A solid state source based radio frequency phase shifter
By using a solid-state source-based RF phase shifter, and utilizing three DP12T RF switches and a stepped phase delay line group, the problems of phase consistency and large size of multi-channel low-power microwave modules are solved, simplifying phase adjustment and reducing costs, making it suitable for multi-band applications.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHENGDU FENYU ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
Smart Images
Figure CN224503335U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of radio frequency circuit technology, and in particular to a radio frequency phase shifter based on a solid-state source. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, high-power (1~10kW and above) microwave solid-state sources used in industrial applications employ multiple low-power power amplifier modules (200~500W and above) for power combining. The key to power combining technology lies in the simultaneous input of multiple (2~30+) low-power amplifiers with the same amplitude and phase into the microwave combiner. While the amplitude can be adjusted using RF attenuators, these attenuators introduce new phase variations. Furthermore, differences in phase among components and soldered parts within the RF link itself can lead to inconsistencies in phase between the multiple amplifiers, affecting the final combining effect. Therefore, digital RF phase shifters are crucial for solving the phase consistency problem in microwave solid-state source power combining. Additionally, existing RF phase shifters typically use six switches in a series configuration, resulting in a relatively large size. Utility Model Content
[0003] To address the issues of phase inconsistency and large size in multi-channel low-power microwave modules, this invention provides a solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter that achieves stepped phase combination and greatly simplifies the size of the radio frequency phase shifter.
[0004] This utility model discloses a solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter, which includes a first switch chip, a second switch chip, a third switch chip, a first step phase delay line group, and a second step phase delay line group. One end of the first switch chip is provided with a radio frequency signal input port, and the other end is connected to one end of the second switch chip through the first step phase delay line group. The other end of the second switch chip is connected to one end of the third switch chip through the second step phase delay line group. The other end of the third switch chip is provided with a radio frequency signal output port. The first step phase delay line group includes M phase delay lines. The second step phase delay line group includes M phase delay lines.
[0005] Furthermore, within the first step phase delay line group, the phase differences between different phase delay lines are different; within the second step phase delay line group, the phase differences between different phase delay lines are different.
[0006] Furthermore, the radio frequency signal input port is a microstrip line for inputting radio frequency signals, and the radio frequency signal output port is a microstrip line for outputting radio frequency signals.
[0007] Furthermore, the phase delay lines in the first step phase delay line group are microstrip lines with equal length differences; the phase delay lines in the second step phase delay line group are microstrip lines with equal length differences.
[0008] Furthermore, the first switch chip, the second switch chip, and the third switch chip are all double-pole 12-throw switches; the first switch chip and the third switch chip use half of the chip's functionality, using a single-pole 5-channel switch; the second switch chip uses a double-pole 10-channel switch.
[0009] Furthermore, the first step phase delay line group is formed by parallel phase delay lines with a step of 5°; the second step phase delay line group is formed by parallel phase delay lines with a step of 25°; the phase delay lines in the first step phase delay line group and the second step phase delay line group are connected in series and their values are added together to obtain the overall phase change value with a step of 5° from 0° to 120°, that is, to realize a phase shift regulator with a step of 5° and a range of 0°-120°.
[0010] Furthermore, the phase difference of the phase delay lines in the first step phase delay line group is added to the phase difference of the phase delay lines in the second step phase delay line group to obtain the phase shift value of the radio frequency phase shifter.
[0011] Furthermore, during PCB layout, the first switch chip, the second switch chip, and the third switch chip are all rotated by 45° to convert the line length difference of the phase delay line between the first switch chip and the second switch chip, and the line length difference of the phase delay line between the second switch chip and the third switch chip, into the phase difference of the phase delay line in the first step phase delay line group and the phase difference of the phase delay line in the second step phase delay line group, respectively.
[0012] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, this utility model has the following advantages:
[0013] 1. This invention employs three DP12T RF switches (DP12T stands for dual-channel six-way). By combining these RF switches, different microstrip lengths are switched to achieve phase step changes. The stepped microstrip length and the DP12T RF switches are the key features of this invention. Unlike existing technologies that typically use six DP2T switches in a series configuration, this invention uses only three switches, significantly simplifying the size of the RF phase shifter.
[0014] 2. Low cost: The cost of 3 RF switches is relatively low. Currently, imported RF phase shifter chips are expensive and subject to embargo risks, while domestically produced RF phase shifter chips are also expensive, making the cost unacceptable for multi-channel applications.
[0015] 3. Adaptable to multiple frequency bands. Commonly used industrial microwave frequency bands are 433MHz, 915MHz, 2450MHz, and 5800MHz. 2450MHz phase shifters are the most common on the market, while phase shifters for other frequency bands are relatively expensive. This invention allows for the design of multiple frequency bands without changing the cost. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a phase shifter chip in the existing technology.
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter provided for an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0019] It should be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the term "comprising" or any other variations thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0020] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.
[0021] Traditional RF phase shifter design involves multiple RF switches connected in series. Switching channels changes the RF line length, and the line length is calculated based on the wavelength to alter the phase. (See also...) Figure 1 Six RF switches were used for pass-through and bypass switching (SW1 / SW6 are single-pole double-throw switches, and SW2 / SW3 / SW4 / SW5 are double-pole double-throw switches).
[0022] All switches SW1 through SW6 are switched to the initial pass-through 0° phase state. SW1 and SW2 are switched to the first bypass, increasing the total phase of the first bypass electrical length by 5.625°; SW2 and SW3 are switched to the second bypass, increasing the total phase of the second bypass electrical length by 11.25°; SW3 and SW4 are switched to the third bypass, increasing the total phase of the third bypass electrical length by 22.5°; SW4 and SW5 are switched to the fourth bypass, increasing the total phase of the fourth bypass electrical length by 45°; SW5 and SW6 are switched to the fifth bypass, increasing the total phase of the fifth bypass electrical length by 90°.
[0023] Different bypasses can be combined and superimposed to fill intermediate values: simultaneously switching the first and second bypasses can increase the total phase by 16.875°; simultaneously switching the first and third bypasses can increase the total phase by 28.125°; simultaneously switching the second and third bypasses can increase the total phase by 33.75°; simultaneously switching the first and fourth bypasses can increase the total phase by 50.625°; simultaneously switching the second and fourth bypasses can increase the total phase by 56.25°; simultaneously switching the third and fourth bypasses can increase the total phase by 67.5°; and so on, up to a maximum of 174.375° for the total phase increase when the first to fifth bypasses are superimposed. Through the above combinations, an RF phase shifter with a step of 5.625° and a range of 0~174.375° can be realized.
[0024] To address the issues of phase consistency and large size in multi-channel low-power microwave modules, a digital phase-adjustable phase shifter with step-change functionality is required. This invention calculates multiple sets of step-change phase angles corresponding to different microstrip lengths based on the microwave wavelength. Then, multiple RF switches are used to switch between these different microstrip lengths, combining them to achieve the step-change phase and thus phase adjustment. Since the low-power modules are multiplexed, the phase difference in actual testing is within 40°. Therefore, a phase shifter with a phase difference within 90° is designed to meet the requirements of high-power solid-state source synthesis. This invention uses only three switches, significantly simplifying the overall size.
[0025] See Figure 2This invention provides an embodiment of a solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter, comprising a first switch chip 1, a second switch chip 2, a third switch chip 3, a first step phase delay line group, and a second step phase delay line group. One end of the first switch chip 1 is provided with a radio frequency signal input port 4, and the other end is connected to one end of the second switch chip 2 through the first step phase delay line group. The other end of the second switch chip 2 is connected to one end of the third switch chip 3 through the second step phase delay line group. The other end of the third switch chip 3 is provided with a radio frequency signal output port 5. The first step phase delay line group includes M phase delay lines; the second step phase delay line group also includes M phase delay lines. When M is 5, the 5 phase delay lines in the first step phase delay line group correspond to... Figure 2 The numbers 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 in the text; the five phase delay lines of the second step phase delay line group correspond to respectively Figure 2 The numbers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are listed in the text.
[0026] Optionally, in the first step phase delay line group, the phase difference between different phase delay lines is different; in the second step phase delay line group, the phase difference between different phase delay lines is different.
[0027] Optionally, the RF signal input port 4 is a microstrip line for inputting RF signals, and the RF signal output port 5 is a microstrip line for outputting RF signals.
[0028] Optionally, the phase delay lines in the first-step phase delay line group are microstrip lines with equal length differences; the phase delay lines in the second-step phase delay line group are microstrip lines with equal length differences.
[0029] Optionally, the first switch chip 1, the second switch chip 2, and the third switch chip 3 are all double-pole 12-throw switches; the first switch chip 1 and the third switch chip use half of the chip's functionality, using a single-pole 5-channel switch; the second switch chip 2 uses a double-pole 10-channel switch.
[0030] Optionally, a first-step phase delay line group is formed by connecting parallel phase delay lines with a step of 5°; a second-step phase delay line group is formed by connecting parallel phase delay lines with a step of 25°; the phase delay lines in the first-step and second-step phase delay line groups are connected in series, and the values are added together to obtain the overall phase change value with a step of 5° from 0° to 120°, thus realizing a phase shift regulator with a step of 5° and a range of 0° to 120°.
[0031] Optionally, the phase difference of the phase delay lines in the first step phase delay line group is added to the phase difference of the phase delay lines in the second step phase delay line group to obtain the phase shift value of the RF phase shifter.
[0032] Optionally, during PCB layout, the first switch chip 1, the second switch chip 2, and the third switch chip 3 are all rotated by 45° to convert the line length difference (the line length change before and after the 45° rotation) of the phase delay line between the first switch chip 1 and the second switch chip 2, and the line length difference of the phase delay line between the second switch chip 2 and the third switch chip 3, into the phase difference of the phase delay line in the first step phase delay line group and the phase difference of the phase delay line in the second step phase delay line group, respectively.
[0033] One possible implementation of the above embodiment is as follows: Five different phase shift values from two sets (the first step phase delay line group and the second step phase delay line group) are connected in parallel, and then the two sets of values are added together to obtain an overall phase change value with a step size of 5° from 0° to 120°. This reduces the number of switching chips to three, significantly reducing the size. The two-set combination method provides a more efficient and convenient solution for phase traversal. Three dual-pole 12-channel RF switching chips (SW1, SW2, SW3) are selected. SW1 and SW3 use half of the chip's functionality as single-pole 5-channel, while SW2 uses dual-pole 10-channel functionality.
[0034] Through wavelength conversion, for example: a 5° phase difference at 2450MHz is a 0.6mm line length difference; a 10° phase difference is a 1.2mm line length difference; a 15° phase difference is a 1.8mm line length difference... and so on.
[0035] The phase difference values of the phase delay lines in the first group (the first step phase delay line group) are 0°, 5°, and 10°. 20°.
[0036] The phase difference values of the phase delay lines in the second group (second step phase delay line group) are 0°, 25°, and 50°. 100°.
[0037] Initial state: The first group selects 0°, the second group selects 0°, and the initial value is 0°.
[0038] The first group selects 5°, the second group selects 0°, and the phase shift value after addition is 5°;
[0039] The first group selects 10°, the second group selects 0°, and the phase shift value after addition is 10°;
[0040] The first group selects 15°, the second group selects 0°, and the phase shift value after addition is 15°;
[0041] The first group selects 20°, the second group selects 0°, and the phase shift value after addition is 20°;
[0042] The first group selects 0°, the second group selects 25°, and the phase shift value after addition is 25°;
[0043] The first group selects 5°, the second group selects 25°, and the phase shift value after addition is 30°;
[0044] The first group selects 10°, the second group selects 25°, and the phase shift value after addition is 35°;
[0045] The first group selects 15°, the second group selects 25°, and the added phase shift value is 40°;
[0046] Similarly, if all chips are used with dual-pole 12-channel functionality, and 6 sets of values are superimposed, theoretically, a phase shift value change of 0° to 175° can be achieved. The maximum value is 20° for the first set and 100° for the second set, resulting in a phase shift value of 120°; this achieves equal-step phase adjustment within the range of 0° to 120° in 5° increments.
[0047] The two sets of values selected (set 1: 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°; set 2: 0°, 25°, 50°) (100°). It is necessary to ensure that the value increases in 5° steps during the phase shifter's traversal of gears, and to ensure that there is no value repetition, thereby maximizing the value range.
[0048] High-power solid-state sources operate in the industrial microwave frequency bands of 433, 915, 2450, and 5800 MHz. Therefore, by using two sets of numerical values based on the same principle, the difference in RF line length can be calculated according to the wavelength of the frequency band, and phase shifters for other frequency bands can be designed using the same principle.
[0049] There are challenges in the routing process of PCB design, such as the need to lay out RF lines with equal differences. This invention uniquely utilizes the differences naturally formed by a 45° arc angle to achieve RF line layout within a small volume.
[0050] This utility model's radio frequency phase shifter solution is suitable for solid-state source microwave power combining, with extremely low operating costs, a very simple structure, and a small size. It offers a significant cost advantage compared to commercially available phase shifter chips. Unlike traditional phase shifter principles, this utility model innovatively designs a method of adding two sets of shift values together to achieve a phase shift adjuster with 5° increments and a range of 0° to 120°.
[0051] This invention employs three DP12T RF switches (DP12T stands for dual-channel six-way). By combining these RF switches, different microstrip line lengths are switched to achieve phase step changes. Unlike existing technologies that typically use six DP2T switches in a series configuration, this invention uses only three switches, significantly simplifying the overall size.
[0052] The embodiments described above merely illustrate specific implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A radio frequency phase shifter based on a solid-state source, characterized in that, It includes a first switch chip, a second switch chip, a third switch chip, a first step phase delay line group, and a second step phase delay line group; one end of the first switch chip is provided with an RF signal input port, and the other end is connected to one end of the second switch chip through the first step phase delay line group; the other end of the second switch chip is connected to one end of the third switch chip through the second step phase delay line group; the other end of the third switch chip is provided with an RF signal output port; the first step phase delay line group includes M phase delay lines; the second step phase delay line group includes M phase delay lines.
2. The solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, Within the first step phase delay line group, the phase difference between different phase delay lines is different; within the second step phase delay line group, the phase difference between different phase delay lines is different.
3. The solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radio frequency signal input port is a microstrip line used to input radio frequency signals, and the radio frequency signal output port is a microstrip line used to output radio frequency signals.
4. The solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase delay lines in the first-step phase delay line group are microstrip lines with equal length differences; the phase delay lines in the second-step phase delay line group are microstrip lines with equal length differences.
5. The solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first switch chip, the second switch chip, and the third switch chip are all double-pole 12-throw switches; the first switch chip and the third switch chip use half of the chip's functionality, using a single-pole 5-channel switch; the second switch chip uses a double-pole 10-channel switch.
6. The solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first step phase delay line group is composed of parallel phase delay lines with a step of 5°; the second step phase delay line group is composed of parallel phase delay lines with a step of 25°; the phase delay lines in the first step phase delay line group and the second step phase delay line group are connected in series and their values are added together to obtain the overall phase change value with a step of 5° from 0° to 120°, that is, to realize a phase shift regulator with a step of 5° and a range of 0°-120°.
7. The solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The phase difference of the phase delay lines in the first step phase delay line group is added to the phase difference of the phase delay lines in the second step phase delay line group to obtain the phase shift value of the radio frequency phase shifter.
8. The solid-state source-based radio frequency phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, During PCB layout, the first switch chip, the second switch chip, and the third switch chip are all rotated by 45° to convert the line length difference of the phase delay line between the first switch chip and the second switch chip, and the line length difference of the phase delay line between the second switch chip and the third switch chip, into the phase difference of the phase delay line in the first step phase delay line group and the phase difference of the phase delay line in the second step phase delay line group, respectively.