Variable phase shifter

Abstract

A variable phase shifter is improved in liquid crystal response characteristics by using a thin liquid crystal material as a dielectric substrate. The variable phase shifter includes two substrates disposed parallel to each other. The substrates have alignment layers on their mutually opposing inner surfaces. A liquid crystal layer is sealed in the area between the substrates. A transmission line is formed to meander on the inner surface of one of the substrates. A grounding conductor is formed on the inner surface of the substrate along the transmission line at a predetermined distance therefrom. External electrodes are formed at least in regions on the respective outer surfaces of the substrates, each of which regions corresponds to the gap between the transmission line and the grounding conductor. A bias voltage source applies a bias voltage between the upper and lower external electrodes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.