Phase-shifting cell for an antenna reflectarray
US7042397B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01Q21/062
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to phase-shifting cells constituting the passive reflectarrays of antennas with a reconfigurable transmission direction, transmitting in the microwave range. More particularly, the invention describes, within the context of phase-shifting cells of the type having dipole strands angularly distributed in a star configuration, a novel type of switch consisting of a microelectromechanical device essentially comprising a suspended micromembrane which, under the action of an electrostatic force caused by a control voltage, deforms sufficiently to ensure electrical connection between the strands, making it possible to form a dipole in the desired orientation. In one particular embodiment, the micromembrane can be likened to one of the plates of a capacitor and its deformation corresponds to a substantial increase in the capacitance of this capacitor, thus providing the electrical connection. This switch technology has the advantages of greater fabrication simplicity and of enhanced performance compared with the known technologies. The invention provides the main geometrical and technological characteristics for obtaining optimized performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.