Temperature Characterization of Liquid Crystal Dielectric Image Line Phase Shifter for Millimeter-Wave Applications

In this paper we investigate the temperature dependent behavior of a liquid crystal (LC) loaded tunable dielectric image guide (DIG) phase shifter at millimeter-wave frequencies from 80 GHz to 110 for future high data rate communications. The adhesive, necessary precise fabrication, is analyzed before component shown, using nematic LC-mixture GT7-29001. characterization conducted by changing LC DIG’s ground plane between −10∘C and ∘C. orientation molecules, therefore effective macroscopic relative permittivity DIG, changed inserting setup in fixture with rotatable magnets. Temperature independent matching can be observed, while insertion loss gradually increases both highest lowest LC. At ∘C up 1.3dB higher it 0.6dB lower than present 20 addition, achievable differential reduced increasing temperature. impact molecule alignment reduction shown an estimated 85% anisotropy still usable DIG when Higher as electrical length increases. A maximum difference 72∘ GHz, Nevertheless, well predictable, quasi-linear observed covered range, highlighting potential LC-based components millimeter wave frequencies.