity of liquid crystals in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the antenna surface was developed. Materials 2021, 14, 932 optimizes the injection position and quantity of liquid crystals in the directions parallel and perpendicular to the antenna surface was developed
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