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
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
fluid substance
electrodes
antenna according
matrix
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP09163514.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2139066A1 (en
Inventor
Emmanuel Dreina
Michel Pons
Marc Berenguer
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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
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Publication of EP2139066A1 publication Critical patent/EP2139066A1/en
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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 prƩsente invention se situe dans le domaine des antennes ƩlectromagnƩtiques 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 radiofrĆ©quence contraint par des phĆ©nomĆØnes d'interfĆ©rences multiples et d'attĆ©nuation du signal, requiert une grande adaptation des terminaux avec un minimum d'impact sur, entre autres, la complexitĆ©, la taille, le poids, l'autonomie ou encore le coĆ»t 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 dƩveloppement d'antennes ƩlectromagnƩtiques reconfigurables pour ces terminaux contribue Ơ 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 frƩquence, 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 frĆ©quence peut adapter sa frĆ©quence de rayonnement et balayer un large spectre de frĆ©quences. Une telle antenne permet, entre autres, la rĆ©ception sur un mĆŖme terminal de plusieurs signaux satisfaisant chacun une norme diffĆ©rente.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 Ʃtat de polarisation (horizontal, vertical, circulaire ou encore elliptique) pour maximiser la puissance reƧue 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 directivitĆ© Ć  un environnement de propagation dans le but, par exemple, de limiter les phĆ©nomĆØnes d'interfĆ©rences.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'Ʃtat actuel de la technique, compte tenu notamment des contraintes de taille des terminaux, la reconfiguration d'une antenne n'est pas obtenue par une dƩformation mƩcanique ou physique de l'antenne ou des ƩlƩments 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 ĆŖtre obtenue en commutant certains Ć©lĆ©ments conducteurs qui la composent (Ć©lĆ©ment rayonnant, diĆ©lectrique, 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 Ć©galement ĆŖtre obtenue en faisant varier des impĆ©dances connectĆ©es Ć  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 prƩsentent des inconvƩnients.These two modes of reconfiguration have drawbacks.

Dans le cas oĆ¹ l'on commute des Ć©lĆ©ments de l'antenne, on obtient une variation discontinue des propriĆ©tĆ©s (frĆ©quence, polarisation, diagramme de rayonnement) que l'on souhaite faire Ć©voluer.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 oĆ¹ l'on fait varier des impĆ©dances connectĆ©es en certains points de l'antenne, on obtient une variation continue de la frĆ©quence ou du diagramme de rayonnement mais limitĆ©e par les plages de variation des impĆ©dances utilisĆ©es.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 utilisĆ©s pour la reconfiguration (commutateurs et impĆ©dances) prĆ©sentent des pertes intrinsĆØques qui affectent l'efficacitĆ© 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 prƩsente une antenne dynamiquement reconfigurable et dont les caractƩristiques peuvent varier.The patent application US 2004/0252069 presents a dynamically reconfigurable antenna whose characteristics may vary.

L'Ć©lĆ©ment rayonnant de cette antenne est constituĆ© d'un fluide conducteur contenu dans une cavitĆ©. Cette antenne comporte Ć©galement un systĆØme de contrĆ“le du fluide qui permet de maniĆØre sĆ©lective d'ajouter ou de retirer du fluide dans la cavitĆ© faisant ainsi varier la taille de l'Ć©lĆ©ment 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 rƩel besoin de disposer d'une technique de reconfiguration d'une antenne ƩlectromagnƩtique qui ne prƩsente pas les inconvƩnients prƩcitƩs 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 prƩsente invention concerne, selon un premier aspect, une antenne ƩlectromagnƩtique reconfigurable qui comporte un ƩlƩment rayonnant composƩ d'une substance fluide conductrice de l'ƩlectricitƩ, le volume de la substance fluide Ʃtant variable et qui comporte en outre une matrice d'Ʃlectrodes sur laquelle la substance fluide se dƩplace par Ʃlectromouillage..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 rƩaliser une antenne dont l'ƩlƩment 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 Ʃvoluer dynamiquement les propriƩtƩs de l'antenne et d'obtenir les propriƩtƩs dƩsirƩes de l'antenne en frƩquence, en polarisation ou encore en diagramme de rayonnement. La reconfiguration de l'antenne en frƩquence, en polarisation ou en diagramme de rayonnement est continue et rƩversible.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 Ć©lectrique entre les Ć©lectrodes de la matrice d'Ć©lectrodes permet d'entrainer le dĆ©placement et la dĆ©formation de la substance fluide en contact avec la matrice d'Ć©lectrodes de maniĆØre 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 phĆ©nomĆØne d'Ć©lectromouillage permet Ć©galement une dĆ©formation de la substance fluide dans toutes les dimensions.The phenomenon of electrowetting also allows deformation of the fluid substance in all dimensions.

Selon une caractƩristique prƩfƩrƩe, la substance fluide se prƩsente 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 Ʃtant composƩe de gouttes, il est aisƩ de faire varier le volume et la forme de la substance fluide composant l'ƩlƩment 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 caractƩristique prƩfƩrƩe, l'antenne selon l'invention comporte un rƩservoir contenant la substance fluide et apte Ơ libƩrer ou Ơ rƩcupƩrer 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.

GrĆ¢ce Ć  la prĆ©sence du rĆ©servoir, il est trĆØs facile de faire varier le volume de la substance fluide prĆ©sente sur la matrice d'Ć©lectrodes et par consĆ©quent le volume, la taille et la forme de l'Ć©lĆ©ment 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 caractƩristique prƩfƩrƩe, une partie de la substance fluide se dƩplace du rƩservoir vers la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes ou rƩciproquement par Ʃlectromouillage le long d'un canal d'Ʃlectrodes.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 dƩplacement par Ʃlectromouillage de la substance fluide est continu et rƩversible entrainant ainsi une dƩformation continue et rƩversible de la substance fluide composant l'ƩlƩment rayonnant de l'antenne. La reconfiguration de l'antenne en frƩquence, en polarisation ou en diagramme de rayonnement est continue et rƩversible.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 caractƩristique prƩfƩrƩe, l'antenne selon l'invention comporte en outre un diƩlectrique qui isole Ʃlectriquement les Ʃlectrodes de la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes 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 prƩsence d'un diƩlectrique permet d'isoler Ʃlectriquement les Ʃlectrodes de la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes et la substance fluide et ainsi de crƩer une diffƩrence de potentiel entre les Ʃlectrodes 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 caractƩristique prƩfƩrƩe, l'antenne comporte un port radiofrƩquence 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 radiofrƩquence en contact avec la substance fluide composant l'ƩlƩment 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 caractƩristique prƩfƩrƩe, le port radiofrƩquence est un port diffƩrentiel.According to a preferred characteristic, the radiofrequency port is a differential port.

L'utilisation d'un port radiofrƩquence diffƩrentiel permet de rƩaliser des structures d'antennes de type dipƓle ou boucle.The use of a differential radiofrequency port makes it possible to produce antenna structures of the dipole or loop type.

Selon une caractƩristique prƩfƩrƩe, 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 rƩaliser des structures d'antennes nƩcessitant ce type d'ƩlƩment 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 caractƩristique prƩfƩrƩe, l'antenne selon l'invention comporte en outre au moins un ƩlƩment de court circuit reliant le plan de masse Ơ 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 ƩlƩments 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 caractƩristique prƩfƩrƩe, l'antenne selon l'invention comporte une capsule enfermant les diffƩrents ƩlƩments 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 prƩsence d'une capsule facilite l'intƩgration 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 Ʃgalement sur un terminal intƩgrant une antenne telle que dƩcrite prƩcƩdemment.The invention also relates to a terminal incorporating an antenna as described above.

L'invention concerne Ʃgalement un procƩdƩ de fabrication d'une antenne ƩlectromagnƩtique reconfigurable comportant un ƩlƩment rayonnant composƩ d'une substance fluide conductrice de l'ƩlectricitƩ, le volume de la substance fluide Ʃtant variable, lequel procƩdƩ comporte une Ʃtape d'insertion d'une matrice d'Ʃlectrodes sur laquelle la substance fluide se dƩplace par Ʃlectromouillage.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 caractƩristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaƮtront Ơ la lecture de modes de rƩalisation prƩfƩrƩs d'une antenne selon l'invention, dƩcrits en rƩfƩrence aux figures annexƩes sur lesquelles :

  • la figure 1 reprĆ©sente une vue en perspective d'une antenne selon un premier mode de rĆ©alisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 2 reprĆ©sente une vue en coupe selon un axe vertical d'une antenne selon le mode de rĆ©alisation de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 reprĆ©sente une vue en coupe selon un axe vertical d'une variante d'une antenne selon le mode de rĆ©alisation de l'invention de la figure 1,
  • la figure 4 reprĆ©sente une vue en perspective d'une antenne selon un deuxiĆØme mode de rĆ©alisation de l'invention,
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus d'une reprĆ©sentation schĆ©matique du mode de rĆ©alisation de la figure 4,
  • la figure 6 reprĆ©sente une vue en perspective d'une variante d'une antenne selon l'invention,
  • la figure 7 reprĆ©sente une variante d'une antenne Ć  partir de l'illustration de la figure 6,
  • la figure 8 reprĆ©sente une vue en coupe de l'antenne illustrĆ©e Ć  la figure 6 encapsulĆ©e.
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 reprƩsente une vue en perspective d'une antenne selon un premier mode de rƩalisation de l'invention.The figure 1 represents a perspective view of an antenna according to a first embodiment of the invention.

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

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

L'antenne comporte Ʃgalement un port radiofrƩquence RF permettant l'Ʃmission et la rƩception de signaux radiofrƩquence. Le port RF est un ƩlƩment 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 radiofrĆ©quence RF correspond Ć  l'Ć©lĆ©ment rayonnant actif de l'antenne. Cette partie de la substance fluide F en contact avec le port radiofrĆ©quence est composĆ©e d'au moins une goutte de substance fluide F. Lorsque l'Ć©lĆ©ment rayonnant est composĆ© de plusieurs gouttes, toutes les gouttes n'ont pas besoin d'ĆŖtre en contact avec le port radiofrĆ©quence RF. Il suffit alors qu'une goutte soit en contact avec le port radiofrĆ©quence RF et que les autres gouttes soient en contact les unes avec les autres et avec la goutte en contact avec le port radiofrĆ©quence 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 ĆŖtre isolĆ©es et correspondent Ć  des Ć©lĆ©ments 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 prĆ©sente la substance fluide F correspondant Ć  l'Ć©lĆ©ment rayonnant de l'antenne sous la forme de plusieurs gouttes. Cette illustration ne doit pas ĆŖtre considĆ©rĆ©e 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'Ć©lectricitĆ© par l'introduction dans cette substance d'une substance conductrice ou de particules ou de fragments d'un Ć©lĆ©ment conducteur. Ces particules ou fragments peuvent ĆŖtre 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'Ʃlectrodes M composƩe d'Ʃlectrodes E.The antenna also comprises an electrode matrix M composed of electrodes E.

La matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M est recouverte d'un premier substrat ou diƩlectrique D1 qui isole Ʃlectriquement les Ʃlectrodes 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 diƩlectrique D1 peut comporter une ou plusieurs couches de matƩriaux diffƩrents. La couche en contact avec les Ʃlectrodes est en matƩriau hydrophobe prƩsentant une faible tension de surface comme, par exemple, du tƩflon.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 ƩlƩment conducteur qui traverse la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M, le diƩlectrique 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 reprƩsente une vue en coupe selon un axe vertical d'une antenne selon le premier mode de rƩalisation 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 apparaƮtre trois gouttes de la substance fluide F. La substance fluide F est sƩparƩe de la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M par le diƩlectrique D1. Le port RF traverse la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M, le diƩlectrique 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 reprƩsente une vue en coupe selon un axe vertical d'une variante d'une antenne selon le premier mode de rƩalisation 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 radiofrƩquence est un port diffƩrentiel. Le port radiofrƩquence diffƩrentiel est composƩ de deux ƩlƩments conducteurs RF1 et RF2 qui traversent la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M, le diƩlectrique 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 radiofrĆ©quence est alors transmis de maniĆØre diffĆ©rentielle Ć  l'antenne. Cette variante permet de rĆ©aliser, par exemple, des antennes de type dipĆ“le 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 constituƩe selon le premier mode de rƩalisation de l'invention dƩcrit ci-dessus fonctionne de la faƧon 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 dĆ©placent sur la matrice d'Ć©lectrodes M par "Ć©lectromouillage", c'est-Ć -dire par application d'une diffĆ©rence de potentiel (dispositif non reprĆ©sentĆ© sur la figure 1) entre les Ć©lectrodes E. Une diffĆ©rence de potentiel peut Ć©galement ĆŖtre crĆ©Ć©e entre les gouttes et les Ć©lectrodes 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 dĆ©placement effectuĆ©, un volume variable de la substance fluide F peut ĆŖtre mis en contact avec le port radiofrĆ©quence RF. La mise en contact d'une partie ou de la totalitĆ© de la substance fluide F conductrice avec le port RF permet Ć  l'antenne de recevoir le signal radiofrĆ©quence.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, formƩe d'au moins une goutte, de la substance fluide F en contact avec le port radiofrƩquence RF correspondent Ơ l'ƩlƩment 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 rƩalise une antenne dont l'ƩlƩment 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 diƩlectrique D1 peut varier. La forme de cette surface en contact avec le diƩlectrique D1 peut Ʃgalement varier. L'angle de contact entre chacun des points de la surface du volume de la substance fluide F conductrice et le diƩlectrique 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 Ʃvoluer dynamiquement les propriƩtƩs de l'antenne et d'obtenir les propriƩtƩs dƩsirƩes de l'antenne en frƩquence, en polarisation ou encore en diagramme de rayonnement. La reconfiguration de l'antenne en frƩquence, en polarisation ou en diagramme de rayonnement est continue et rƩversible.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'Ʃvolution des propriƩtƩs de l'antenne est obtenue par une rƩorganisation des gouttes de la substance fluide F avec, le cas ƩchƩant, une modification du nombre de gouttes utilisƩ pour former l'ƩlƩment 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 ƩlƩment passif et permet de modifier les propriƩtƩs de l'antenne notamment en frƩquence 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 reprĆ©sente une vue en perspective d'une antenne selon un deuxiĆØme mode de rĆ©alisation de l'invention.The figure 4 represents a perspective view of an antenna according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Dans ce deuxiĆØme mode de rĆ©alisation, l'antenne comporte un rĆ©servoir R qui contient une substance fluide F'.In this second embodiment, the antenna comprises a reservoir R which contains a fluid substance F '.

Le rƩservoir R est apte Ơ libƩrer une partie, notamment sous forme de gouttes, de la substance fluide F' Ơ destination d'une matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M' composƩe d'Ʃlectrodes E'. La substance fluide F' est sƩparƩe de la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M' par un diƩlectrique 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 rƩservoir R peut Ʃgalement rƩcupƩrer une partie, notamment sous forme de gouttes, de la substance fluide F' en provenance de la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes 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 dƩplacent du rƩservoir R vers la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M' ou rƩciproquement de la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M' vers le rƩservoir R par Ʃlectromouillage le long d'un canal C d'Ʃlectrodes. Le canal C d'Ʃlectrodes relie le rƩservoir R Ơ la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes 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'Ʃlectrodes M', le diƩlectrique 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 rĆ©servoir R permet de libĆ©rer ou de rĆ©cupĆ©rer des gouttes de la substance fluide F' en fonction des besoins et plus particuliĆØrement en fonction des Ć©volutions souhaitĆ©es des propriĆ©tĆ©s 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.

GrĆ¢ce Ć  la prĆ©sence du rĆ©servoir, il est trĆØs facile de faire varier le volume de la substance fluide F' conductrice prĆ©sent sur la matrice d'Ć©lectrodes M' et donc le volume et la forme de l'Ć©lĆ©ment 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 oĆ¹ il est possible de rĆ©cupĆ©rer des gouttes non utilisĆ©es pour former l'Ć©lĆ©ment actif rayonnant de l'antenne, cette derniĆØre peut ne pas comporter d'Ć©lĆ©ment 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 reprĆ©sentation schĆ©matique de l'invention selon le deuxiĆØme mode de rĆ©alisation dĆ©crit 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 rƩservoir R reliƩ Ơ la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M' par le canal C d'Ʃlectrodes. La matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M' et le canal C d'Ʃlectrodes comportent un ensemble d'Ʃlectrodes E'. Un port radiofrƩquence R'F' apparaƮt en surface de la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes 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 reprƩsente 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 illustrĆ©e pour le deuxiĆØme mode de rĆ©alisation de l'invention mais s'applique Ć©galement au premier mode de rĆ©alisation 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 situƩ sous la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M'.The ground plane P is a conducting plane located under the matrix of electrodes M '.

La matrice d'Ć©lectrodes M' est isolĆ©e Ć©lectriquement du plan de masse P par un deuxiĆØme substrat ou diĆ©lectrique D'2. La substance fluide F' est sĆ©parĆ©e de la matrice d'Ć©lectrodes M' par le diĆ©lectrique 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 diƩlectrique D'2, la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes M', le diƩlectrique 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 Ʃgalement apparaƮtre le rƩservoir R et le canal C d'Ʃlectrodes 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 reprƩsente une autre variante d'une antenne selon l'invention Ơ partir de la variante dƩcrite prƩcƩdemment.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 ƩlƩments de court circuit CC.According to this other variant, the antenna comprises elements of short circuit CC.

Ces Ć©lĆ©ments de court circuit CC sont des Ć©lĆ©ments conducteurs de l'Ć©lectricitĆ© qui sont connectĆ©s au plan de masse P et traversent les diĆ©lectriques D'1 et D'2 de faƧon Ć  ĆŖtre 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 rƩalisation prƩfƩrentiel, les ƩlƩments de court circuit CC ne sont pas en contact avec les Ʃlectrodes E' de la matrice d'Ʃlectrodes 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 Ʃgalement apparaƮtre le rƩservoir R et le canal C d'Ʃlectrodes 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 oĆ¹ la substance fluide F' conductrice est Ć  la fois en contact avec le port R'F' et un des Ć©lĆ©ments de court circuit CC, on peut obtenir, par exemple, une antenne de type PIFA, dont les propriĆ©tĆ©s diffĆØrent 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'Ć©lĆ©ments de court circuit CC peuvent ĆŖtre variables. Selon une variante, au moins un de ces Ć©lĆ©ments de court circuit CC est reliĆ© Ć  un dipĆ“le Ć©lectrique (impĆ©dance, interrupteur, varicap,...), ce qui permet de modifier les propriĆ©tĆ©s 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 reprƩsente une vue en coupe de l'antenne selon l'une des variantes prƩcƩdentes encapsulƩe.The figure 8 represents a sectional view of the antenna according to one of the preceding encapsulated variants.

Cette variante est illustrĆ©e pour le premier mode de rĆ©alisation de l'invention mais s'applique Ć©galement au deuxiĆØme mode de rĆ©alisation 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 ĆŖtre intĆ©grĆ©e dans un dispositif, l'antenne selon l'invention est enfermĆ©e 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 diffĆ©rents Ć©lĆ©ments constitutifs de l'antenne, comme, par exemple, le plan de masse P, le port radiofrĆ©quence RF, la matrice d'Ć©lectrodes M, les diĆ©lectriques D1 et D2 et la substance fluide F sont enfermĆ©s dans une capsule P constituĆ©e d'une matiĆØre rigide ou semi rigide. Un des plans L de la capsule P est parallĆØle Ć  la surface de la matrice d'Ć©lectrodes 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 occupĆ© par la substance fluide F peut ĆŖtre constituĆ© 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 Ć©galement un terminal de radiocommunication ou tout objet communicant apte Ć  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 procƩdƩ de fabrication d'une antenne ƩlectromagnƩtique reconfigurable comportant un ƩlƩment rayonnant composƩ d'une substance fluide (F, F') conductrice de l'ƩlectricitƩ, le volume de la substance fluide (F, F') Ʃtant variable. Ce procƩdƩ comporte une Ʃtape d'insertion d'une matrice d'Ʃlectrodes (M, M') sur laquelle la substance fluide (F, F') se dƩplace par Ʃlectromouillage.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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FR0854343 2008-06-27

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EP2139066A1 EP2139066A1 (en) 2009-12-30
EP2139066B1 true EP2139066B1 (en) 2014-05-14

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CN (1) CN101615714B (en)

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CN101615714A (en) 2009-12-30
EP2139066A1 (en) 2009-12-30
CN101615714B (en) 2015-04-01
US20090322646A1 (en) 2009-12-31
US8125393B2 (en) 2012-02-28

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