Variable dielectric constant-based antenna and array
An antenna and antenna array are provided. A radiating elements and corresponding feed lines are provided over a variable dielectric constant material sandwiched between two panels. The sandwich may be in the form of an LCD. The dielectric constant in a selected area under the conductive line can be varied to control the phase of the radiating element. The dielectric constant in a selected area under the radiating element can be varied to control the resonance frequency of the radiating element. The dielectric constant in a selected area under the conductive line can be varied to also control the polarization of the radiating element.
1. An antenna comprising:
a back panel having a conductive layer provided on a surface thereof;
a top panel;
a variable dielectric constant material sandwiched between the back panel and the top panel;
at least one radiating element provided over the top panel; and,
at least one conductive line provided over the top panel and coupled to the at least one radiating element.
2. The antenna of claim 1 , wherein the variable dielectric constant material comprises liquid crystal.
3. The antenna of claim 2 , wherein the back panel and the top panel comprise an insulating material.
4. The antenna of claim 3 , further comprising:
at least one electrode provided on the top panel;
an insulating layer provided over the electrode; and,
wherein the at least one radiating element and the at least one conductive line are provided over the insulating layer.
5. The antenna of claim 4 , wherein the variable dielectric constant material is provided in defined zones.
6. The antenna of claim 5 , wherein the common electrode, back panel, liquid crystal, top panel and electrode comprise a liquid crystal display.
7. The antenna of claim 4 , further comprising a power source coupled to the at least one electrode.
8. A scanning antenna array, comprising:
a back panel;
a top panel;
a plurality of zones of variable dielectric constant material sandwiched between the back panel and the top panel;
a plurality of radiating elements provided over the top panel;
a plurality of conductive line provided over the top panel and each coupled to a respective one of the plurality of radiating elements, each of the conductive lines traversing over at least one of the zones.
9. The antenna of claim 8 , wherein each of the zones further comprises an electrode.
10. The antenna of claim 9 , further comprising an insulating layer provided over the electrodes, and wherein the radiating elements and the conductive lines are provided over the insulating layer.
11. The antenna of claim 9 , wherein each of the electrodes is coupled to a power source.
12. The antenna of claim 8 , wherein the dielectric constant of at least one of the zones is made to differ from the dielectric constant of at least one other zone.
13. A method of manufacturing an antenna, comprising:
providing a back panel;
fabricating a conductive layer on bottom surface of the back panel;
providing a top panel;
sandwiching a variable dielectric constant material between the back panel and the top panel;
providing at least one radiating element over the top panel;
providing at least one conductive line over the top panel and coupling the conductive line to the radiating element.
14. The method of manufacturing antenna of claim 13 , wherein the step of sandwiching comprises sandwiching the variable dielectric constant in a plurality of zones.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising:
providing a plurality of electrode, each electrode provided over a respective one of the zones;
providing a dielectric layer between the electrodes and the at least one radiating element and the conductive line.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the step of sandwiching a variable dielectric constant material comprises sandwiching a liquid crystal in a plurality of zones.
17. The method of claim 13 , wherein the steps of providing a back panel, providing a top panel, and sandwiching a variable dielectric constant material between the back panel and the top panel, comprises providing a liquid crystal display.
18. An antenna manufactured by the process comprising:
providing a back panel;
fabricating a conductive layer on bottom surface of the back panel;
providing a top panel;
sandwiching a variable dielectric constant material between the back panel and the top panel;
providing at least one radiating element over the top panel;
providing at least one conductive line over the top panel and coupling the conductive line to the radiating element.
19. The antenna of claim 18 , wherein the process of manufacture further comprises:
sandwiching the variable dielectric constant material in a plurality of zones, wherein at least one zone is provided under each of the at least one conductive line.
20. The antenna of claim 19 , wherein the process of manufacture further comprises:
providing a plurality of electrode, each electrode provided over a respective one of the zones;
providing a dielectric layer between the electrodes and the at least one radiating element and the at least one conductive line.