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EP2139066B1 - Reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna - Google Patents

Reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2139066B1
EP2139066B1 EP09163514.4A EP09163514A EP2139066B1 EP 2139066 B1 EP2139066 B1 EP 2139066B1 EP 09163514 A EP09163514 A EP 09163514A EP 2139066 B1 EP2139066 B1 EP 2139066B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
fluid substance
electrodes
antenna according
matrix
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP09163514.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2139066A1 (en
Inventor
Emmanuel Dreina
Michel Pons
Marc Berenguer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Publication of EP2139066A1 publication Critical patent/EP2139066A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2139066B1 publication Critical patent/EP2139066B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/01—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the shape of the antenna or antenna system
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/36—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith
    • H01Q1/364—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith using a particular conducting material, e.g. superconductor

Definitions

  • the present invention is in the field of reconfigurable electromagnetic antennas.
  • reconfigurable antennas There are several types of reconfigurable antennas. For example, there are frequency reconfigurable antennas, antennas reconfigurable in polarization or antennas reconfigurable in radiation pattern.
  • a reconfigurable frequency antenna can adapt its radiation frequency and scan a wide spectrum of frequencies. Such an antenna allows, among other things, the reception on the same terminal of several signals each satisfying a different standard.
  • a reconfigurable polarization antenna can change its polarization state (horizontal, vertical, circular or elliptical) to maximize the received or transmitted power of the signal.
  • An antenna reconfigurable radiation pattern can modify its radiation pattern to adapt its directivity to a propagation environment in order, for example, to limit interference phenomena.
  • the reconfiguration of an antenna is not obtained by a mechanical or physical deformation of the antenna or the elements that compose it.
  • the reconfiguration of an antenna can be obtained by switching certain conductive elements that compose it (radiating element, dielectric, ground plane).
  • the reconfiguration of an antenna can also be obtained by varying impedances connected to certain points of the antenna.
  • the devices used for reconfiguration have intrinsic losses that affect the efficiency of the antenna.
  • the radiating element of this antenna consists of a conductive fluid contained in a cavity.
  • This antenna also includes a fluid control system that selectively allows fluid to be added or withdrawn into the cavity thereby varying the size of the radiating element.
  • the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna which comprises a radiating element composed of a fluid substance that conducts electricity, the volume of the fluid substance being variable and which further comprises a matrix of electrodes on which the fluid substance moves by electrowetting.
  • the invention makes it possible to produce an antenna whose radiating element can vary in volume.
  • the phenomenon of electrowetting also allows deformation of the fluid substance in all dimensions.
  • the fluid substance is in the form of at least one drop.
  • the fluid substance is composed of drops, it is easy to vary the volume and the shape of the fluid substance composing the radiating element of the antenna.
  • the antenna according to the invention comprises a reservoir containing the fluid substance and capable of releasing or recovering part of the fluid substance.
  • a part of the fluid substance moves from the reservoir to the electrode matrix or vice versa by electrowetting along an electrode channel.
  • the displacement by electrowetting of the fluid substance is continuous and reversible, thus causing a continuous and reversible deformation of the fluid substance composing the radiating element of the antenna.
  • Reconfiguration of the antenna in frequency, polarization or radiation pattern is continuous and reversible.
  • the antenna according to the invention further comprises a dielectric which electrically isolates the electrodes from the matrix of electrodes and the fluid substance.
  • the presence of a dielectric makes it possible to electrically isolate the electrodes from the electrode matrix and the fluid substance and thus to create a potential difference between the electrodes and the fluid substance.
  • the antenna comprises a radiofrequency port in contact with the fluid substance.
  • the radiofrequency port in contact with the fluid substance composing the radiating element of the antenna makes it possible to make the latter active.
  • the radiofrequency port is a differential port.
  • the antenna according to the invention comprises a ground plane.
  • the ground plane makes it possible to produce antenna structures requiring this type of element such as, for example, planar antennas (for patch in English) or antennas of PIFA type (for Planar Inverted F Antenna in English).
  • the antenna according to the invention further comprises at least one short-circuit element connecting the ground plane to the fluid substance.
  • the short circuit elements make it possible to increase the possible number of configurations of the antenna.
  • the antenna according to the invention comprises a capsule enclosing the various constituent elements of the antenna.
  • the presence of a capsule facilitates the integration of the antenna in any type of device.
  • the invention also relates to a terminal incorporating an antenna as described above.
  • the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna comprising a radiating element composed of an electrically conductive fluid substance, the volume of the fluid substance being variable, which method comprises an insertion step of an electrode matrix on which the fluid substance moves by electrowetting.
  • the figure 1 represents a perspective view of an antenna according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • the reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna according to the invention comprises a fluid substance F, which conducts electricity.
  • the fluid substance F is in the form of one or more drops.
  • the antenna also includes an RF radio frequency port for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals.
  • the RF port is a conductive element that is in contact with at least one drop of the fluid substance.
  • the part of the fluid substance F in contact with the radiofrequency port RF corresponds to the active radiating element of the antenna.
  • This part of the fluid substance F in contact with the radiofrequency port is composed of at least one drop of fluid substance F.
  • the radiating element is composed of several drops, not all the drops need to be in contact with each other. with RF radio port. It suffices then that a drop is in contact with the radiofrequency RF port and that the other drops are in contact with each other and with the drop in contact with the RF radio frequency port.
  • One or more drops of the fluid substance F can be isolated and correspond to passive elements of the antenna.
  • the fluid substance F corresponding to the radiating element of the antenna is presented in the form of several drops. This illustration should not be considered as limiting of the invention.
  • the fluid substance F is made conductive electricity by the introduction into this substance of a conductive substance or particles or fragments of a conductive element. These particles or fragments may be carbon nanotubes or other conductive filaments.
  • the antenna also comprises an electrode matrix M composed of electrodes E.
  • the electrode matrix M is covered with a first substrate or dielectric D 1 which electrically isolates the electrodes E and the drops.
  • the dielectric D 1 may comprise one or more layers of different materials.
  • the layer in contact with the electrodes is of hydrophobic material having a low surface tension such as, for example, Teflon.
  • the RF port is a conductive element that passes through the matrix of electrodes M, the dielectric D 1 to be in contact with at least one drop of the fluid substance F.
  • the figure 2 represents a sectional view along a vertical axis of an antenna according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • This figure shows three drops of the fluid substance F.
  • the fluid substance F is separated from the matrix of electrodes M by the dielectric D 1 .
  • the RF port passes through the matrix of electrodes M, the dielectric D 1 and is in contact with a drop of the fluid substance F.
  • the figure 3 represents a sectional view along a vertical axis of a variant of an antenna according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • the radiofrequency port is a differential port.
  • the differential RF port is composed of two conductive elements RF 1 and RF 2 which pass through the electrode matrix M, the dielectric 1 and D are each in contact with at least one drop of the fluid substance F.
  • the radio frequency signal is then transmitted differentially to the antenna.
  • This variant makes it possible, for example, to produce dipole or loop type antennas.
  • the antenna formed according to the first embodiment of the invention described above operates in the following manner.
  • the drops of the fluid substance F move on the matrix of electrodes M by "electrowetting", that is to say by application of a potential difference (device not shown in FIG. figure 1 ) between the electrodes E.
  • a potential difference can also be created between the drops and the electrodes E.
  • a variable volume of the fluid substance F can be brought into contact with the radio frequency port RF. Contacting a portion or all of the conductive fluid F with the RF port allows the antenna to receive the radio frequency signal.
  • the part, formed of at least one drop, of the fluid substance F in contact with the radiofrequency port RF corresponds to the active radiating element of the antenna.
  • an antenna is produced whose radiant active element can vary in volume and shape.
  • the surface of the volume of the conducting fluid F in contact with the dielectric D 1 can vary.
  • the shape of this surface in contact with the dielectric D 1 can also vary.
  • the angle of contact between each of the points of the surface of the volume of the conductive fluid substance F and the dielectric D 1 can also vary.
  • the evolution of the properties of the antenna is obtained by a reorganization of the drops of the fluid substance F with, where appropriate, a change in the number of drops used to form the radiating active element.
  • the part of the fluid substance F which is not in contact with the RF port acts as a passive element and makes it possible to modify the properties of the antenna, especially in terms of frequency and radiation pattern.
  • the figure 4 represents a perspective view of an antenna according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • the antenna comprises a reservoir R which contains a fluid substance F '.
  • the reservoir R is able to release a portion, particularly in the form of drops, of the fluid substance F 'to an electrode matrix M' composed of electrodes E '.
  • the fluid substance F ' is separated from the electrode matrix M' by a dielectric D ' 1 .
  • the reservoir R can also recover a portion, particularly in the form of drops, of the fluid substance F 'from the matrix of electrodes M'.
  • the drops of the fluid substance F ' move from the reservoir R to the electrode matrix M' or vice versa from the electrode matrix M 'to the reservoir R by electrowetting along a channel C of electrodes.
  • the electrode channel C connects the reservoir R to the electrode matrix M '.
  • the reservoir R makes it possible to release or recover drops of the fluid substance F 'according to the needs and more particularly according to the desired changes in the properties of the antenna.
  • the antenna may not include a passive element.
  • the figure 5 is a top view of a schematic representation of the invention according to the second embodiment described above.
  • the reservoir R connected to the matrix of electrodes M ' is observed by the electrode channel C.
  • the matrix of electrodes M 'and the channel C of electrodes comprise a set of electrodes E'.
  • the figure 6 represents a perspective view of a variant of an antenna according to the invention.
  • the antenna further comprises a ground plane P.
  • the ground plane P is a conducting plane located under the matrix of electrodes M '.
  • the matrix of electrodes M ' is electrically isolated from the ground plane P by a second substrate or dielectric D' 2 .
  • the fluid substance F ' is separated from the electrode matrix M' by the dielectric D ' 1 .
  • the port R'F ' passes through the ground plane P, the dielectric D' 2 , the electrode matrix M ', the dielectric D' 1 before being in contact with a drop of the fluid substance F '.
  • the figure 6 also shows the reservoir R and the electrode channel C according to the chosen illustrative mode of this variant of the invention.
  • the ground plane makes it possible, for example, to obtain a planar antenna (for patch in English) or a PIFA antenna (for Planar Inverted F Antenna in English).
  • the figure 7 represents another variant of an antenna according to the invention from the variant described above.
  • the antenna comprises elements of short circuit CC.
  • These short circuit elements CC are electrically conductive elements which are connected to the ground plane P and pass through the dielectrics D ' 1 and D' 2 so as to be in contact with the fluid substance F '.
  • the short circuit elements CC are not in contact with the electrodes E 'of the electrode matrix M'.
  • the figure 7 also shows the reservoir R and the electrode channel C according to the chosen illustrative mode of this variant of the invention.
  • the conducting fluid F ' is both in contact with the port R'F' and one of the short-circuit elements CC, it is possible to obtain, for example, a PIFA type antenna, whose properties differ from each other. a patch antenna.
  • the number and positioning of short circuit elements CC can be variable. According to one variant, at least one of these short circuit elements CC is connected to an electric dipole (impedance, switch, varicap, etc.), which makes it possible to modify the properties of the antenna.
  • an electric dipole impedance, switch, varicap, etc.
  • the figure 8 represents a sectional view of the antenna according to one of the preceding encapsulated variants.
  • the antenna according to the invention is enclosed in a capsule S.
  • the various constituent elements of the antenna such as, for example, the ground plane P, the radio frequency port RF, the matrix of electrodes M, the dielectrics D 1 and D 2 and the fluid substance F are enclosed in a capsule P consisting of a rigid or semi rigid material.
  • a capsule P consisting of a rigid or semi rigid material.
  • One of the planes L of the capsule P is parallel to the surface of the matrix of electrodes M and in contact with the drops of the fluid substance F.
  • the space G not occupied by the fluid substance F may consist of air, a gas or other non-conductive fluid substance.
  • the invention also relates to a radiocommunication terminal or any communicating object adapted to receive an antenna according to the invention.
  • the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna comprising a radiating element composed of a fluid substance (F, F ') conducting electricity, the volume of the fluid substance (F, F') being variable.
  • This method comprises a step of inserting an electrode matrix (M, M ') on which the fluid substance (F, F') moves by electrowetting.

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Description

La présente invention se situe dans le domaine des antennes électromagnétiques reconfigurables.The present invention is in the field of reconfigurable electromagnetic antennas.

La multiplication des applications sans fil et mobiles, dans un environnement de propagation du signal radiofréquence contraint par des phénomènes d'interférences multiples et d'atténuation du signal, requiert une grande adaptation des terminaux avec un minimum d'impact sur, entre autres, la complexité, la taille, le poids, l'autonomie ou encore le coût de ces terminaux.The proliferation of wireless and mobile applications, in a radiofrequency signal propagation environment constrained by multiple interference and signal attenuation phenomena, requires a great adaptation of the terminals with a minimum of impact on, among other things, the complexity, size, weight, autonomy or the cost of these terminals.

Le développement d'antennes électromagnétiques reconfigurables pour ces terminaux contribue à s'affranchir de ces contraintes.The development of reconfigurable electromagnetic antennas for these terminals helps to overcome these constraints.

Il existe plusieurs types d'antennes reconfigurables. Par exemple, il existe des antennes reconfigurables en fréquence, des antennes reconfigurables en polarisation ou encore des antennes reconfigurables en diagramme de rayonnement.There are several types of reconfigurable antennas. For example, there are frequency reconfigurable antennas, antennas reconfigurable in polarization or antennas reconfigurable in radiation pattern.

Une antenne reconfigurable en fréquence peut adapter sa fréquence de rayonnement et balayer un large spectre de fréquences. Une telle antenne permet, entre autres, la réception sur un même terminal de plusieurs signaux satisfaisant chacun une norme différente.A reconfigurable frequency antenna can adapt its radiation frequency and scan a wide spectrum of frequencies. Such an antenna allows, among other things, the reception on the same terminal of several signals each satisfying a different standard.

Une antenne reconfigurable en polarisation peut modifier son état de polarisation (horizontal, vertical, circulaire ou encore elliptique) pour maximiser la puissance reçue ou transmise du signal.A reconfigurable polarization antenna can change its polarization state (horizontal, vertical, circular or elliptical) to maximize the received or transmitted power of the signal.

Une antenne reconfigurable en diagramme de rayonnement peut modifier son diagramme de rayonnement pour adapter sa directivité à un environnement de propagation dans le but, par exemple, de limiter les phénomènes d'interférences.An antenna reconfigurable radiation pattern can modify its radiation pattern to adapt its directivity to a propagation environment in order, for example, to limit interference phenomena.

Dans l'état actuel de la technique, compte tenu notamment des contraintes de taille des terminaux, la reconfiguration d'une antenne n'est pas obtenue par une déformation mécanique ou physique de l'antenne ou des éléments qui la composent.In the current state of the art, especially in view of the size constraints of the terminals, the reconfiguration of an antenna is not obtained by a mechanical or physical deformation of the antenna or the elements that compose it.

Actuellement, la reconfiguration d'une antenne peut être obtenue en commutant certains éléments conducteurs qui la composent (élément rayonnant, diélectrique, plan de masse).Currently, the reconfiguration of an antenna can be obtained by switching certain conductive elements that compose it (radiating element, dielectric, ground plane).

La reconfiguration d'une antenne peut également être obtenue en faisant varier des impédances connectées à certains points de l'antenne.The reconfiguration of an antenna can also be obtained by varying impedances connected to certain points of the antenna.

Ces deux modes de reconfiguration présentent des inconvénients.These two modes of reconfiguration have drawbacks.

Dans le cas où l'on commute des éléments de l'antenne, on obtient une variation discontinue des propriétés (fréquence, polarisation, diagramme de rayonnement) que l'on souhaite faire évoluer.In the case where one switches elements of the antenna, one obtains a discontinuous variation of the properties (frequency, polarization, radiation diagram) that one wishes to evolve.

Dans le cas où l'on fait varier des impédances connectées en certains points de l'antenne, on obtient une variation continue de la fréquence ou du diagramme de rayonnement mais limitée par les plages de variation des impédances utilisées.In the case where impedances connected at certain points of the antenna are varied, a continuous variation of the frequency or of the radiation pattern is obtained but limited by the ranges of variation of the impedances used.

De plus, les dispositifs utilisés pour la reconfiguration (commutateurs et impédances) présentent des pertes intrinsèques qui affectent l'efficacité de l'antenne.In addition, the devices used for reconfiguration (switches and impedances) have intrinsic losses that affect the efficiency of the antenna.

La demande de brevet US 2004/0252069 présente une antenne dynamiquement reconfigurable et dont les caractéristiques peuvent varier.The patent application US 2004/0252069 presents a dynamically reconfigurable antenna whose characteristics may vary.

L'élément rayonnant de cette antenne est constitué d'un fluide conducteur contenu dans une cavité. Cette antenne comporte également un système de contrôle du fluide qui permet de manière sélective d'ajouter ou de retirer du fluide dans la cavité faisant ainsi varier la taille de l'élément rayonnant.The radiating element of this antenna consists of a conductive fluid contained in a cavity. This antenna also includes a fluid control system that selectively allows fluid to be added or withdrawn into the cavity thereby varying the size of the radiating element.

Il existe donc un réel besoin de disposer d'une technique de reconfiguration d'une antenne électromagnétique qui ne présente pas les inconvénients précités des techniques de reconfiguration connues.There is therefore a real need to have a reconfiguration technique of an electromagnetic antenna that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages of known reconfiguration techniques.

Ainsi, la présente invention concerne, selon un premier aspect, une antenne électromagnétique reconfigurable qui comporte un élément rayonnant composé d'une substance fluide conductrice de l'électricité, le volume de la substance fluide étant variable et qui comporte en outre une matrice d'électrodes sur laquelle la substance fluide se déplace par électromouillage..Thus, the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna which comprises a radiating element composed of a fluid substance that conducts electricity, the volume of the fluid substance being variable and which further comprises a matrix of electrodes on which the fluid substance moves by electrowetting.

L'invention permet de réaliser une antenne dont l'élément rayonnant peut varier de volume.The invention makes it possible to produce an antenna whose radiating element can vary in volume.

Ces variations permettent de faire évoluer dynamiquement les propriétés de l'antenne et d'obtenir les propriétés désirées de l'antenne en fréquence, en polarisation ou encore en diagramme de rayonnement. La reconfiguration de l'antenne en fréquence, en polarisation ou en diagramme de rayonnement est continue et réversible.These variations make it possible to dynamically evolve the properties of the antenna and to obtain the desired properties of the antenna in terms of frequency, polarization or radiation pattern. Reconfiguration of the antenna in frequency, polarization or radiation pattern is continuous and reversible.

L'application d'une tension électrique entre les électrodes de la matrice d'électrodes permet d'entrainer le déplacement et la déformation de la substance fluide en contact avec la matrice d'électrodes de manière continue.The application of an electrical voltage between the electrodes of the matrix of electrodes makes it possible to cause the displacement and the deformation of the fluid substance in contact with the matrix of electrodes in a continuous manner.

Le phénomène d'électromouillage permet également une déformation de la substance fluide dans toutes les dimensions.The phenomenon of electrowetting also allows deformation of the fluid substance in all dimensions.

Selon une caractéristique préférée, la substance fluide se présente sous la forme d'au moins une goutte.According to a preferred characteristic, the fluid substance is in the form of at least one drop.

La substance fluide étant composée de gouttes, il est aisé de faire varier le volume et la forme de la substance fluide composant l'élément rayonnant de l'antenne.Since the fluid substance is composed of drops, it is easy to vary the volume and the shape of the fluid substance composing the radiating element of the antenna.

Selon une caractéristique préférée, l'antenne selon l'invention comporte un réservoir contenant la substance fluide et apte à libérer ou à récupérer une partie de la substance fluide.According to a preferred characteristic, the antenna according to the invention comprises a reservoir containing the fluid substance and capable of releasing or recovering part of the fluid substance.

Grâce à la présence du réservoir, il est très facile de faire varier le volume de la substance fluide présente sur la matrice d'électrodes et par conséquent le volume, la taille et la forme de l'élément rayonnant de l'antenne.Due to the presence of the reservoir, it is very easy to vary the volume of the fluid substance present on the matrix of electrodes and therefore the volume, size and shape of the radiating element of the antenna.

Selon une caractéristique préférée, une partie de la substance fluide se déplace du réservoir vers la matrice d'électrodes ou réciproquement par électromouillage le long d'un canal d'électrodes.According to a preferred characteristic, a part of the fluid substance moves from the reservoir to the electrode matrix or vice versa by electrowetting along an electrode channel.

Le déplacement par électromouillage de la substance fluide est continu et réversible entrainant ainsi une déformation continue et réversible de la substance fluide composant l'élément rayonnant de l'antenne. La reconfiguration de l'antenne en fréquence, en polarisation ou en diagramme de rayonnement est continue et réversible.The displacement by electrowetting of the fluid substance is continuous and reversible, thus causing a continuous and reversible deformation of the fluid substance composing the radiating element of the antenna. Reconfiguration of the antenna in frequency, polarization or radiation pattern is continuous and reversible.

Selon une caractéristique préférée, l'antenne selon l'invention comporte en outre un diélectrique qui isole électriquement les électrodes de la matrice d'électrodes et la substance fluide.According to a preferred characteristic, the antenna according to the invention further comprises a dielectric which electrically isolates the electrodes from the matrix of electrodes and the fluid substance.

La présence d'un diélectrique permet d'isoler électriquement les électrodes de la matrice d'électrodes et la substance fluide et ainsi de créer une différence de potentiel entre les électrodes et la substance fluide.The presence of a dielectric makes it possible to electrically isolate the electrodes from the electrode matrix and the fluid substance and thus to create a potential difference between the electrodes and the fluid substance.

Selon une caractéristique préférée, l'antenne comporte un port radiofréquence en contact avec la substance fluide.According to a preferred characteristic, the antenna comprises a radiofrequency port in contact with the fluid substance.

Le port radiofréquence en contact avec la substance fluide composant l'élément rayonnant de l'antenne permet de rendre ce dernier actif.The radiofrequency port in contact with the fluid substance composing the radiating element of the antenna makes it possible to make the latter active.

Selon une caractéristique préférée, le port radiofréquence est un port différentiel.According to a preferred characteristic, the radiofrequency port is a differential port.

L'utilisation d'un port radiofréquence différentiel permet de réaliser des structures d'antennes de type dipôle ou boucle.The use of a differential radiofrequency port makes it possible to produce antenna structures of the dipole or loop type.

Selon une caractéristique préférée, l'antenne selon l'invention comporte un plan de masse.According to a preferred characteristic, the antenna according to the invention comprises a ground plane.

Le plan de masse permet de réaliser des structures d'antennes nécessitant ce type d'élément tel que, par exemple, des antennes planaires (pour patch en anglais) ou des antennes de type PIFA (pour Planar Inverted F Antenna en anglais).The ground plane makes it possible to produce antenna structures requiring this type of element such as, for example, planar antennas (for patch in English) or antennas of PIFA type (for Planar Inverted F Antenna in English).

Selon une caractéristique préférée, l'antenne selon l'invention comporte en outre au moins un élément de court circuit reliant le plan de masse à la substance fluide.According to a preferred feature, the antenna according to the invention further comprises at least one short-circuit element connecting the ground plane to the fluid substance.

Les éléments de court circuit permettent d'augmenter le nombre possible de configurations de l'antenne.The short circuit elements make it possible to increase the possible number of configurations of the antenna.

Selon une caractéristique préférée, l'antenne selon l'invention comporte une capsule enfermant les différents éléments constitutifs de l'antenne.According to a preferred characteristic, the antenna according to the invention comprises a capsule enclosing the various constituent elements of the antenna.

La présence d'une capsule facilite l'intégration de l'antenne dans n'importe quel type de dispositif.The presence of a capsule facilitates the integration of the antenna in any type of device.

L'invention porte également sur un terminal intégrant une antenne telle que décrite précédemment.The invention also relates to a terminal incorporating an antenna as described above.

L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'une antenne électromagnétique reconfigurable comportant un élément rayonnant composé d'une substance fluide conductrice de l'électricité, le volume de la substance fluide étant variable, lequel procédé comporte une étape d'insertion d'une matrice d'électrodes sur laquelle la substance fluide se déplace par électromouillage.The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna comprising a radiating element composed of an electrically conductive fluid substance, the volume of the fluid substance being variable, which method comprises an insertion step of an electrode matrix on which the fluid substance moves by electrowetting.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de modes de réalisation préférés d'une antenne selon l'invention, décrits en référence aux figures annexées sur lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'une antenne selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente une vue en coupe selon un axe vertical d'une antenne selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 représente une vue en coupe selon un axe vertical d'une variante d'une antenne selon le mode de réalisation de l'invention de la figure 1,
  • la figure 4 représente une vue en perspective d'une antenne selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus d'une représentation schématique du mode de réalisation de la figure 4,
  • la figure 6 représente une vue en perspective d'une variante d'une antenne selon l'invention,
  • la figure 7 représente une variante d'une antenne à partir de l'illustration de la figure 6,
  • la figure 8 représente une vue en coupe de l'antenne illustrée à la figure 6 encapsulée.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading preferred embodiments of an antenna according to the invention, described with reference to the appended figures in which:
  • the figure 1 represents a perspective view of an antenna according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • the figure 2 represents a sectional view along a vertical axis of an antenna according to the embodiment of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 3 represents a sectional view along a vertical axis of a variant of an antenna according to the embodiment of the invention of the figure 1 ,
  • the figure 4 represents a perspective view of an antenna according to a second embodiment of the invention,
  • the figure 5 is a top view of a schematic representation of the embodiment of the figure 4 ,
  • the figure 6 represents a perspective view of a variant of an antenna according to the invention,
  • the figure 7 represents a variant of an antenna from the illustration of the figure 6 ,
  • the figure 8 represents a sectional view of the antenna illustrated in FIG. figure 6 encapsulated.

La figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'une antenne selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.The figure 1 represents a perspective view of an antenna according to a first embodiment of the invention.

L'antenne électromagnétique reconfigurable selon l'invention comporte une substance fluide F, conductrice de l'électricité.The reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna according to the invention comprises a fluid substance F, which conducts electricity.

La substance fluide F se présente sous la forme d'une ou plusieurs gouttes.The fluid substance F is in the form of one or more drops.

L'antenne comporte également un port radiofréquence RF permettant l'émission et la réception de signaux radiofréquence. Le port RF est un élément conducteur qui se trouve en contact avec au moins une goutte de la substance fluide.The antenna also includes an RF radio frequency port for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals. The RF port is a conductive element that is in contact with at least one drop of the fluid substance.

La partie de la substance fluide F en contact avec le port radiofréquence RF correspond à l'élément rayonnant actif de l'antenne. Cette partie de la substance fluide F en contact avec le port radiofréquence est composée d'au moins une goutte de substance fluide F. Lorsque l'élément rayonnant est composé de plusieurs gouttes, toutes les gouttes n'ont pas besoin d'être en contact avec le port radiofréquence RF. Il suffit alors qu'une goutte soit en contact avec le port radiofréquence RF et que les autres gouttes soient en contact les unes avec les autres et avec la goutte en contact avec le port radiofréquence RF.The part of the fluid substance F in contact with the radiofrequency port RF corresponds to the active radiating element of the antenna. This part of the fluid substance F in contact with the radiofrequency port is composed of at least one drop of fluid substance F. When the radiating element is composed of several drops, not all the drops need to be in contact with each other. with RF radio port. It suffices then that a drop is in contact with the radiofrequency RF port and that the other drops are in contact with each other and with the drop in contact with the RF radio frequency port.

Une ou plusieurs gouttes de la substance fluide F peuvent être isolées et correspondent à des éléments passifs de l'antenne.One or more drops of the fluid substance F can be isolated and correspond to passive elements of the antenna.

Dans la suite de la description, pour illustrer l'invention, on présente la substance fluide F correspondant à l'élément rayonnant de l'antenne sous la forme de plusieurs gouttes. Cette illustration ne doit pas être considérée comme limitative de l'invention.In the remainder of the description, to illustrate the invention, the fluid substance F corresponding to the radiating element of the antenna is presented in the form of several drops. This illustration should not be considered as limiting of the invention.

En variante, la substance fluide F est rendue conductrice de l'électricité par l'introduction dans cette substance d'une substance conductrice ou de particules ou de fragments d'un élément conducteur. Ces particules ou fragments peuvent être des nanotubes de carbone ou d'autres filaments conducteurs.Alternatively, the fluid substance F is made conductive electricity by the introduction into this substance of a conductive substance or particles or fragments of a conductive element. These particles or fragments may be carbon nanotubes or other conductive filaments.

L'antenne comporte aussi une matrice d'électrodes M composée d'électrodes E.The antenna also comprises an electrode matrix M composed of electrodes E.

La matrice d'électrodes M est recouverte d'un premier substrat ou diélectrique D1 qui isole électriquement les électrodes E et les gouttes.The electrode matrix M is covered with a first substrate or dielectric D 1 which electrically isolates the electrodes E and the drops.

Le diélectrique D1 peut comporter une ou plusieurs couches de matériaux différents. La couche en contact avec les électrodes est en matériau hydrophobe présentant une faible tension de surface comme, par exemple, du téflon.The dielectric D 1 may comprise one or more layers of different materials. The layer in contact with the electrodes is of hydrophobic material having a low surface tension such as, for example, Teflon.

Le port RF est un élément conducteur qui traverse la matrice d'électrodes M, le diélectrique D1 pour se trouver en contact avec au moins une goutte de la substance fluide F.The RF port is a conductive element that passes through the matrix of electrodes M, the dielectric D 1 to be in contact with at least one drop of the fluid substance F.

La figure 2 représente une vue en coupe selon un axe vertical d'une antenne selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.The figure 2 represents a sectional view along a vertical axis of an antenna according to the first embodiment of the invention.

Cette figure fait apparaître trois gouttes de la substance fluide F. La substance fluide F est séparée de la matrice d'électrodes M par le diélectrique D1. Le port RF traverse la matrice d'électrodes M, le diélectrique D1 et se trouve en contact avec une goutte de la substance fluide F.This figure shows three drops of the fluid substance F. The fluid substance F is separated from the matrix of electrodes M by the dielectric D 1 . The RF port passes through the matrix of electrodes M, the dielectric D 1 and is in contact with a drop of the fluid substance F.

La figure 3 représente une vue en coupe selon un axe vertical d'une variante d'une antenne selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.The figure 3 represents a sectional view along a vertical axis of a variant of an antenna according to the first embodiment of the invention.

Dans cette variante, le port radiofréquence est un port différentiel. Le port radiofréquence différentiel est composé de deux éléments conducteurs RF1 et RF2 qui traversent la matrice d'électrodes M, le diélectrique D1 et se trouvent chacun en contact avec au moins une goutte de la substance fluide F.In this variant, the radiofrequency port is a differential port. The differential RF port is composed of two conductive elements RF 1 and RF 2 which pass through the electrode matrix M, the dielectric 1 and D are each in contact with at least one drop of the fluid substance F.

Le signal radiofréquence est alors transmis de manière différentielle à l'antenne. Cette variante permet de réaliser, par exemple, des antennes de type dipôle ou boucle.The radio frequency signal is then transmitted differentially to the antenna. This variant makes it possible, for example, to produce dipole or loop type antennas.

L'antenne constituée selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention décrit ci-dessus fonctionne de la façon suivante.The antenna formed according to the first embodiment of the invention described above operates in the following manner.

Les gouttes de la substance fluide F se déplacent sur la matrice d'électrodes M par "électromouillage", c'est-à-dire par application d'une différence de potentiel (dispositif non représenté sur la figure 1) entre les électrodes E. Une différence de potentiel peut également être créée entre les gouttes et les électrodes E.The drops of the fluid substance F move on the matrix of electrodes M by "electrowetting", that is to say by application of a potential difference (device not shown in FIG. figure 1 ) between the electrodes E. A potential difference can also be created between the drops and the electrodes E.

Selon le déplacement effectué, un volume variable de la substance fluide F peut être mis en contact avec le port radiofréquence RF. La mise en contact d'une partie ou de la totalité de la substance fluide F conductrice avec le port RF permet à l'antenne de recevoir le signal radiofréquence.According to the displacement carried out, a variable volume of the fluid substance F can be brought into contact with the radio frequency port RF. Contacting a portion or all of the conductive fluid F with the RF port allows the antenna to receive the radio frequency signal.

La partie, formée d'au moins une goutte, de la substance fluide F en contact avec le port radiofréquence RF correspondent à l'élément actif rayonnant de l'antenne.The part, formed of at least one drop, of the fluid substance F in contact with the radiofrequency port RF corresponds to the active radiating element of the antenna.

Ainsi, avantageusement, on réalise une antenne dont l'élément actif rayonnant peut varier en volume et en forme.Thus, advantageously, an antenna is produced whose radiant active element can vary in volume and shape.

La surface du volume de la substance fluide F conductrice en contact avec le diélectrique D1 peut varier. La forme de cette surface en contact avec le diélectrique D1 peut également varier. L'angle de contact entre chacun des points de la surface du volume de la substance fluide F conductrice et le diélectrique D1 peut aussi varier.The surface of the volume of the conducting fluid F in contact with the dielectric D 1 can vary. The shape of this surface in contact with the dielectric D 1 can also vary. The angle of contact between each of the points of the surface of the volume of the conductive fluid substance F and the dielectric D 1 can also vary.

Ces variations permettent de faire évoluer dynamiquement les propriétés de l'antenne et d'obtenir les propriétés désirées de l'antenne en fréquence, en polarisation ou encore en diagramme de rayonnement. La reconfiguration de l'antenne en fréquence, en polarisation ou en diagramme de rayonnement est continue et réversible.These variations make it possible to dynamically evolve the properties of the antenna and to obtain the desired properties of the antenna in terms of frequency, polarization or radiation pattern. Reconfiguration of the antenna in frequency, polarization or radiation pattern is continuous and reversible.

Ainsi, l'évolution des propriétés de l'antenne est obtenue par une réorganisation des gouttes de la substance fluide F avec, le cas échéant, une modification du nombre de gouttes utilisé pour former l'élément actif rayonnant.Thus, the evolution of the properties of the antenna is obtained by a reorganization of the drops of the fluid substance F with, where appropriate, a change in the number of drops used to form the radiating active element.

La partie de la substance fluide F qui n'est pas en contact avec le port RF agit comme un élément passif et permet de modifier les propriétés de l'antenne notamment en fréquence et en diagramme de rayonnement.The part of the fluid substance F which is not in contact with the RF port acts as a passive element and makes it possible to modify the properties of the antenna, especially in terms of frequency and radiation pattern.

La figure 4 représente une vue en perspective d'une antenne selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.The figure 4 represents a perspective view of an antenna according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Dans ce deuxième mode de réalisation, l'antenne comporte un réservoir R qui contient une substance fluide F'.In this second embodiment, the antenna comprises a reservoir R which contains a fluid substance F '.

Le réservoir R est apte à libérer une partie, notamment sous forme de gouttes, de la substance fluide F' à destination d'une matrice d'électrodes M' composée d'électrodes E'. La substance fluide F' est séparée de la matrice d'électrodes M' par un diélectrique D'1.The reservoir R is able to release a portion, particularly in the form of drops, of the fluid substance F 'to an electrode matrix M' composed of electrodes E '. The fluid substance F 'is separated from the electrode matrix M' by a dielectric D ' 1 .

Le réservoir R peut également récupérer une partie, notamment sous forme de gouttes, de la substance fluide F' en provenance de la matrice d'électrodes M'.The reservoir R can also recover a portion, particularly in the form of drops, of the fluid substance F 'from the matrix of electrodes M'.

Les gouttes de la substance fluide F' se déplacent du réservoir R vers la matrice d'électrodes M' ou réciproquement de la matrice d'électrodes M' vers le réservoir R par électromouillage le long d'un canal C d'électrodes. Le canal C d'électrodes relie le réservoir R à la matrice d'électrodes M'.The drops of the fluid substance F 'move from the reservoir R to the electrode matrix M' or vice versa from the electrode matrix M 'to the reservoir R by electrowetting along a channel C of electrodes. The electrode channel C connects the reservoir R to the electrode matrix M '.

Un port R'F' traverse la matrice d'électrodes M', le diélectrique D'1 et se trouve en contact avec au moins une goutte de la substance fluide F'.A port R'F 'passes through the matrix of electrodes M', the dielectric D ' 1 and is in contact with at least one drop of the fluid substance F'.

Le réservoir R permet de libérer ou de récupérer des gouttes de la substance fluide F' en fonction des besoins et plus particulièrement en fonction des évolutions souhaitées des propriétés de l'antenne.The reservoir R makes it possible to release or recover drops of the fluid substance F 'according to the needs and more particularly according to the desired changes in the properties of the antenna.

Grâce à la présence du réservoir, il est très facile de faire varier le volume de la substance fluide F' conductrice présent sur la matrice d'électrodes M' et donc le volume et la forme de l'élément actif rayonnant de l'antenne.Due to the presence of the reservoir, it is very easy to vary the volume of the conductive fluid F 'present on the electrode matrix M' and thus the volume and shape of the active element radiating from the antenna.

Dans la mesure où il est possible de récupérer des gouttes non utilisées pour former l'élément actif rayonnant de l'antenne, cette dernière peut ne pas comporter d'élément passif.Insofar as it is possible to recover unused drops to form the active radiating element of the antenna, the antenna may not include a passive element.

La figure 5 est une vue de dessus d'une représentation schématique de l'invention selon le deuxième mode de réalisation décrit ci-dessus.The figure 5 is a top view of a schematic representation of the invention according to the second embodiment described above.

On observe le réservoir R relié à la matrice d'électrodes M' par le canal C d'électrodes. La matrice d'électrodes M' et le canal C d'électrodes comportent un ensemble d'électrodes E'. Un port radiofréquence R'F' apparaît en surface de la matrice d'électrodes M'.The reservoir R connected to the matrix of electrodes M 'is observed by the electrode channel C. The matrix of electrodes M 'and the channel C of electrodes comprise a set of electrodes E'. A radiofrequency port R'F 'appears on the surface of the electrode matrix M'.

La figure 6 représente une vue en perspective d'une variante d'une antenne selon l'invention.The figure 6 represents a perspective view of a variant of an antenna according to the invention.

Cette variante est illustrée pour le deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention mais s'applique également au premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.This variant is illustrated for the second embodiment of the invention but also applies to the first embodiment of the invention.

Selon cette variante, l'antenne comporte, en outre, un plan de masse P.According to this variant, the antenna further comprises a ground plane P.

Le plan de masse P est un plan conducteur situé sous la matrice d'électrodes M'.The ground plane P is a conducting plane located under the matrix of electrodes M '.

La matrice d'électrodes M' est isolée électriquement du plan de masse P par un deuxième substrat ou diélectrique D'2. La substance fluide F' est séparée de la matrice d'électrodes M' par le diélectrique D'1.The matrix of electrodes M 'is electrically isolated from the ground plane P by a second substrate or dielectric D' 2 . The fluid substance F 'is separated from the electrode matrix M' by the dielectric D ' 1 .

Le port R'F' traverse le plan de masse P, le diélectrique D'2, la matrice d'électrodes M', le diélectrique D'1 avant de se trouver en contact avec une goutte de la substance fluide F'.The port R'F 'passes through the ground plane P, the dielectric D' 2 , the electrode matrix M ', the dielectric D' 1 before being in contact with a drop of the fluid substance F '.

La figure 6 fait également apparaître le réservoir R et le canal C d'électrodes selon le mode choisi d'illustration de cette variante de l'invention.The figure 6 also shows the reservoir R and the electrode channel C according to the chosen illustrative mode of this variant of the invention.

Le plan de masse permet d'obtenir, par exemple, une antenne planaire (pour patch en anglais) ou une antenne de type PIFA (pour Planar Inverted F Antenna en anglais).The ground plane makes it possible, for example, to obtain a planar antenna (for patch in English) or a PIFA antenna (for Planar Inverted F Antenna in English).

La figure 7 représente une autre variante d'une antenne selon l'invention à partir de la variante décrite précédemment.The figure 7 represents another variant of an antenna according to the invention from the variant described above.

Selon cette autre variante, l'antenne comporte des éléments de court circuit CC.According to this other variant, the antenna comprises elements of short circuit CC.

Ces éléments de court circuit CC sont des éléments conducteurs de l'électricité qui sont connectés au plan de masse P et traversent les diélectriques D'1 et D'2 de façon à être en contact avec la substance fluide F'.These short circuit elements CC are electrically conductive elements which are connected to the ground plane P and pass through the dielectrics D ' 1 and D' 2 so as to be in contact with the fluid substance F '.

Dans un mode de réalisation préférentiel, les éléments de court circuit CC ne sont pas en contact avec les électrodes E' de la matrice d'électrodes M'.In a preferred embodiment, the short circuit elements CC are not in contact with the electrodes E 'of the electrode matrix M'.

La figure 7 fait également apparaître le réservoir R et le canal C d'électrodes selon le mode choisi d'illustration de cette variante de l'invention.The figure 7 also shows the reservoir R and the electrode channel C according to the chosen illustrative mode of this variant of the invention.

Dans le cas où la substance fluide F' conductrice est à la fois en contact avec le port R'F' et un des éléments de court circuit CC, on peut obtenir, par exemple, une antenne de type PIFA, dont les propriétés diffèrent d'une antenne de type Patch.In the case where the conducting fluid F 'is both in contact with the port R'F' and one of the short-circuit elements CC, it is possible to obtain, for example, a PIFA type antenna, whose properties differ from each other. a patch antenna.

Le nombre et le positionnement d'éléments de court circuit CC peuvent être variables. Selon une variante, au moins un de ces éléments de court circuit CC est relié à un dipôle électrique (impédance, interrupteur, varicap,...), ce qui permet de modifier les propriétés de l'antenne.The number and positioning of short circuit elements CC can be variable. According to one variant, at least one of these short circuit elements CC is connected to an electric dipole (impedance, switch, varicap, etc.), which makes it possible to modify the properties of the antenna.

La figure 8 représente une vue en coupe de l'antenne selon l'une des variantes précédentes encapsulée.The figure 8 represents a sectional view of the antenna according to one of the preceding encapsulated variants.

Cette variante est illustrée pour le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention mais s'applique également au deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.This variant is illustrated for the first embodiment of the invention but also applies to the second embodiment of the invention.

Afin de pouvoir être intégrée dans un dispositif, l'antenne selon l'invention est enfermée dans une capsule S.In order to be integrated in a device, the antenna according to the invention is enclosed in a capsule S.

Les différents éléments constitutifs de l'antenne, comme, par exemple, le plan de masse P, le port radiofréquence RF, la matrice d'électrodes M, les diélectriques D1 et D2 et la substance fluide F sont enfermés dans une capsule P constituée d'une matière rigide ou semi rigide. Un des plans L de la capsule P est parallèle à la surface de la matrice d'électrodes M et en contact avec les gouttes de la substance fluide F.The various constituent elements of the antenna, such as, for example, the ground plane P, the radio frequency port RF, the matrix of electrodes M, the dielectrics D 1 and D 2 and the fluid substance F are enclosed in a capsule P consisting of a rigid or semi rigid material. One of the planes L of the capsule P is parallel to the surface of the matrix of electrodes M and in contact with the drops of the fluid substance F.

L'espace G non occupé par la substance fluide F peut être constitué par de l'air, un gaz ou encore une autre substance fluide non conductrice.The space G not occupied by the fluid substance F may consist of air, a gas or other non-conductive fluid substance.

L'invention concerne également un terminal de radiocommunication ou tout objet communicant apte à recevoir une antenne selon l'invention.The invention also relates to a radiocommunication terminal or any communicating object adapted to receive an antenna according to the invention.

L'invention concerne aussi un procédé de fabrication d'une antenne électromagnétique reconfigurable comportant un élément rayonnant composé d'une substance fluide (F, F') conductrice de l'électricité, le volume de la substance fluide (F, F') étant variable. Ce procédé comporte une étape d'insertion d'une matrice d'électrodes (M, M') sur laquelle la substance fluide (F, F') se déplace par électromouillage.The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna comprising a radiating element composed of a fluid substance (F, F ') conducting electricity, the volume of the fluid substance (F, F') being variable. This method comprises a step of inserting an electrode matrix (M, M ') on which the fluid substance (F, F') moves by electrowetting.

Claims (12)

  1. A reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna comprising a radiating element consisting of an electrically conductive fluid substance (F, F'), the volume of the fluid substance (F, F') being variable, characterized in that it also comprises a matrix of electrodes (M, M'), on which the fluid substance (F, F') is moved by electrowetting.
  2. An antenna according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fluid substance (F, F') takes the form of at least one drop.
  3. An antenna according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it includes a reservoir (R) containing the fluid substance (F') and capable of releasing or recovering a portion of the fluid substance (F').
  4. An antenna according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a portion of the fluid substance (F') is moved from the reservoir (R) to the matrix of electrodes (M') or vice versa by electrowetting along a channel (C) of electrodes.
  5. An antenna according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it also comprises a dielectric (D1, D'1), which electrically isolates the electrodes (E, E') of the electrode matrix (M, M') and the fluid substance (F, F').
  6. An antenna according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it has a radio frequency port (RF, R'F') in contact with the fluid substance (F, F').
  7. An antenna according to Claim 6, characterized in that the radio frequency port (RF, R'F') is a differential port.
  8. An antenna according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it also includes an earth plane (P).
  9. An antenna according to Claim 8, characterized in that it also includes at least one short-circuit element (CC) linking the earth plane (P) to the fluid substance (F, F').
  10. An antenna according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it also includes a capsule (S) enclosing the various elements making up the antenna.
  11. A radio communication terminal having an antenna according to any one of Claims 1 to 10.
  12. A method of manufacturing a reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna comprising a radiating element consisting of an electrically conductive fluid substance (F, F'), the volume of the fluid substance (F, F') being variable, characterized in that it includes a step for the insertion of a matrix of electrodes (M, M') on which the fluid substance (F, F') is moved by electrowetting.
EP09163514.4A 2008-06-27 2009-06-23 Reconfigurable electromagnetic antenna Active EP2139066B1 (en)

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CN101615714B (en) 2015-04-01
US8125393B2 (en) 2012-02-28

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