Phase shifter and antenna device

Abstract

Provided is a phase shifter which, in order to be applied to a patch antenna of a size corresponding to the wavelength of signals to be transmitted and received, regardless of the polarization state of radio waves to be transmitted and received, comprises: a hub part that is connected to a power-feed point of the patch antenna; a switch group that includes a plurality of switches; a spoke section that includes a plurality of radial lines that are arranged radially around the hub part and are electrically connected to the hub part through any of the plurality of switches; and a rim part that includes a plurality of arcuate lines that are arranged along a circular arc centered on the hub part and are electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines through any of the plurality of switches.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a phase shifter and the like implemented in an antenna device. [Background technology]

[0002] Antenna devices compatible with high-frequency radio waves are being developed for mobile communications beyond the fifth generation. Such antenna devices incorporate a phase shifter in the front stage of the antenna element. By using a phase shifter to change the excitation phase of the antenna element, a desired directional beam can be formed. For example, a switched-line phase shifter can cover a phase shift range of up to 360 degrees, thereby achieving a large scanning angle. However, it has been difficult to incorporate such phase shifters into small antenna devices such as patch antennas.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a microstrip antenna that can change the phase. The microstrip antenna in Patent Document 1 has the function of changing the phase of a circularly polarized wave and the function of transmitting the circularly polarized wave. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-072383 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] By using multiple microstrip antennas of Patent Document 1, an array antenna with controllable directivity can be configured. The microstrip antenna of Patent Document 1 can be used to transmit and receive circularly polarized waves. However, the microstrip antenna of Patent Document 1 cannot be used to transmit and receive linearly polarized waves.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a phase shifter or the like that can be applied to a patch antenna having a size according to the wavelength of a signal to be transmitted or received, regardless of the polarization state of the radio wave to be transmitted or received. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A phase shifter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a hub portion connected to a feed point of a patch antenna, a switch group including a plurality of switches, a spoke portion including a plurality of radial lines arranged radially around the hub portion and electrically connected to the hub portion via any of the plurality of switches, and a rim portion including a plurality of arc-shaped lines arranged along an arc around the hub portion and electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via any of the plurality of switches. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a phase shifter or the like that can be applied to a patch antenna having a size according to the wavelength of a signal to be transmitted or received, regardless of the polarization state of the radio wave to be transmitted or received. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a phase shifter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of phase control using the phase shifter according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of phase control using the phase shifter according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of phase control using the phase shifter according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a phase shifter according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of phase control using a phase shifter according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of phase control using a phase shifter according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of phase control using a phase shifter according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a phase shifter according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of phase control using a phase shifter according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of phase control using a phase shifter according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a phase shifter according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a phase shifter according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an antenna device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an antenna device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a part of an antenna device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an antenna device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a phase shifter according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing control and processing in each embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are limited in a manner that is technically preferable for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the following. In all drawings used to describe the following embodiments, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, repeated explanations of similar configurations and operations may be omitted.

[0011] (First embodiment) First, a phase shifter according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The phase shifter of this embodiment is mounted on an antenna device including a patch antenna, which is a type of planar antenna. Below, an example will be described in which radio waves to be transmitted are transmitted from the antenna device. The antenna device can also be applied to receiving radio waves to be received that arrive from the outside. Below, descriptions of a transmitting device for transmitting radio waves from the antenna device and a receiving device for receiving radio waves received by the antenna device will be omitted. For example, the antenna device of this embodiment is used to transmit and receive signals to be transmitted and received in high frequency bands used in mobile communications from the fifth generation mobile communications onwards.

[0012] (composition) FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a phase shifter 10 according to this embodiment. The phase shifter 10 has a wheel-shaped outer shape. The phase shifter 10 includes a hub portion 11, spoke portions 12, a rim portion 13, and a group of switches. The spoke portion 12 includes a plurality of radial transmission lines. The plurality of radial transmission lines are also called radial lines. The rim portion 13 includes a plurality of arc-shaped transmission lines. The plurality of arc-shaped transmission lines are also called arc-shaped lines. The group of switches includes a switch S1, a switch S2, and a switch S3.

[0013] The phase shifter 10 is placed in correspondence with the patch antenna 100, which is placed at the position indicated by the dashed rectangle. The size of the patch antenna 100 is set to match the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received inside the substrate (not shown) on which the phase shifter 10 is mounted. The wavelength λ is determined by dividing the wavelength λ0 in a vacuum by the relative dielectric constant ε of the substrate. r 1, the patch antenna 100 is a square with a side length of λ / 2. The correspondence between the phase shifter 10 and the patch antenna 100 will be described in detail in a sixth embodiment to be described later.

[0014] The hub portion 11 is a disk-shaped conductor that includes the center point of the phase shifter 10. The hub portion 11 is electrically connected to a feed point F of the patch antenna 100. The position of the feed point F is offset from the position (center) where two diagonal lines of the patch antenna 100 intersect by the amount of the characteristic impedance. The hub portion 11 is electrically connected to the radial lines included in the spoke portion 12 via the switch S1. There are no restrictions on the material of the hub portion 11 as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0015] The spoke portion 12 includes a plurality of radial lines. In the example of FIG. 1, the spoke portion 12 includes eight radial lines. The radial lines have a line length of r (r is a real number). First ends of the radial lines are connected to a switch S1. The radial lines are electrically connected to the hub portion 11 via the switch S1. Second ends of the radial lines are connected to a switch S2. The second ends of the radial lines are electrically connected to any of the arc-shaped lines included in the rim portion 13 via the switch S2. There are no limitations on the material of the radial lines as long as they are electrically conductive.

[0016] The radial lines R included in the spoke portion 12 are connected to the starting point P s The radial lines are called R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 in clockwise order from the closest point. In Figure 1, the reference symbols for the multiple radial lines are omitted. The radial line R1 in the lower left of Figure 1 is connected to switch S2. The radial line R1 is connected to the starting point P via switch S2. s The signal input section 120 is made of the same material as the radial line R. The signal input section 120 has a plurality of input terminals, each of which has a length from an input end I to a start point P s A signal to be transmitted is input toward the radial line R8. The radial line R8 and the arc-shaped line at the bottom right of Fig. 1 are integrated without going through switch S2. In Figs. 2 to 4, the symbols of multiple radial lines are used as appropriate (some symbols are not used).

[0017] The rim portion 13 includes multiple arc-shaped lines. In the example of FIG. 1, the rim portion 13 includes seven arc-shaped lines. The line length of the arc-shaped lines is set to one-eighth (λ / 8) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted or received on the board on which the phase shifter 10 is mounted. The line length of the arc-shaped lines corresponds to the length of the circumference of a circle centered on the hub portion 11 divided into eight equal parts.

[0018] A first end of the arc-shaped line is connected to a switch S2 and a switch S3. The arc-shaped line is electrically connected to a second end of any radial line included in the spoke portion 12 via the switch S2. The arc-shaped line is electrically connected to an adjacent arc-shaped line in the clockwise direction via the switch S3. A second end of the arc-shaped line is connected to another switch S3. The arc-shaped line is electrically connected to an adjacent arc-shaped line in the counterclockwise direction via another switch S3. The material of the rim portion 13 is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0019] The arc-shaped track C included in the rim portion 13 has a starting point P s In the clockwise direction from the closest point, they are called C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7. In FIG. 1, the reference numerals of the multiple arc-shaped lines are omitted. The arc-shaped line C1 in the lower left of FIG. 1 is connected to the switch S3. The arc-shaped line C1 is connected to the starting point P via the switch S3. s 1. The arc-shaped line C7 and the radial lines are integrated without the intervention of switch S2. There is no arc-shaped line between arc-shaped line C1 and arc-shaped line C7, and a gap is provided between them. In FIGS. 2 to 4, the symbols of multiple arc-shaped lines are used as appropriate (although some symbols are not used).

[0020] The switch group includes eight switches S1. The switch group includes seven switches S2 and seven switches S3. For example, the switches S2 and S3, which are arranged adjacent to each other, may be configured as a single switch having three terminals. The structure and material of the switches included in the switch group are not limited as long as they can be used as microwave switches. For example, the switches may be made of MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) or PIN (Positive-Intrinsic-Negative) diodes. For example, the switches may be made of FETs (Field Effect Transistors). For example, the switches may be made of materials such as gallium nitride or gallium oxide. For example, the switches may be made of switching elements including a thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2).

[0021] The switch S1 is disposed at a first end of the radial lines included in the spoke portion 12. The switch S1 is used to switch the connection between the hub portion 11 and the radial lines. When the switch S1 is in the ON state, the hub portion 11 and the radial lines are electrically connected. When the switch S1 is in the OFF state, the hub portion 11 and the radial lines are not electrically connected.

[0022] The switch S2 is disposed at a second end of the radial lines included in the spoke portion 12. The switch S2 is used to switch the connection between the radial lines and the arc-shaped lines. When the switch S2 is in the ON state, the radial lines and the arc-shaped lines are electrically connected. When the switch S2 is in the OFF state, the radial lines and the arc-shaped lines are not electrically connected.

[0023] The switch S3 is disposed at the end of the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion 13. The switch S3 is used to switch the connection between two adjacent arc-shaped lines. When the switch S3 is in the ON state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are electrically connected via the switch S3. When the switch S3 is in the OFF state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are not electrically connected via the switch S3.

[0024] [Phase control] Next, three control examples will be given for phase control using the phase shifter 10. By controlling the states of multiple switches (switch S1, switch S2, switch S3) included in the switch, the starting point P s The phase of the signal input from the phase shifter 10 is controlled. For example, the amount of phase shift by the phase shifter 10 is controlled by a control unit (not shown). In the following explanation of phase control, the start point P s For example, switch S1 connected to radial line R1 is numbered S 11 It is written as follows.

[0025] <Control example 1> 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first example of phase control using the phase shifter 10. The first example of control corresponds to the phase reference (0 degrees) of the other examples of control described later. Hereinafter, the phase shift amount of the first example of control will be referred to as the phase reference (0 degrees). In FIG. 2, the switches in the ON state and the lines through which the signals propagate are indicated by hatching.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 2, switch S 11 and switch S 21 is in the ON state. The other switches in the switch group are in the OFF state. The signal input from input terminal I is s , switch S 21 , radial line R1, switch S 11 The starting point P s The distance L from the input terminal I to the hub portion 11 corresponds to the length r of the radial line R1. s The phase is shifted from the phase at the control example 1 by the length r of the radial line, and the signal is sent out as a radio wave to be transmitted from the patch antenna 100 connected to the hub unit 11. The amount of phase shift in control example 1 corresponds to the phase shift reference (0 degrees) in the other control examples described later.

[0027] <Control example 2> 3 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a second phase control example using the phase shifter 10. Control example 2 is an example in which the phase of a signal is shifted by 90 degrees compared to the phase reference (0 degrees). In FIG. 3, switches in the ON state and lines through which signals propagate are indicated by hatching.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 3, switch S 13 , switch S 23 , switch S 31 ~S 32 is in the ON state. The other switches in the switch group are in the OFF state. The signal input from input terminal I is s , switch S 31 , arc-shaped line C1, switch S 32 , via the arc-shaped line C2, and the switch S 23 Reach Switch S 23 The signal arriving at 13 The starting point P s The distance L from the hub section 11 corresponds to the sum of the lengths of the arc-shaped lines C1-C2 and the radial line R1. In other words, the distance L is r+2×λ / 8. The length of the radial lines is offset by the difference in the phase shift amount from the phase reference (0 degrees). Also, a distance of 2 / 8×λ (=λ / 4) indicates that the phase is shifted by 90 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees). The signal input from the input terminal I is phase-controlled by 90 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees), and is sent out as a transmission target radio wave from the patch antenna 100 connected to the hub section 11.

[0029] <Control example 3> Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a third phase control example using the phase shifter 10. Control example 3 is an example in which the phase of the signal is shifted by 315 degrees compared to the phase reference (0 degrees). In Fig. 4, switches in the ON state and lines through which the signals propagate are indicated by hatching.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 4, switch S 18 , switch S 31 ~Switch S 37is in the ON state. The other switches in the switch group are in the OFF state. The signal input from input terminal I is s , switch S 31 , arc-shaped line C1, switch S 32 , arc-shaped line C2, switch S 33 , arc-shaped line C3, switch S 34 , via the arc-shaped line C4, and the switch S 35 Reach Switch S 35 The signal arriving at 36 , arc-shaped line C6, switch S 37 , arc-shaped line C7, radial line R8, switch S 18 The starting point P s The distance L from the hub section 11 corresponds to the sum of the lengths of the arc-shaped lines C1 to C7 and the radial line R1. In other words, the distance L is r+7×λ / 8. The length of the radial lines is offset by the difference in the phase shift amount from the phase reference (0 degrees). Furthermore, the distance of 7 / 8×λ indicates that the phase is shifted by 315 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees). The signal input from the input terminal I is phase-controlled by 315 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees), and is sent out as a transmission target radio wave from the patch antenna 100 connected to the hub section 11.

[0031] 2 to 4, the phase shifter 10 can control the phase in increments of 45 degrees. Control examples 1 to 3 in FIGS. 2 to 4 are merely examples and do not limit the phase control by the phase shifter 10.

[0032] As described above, the phase shifter according to this embodiment includes a hub portion, spoke portions, a rim portion, and a group of switches. The hub portion is connected to the feed point of the patch antenna. The group of switches includes a plurality of switches. The spoke portions are arranged radially from the hub portion as the center. The spoke portions include a plurality of radial lines electrically connected to the hub portion via any of the plurality of switches. The rim portion is arranged along an arc centered on the hub portion. The rim portion includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via any of the plurality of switches.

[0033] The phase shifter of this embodiment can control the phase shift of radio waves whether the radio waves to be transmitted or received are circularly polarized or linearly polarized. Furthermore, the phase shifter of this embodiment is circular and can be formed compactly. Therefore, the phase shifter of this embodiment can be housed below a patch antenna. In other words, the phase shifter of this embodiment can be applied to a patch antenna whose size corresponds to the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted or received, regardless of the polarization state of the radio waves to be transmitted or received.

[0034] In one aspect of this embodiment, the hub section, switch group, spoke section, and rim section are formed on the same substrate. The spoke section includes eight radial lines. The rim section includes seven arc-shaped lines. The patch antenna is square. One side of the patch antenna has a length equivalent to half the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted or received on the substrate. The line length of the multiple arc-shaped lines included in the rim section is one-eighth the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted or received on the substrate. The phase shifter of this aspect can control the phase of the signal to be transmitted or received in 45-degree increments.

[0035] In one aspect of this embodiment, the switches included in the switch group are switching elements including a thin film of vanadium dioxide. According to this aspect, a phase shifter including compact switches utilizing the phase transition of vanadium dioxide can be realized.

[0036] (Second embodiment) Next, a phase shifter according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The phase shifter of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes bypass lines that bypass adjacent radial lines.

[0037] (composition) FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a phase shifter 20 according to this embodiment. The phase shifter 20 has a wheel-shaped outer shape. The phase shifter 20 includes a hub portion 21, spoke portions 22, a rim portion 23, a bypass portion 25, and a group of switches. The spoke portion 22 includes a plurality of first radial lines and a plurality of second radial lines. The first radial lines and the second radial lines connected in series form a radial line extending from the hub portion 21 to the rim portion 23. The bypass portion 25 includes a plurality of bypass lines. The rim portion 23 includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines. The group of switches includes a switch S1, a switch S2, a switch S3, a switch S4, a switch S5, and a switch S6.

[0038] The phase shifter 20 is arranged in correspondence with the patch antenna 200 arranged at the position indicated by the dashed rectangle. The size of the patch antenna 200 is set in accordance with the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received inside a substrate (not shown) on which the phase shifter 20 is mounted. In the example of FIG. 5, the patch antenna 200 is a square with a side length of λ / 2. Details of the correspondence between the phase shifter 20 and the patch antenna 200 will be described in a sixth embodiment later.

[0039] The hub portion 21 is a disk-shaped conductor that includes the center point of the phase shifter 20. The hub portion 21 is electrically connected to a feed point F of the patch antenna 200. The position of the feed point F is offset from the position (center) where two diagonal lines of the patch antenna 200 intersect by an amount corresponding to the characteristic impedance. The hub portion 21 is connected to a switch S1. The hub portion 21 is electrically connected to the plurality of first radial lines included in the spoke portion 22 via the switch S1. There are no restrictions on the material of the hub portion 21 as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0040] The spoke portion 22 includes a plurality of first radial lines. In the example of FIG. 5 , the spoke portion 22 includes eight first radial lines. First ends of the first radial lines are connected to a switch S1. The first radial lines are electrically connected to the hub portion 21 via the switch S1. Second ends of the first radial lines are connected to a switch S4. The first radial lines are electrically connected to any of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 22 via switches S4 and S6. The first radial lines are connected in series with any of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 22. The sum of the line lengths of the first radial lines and the second radial lines connected in series is r (r is a real number). The first radial lines are also electrically connected to any of the bypass lines included in the bypass portion 25 via switches S4 and S5. There are no limitations on the material of the first radial lines as long as they are electrically conductive.

[0041] The first radial line included in the spoke portion 22 has a starting point P s In clockwise order, starting from the closest 11 , R 12 , R 13 , R 14 , R 15 , R 16 , R 17 , R 18 In Fig. 5, the reference symbols of the plurality of first radial lines are omitted. In Figs. 6 to 8, the reference symbols of the plurality of first radial lines are used as appropriate (some reference symbols are not used).

[0042] The spoke portion 22 also includes a plurality of second radial lines. In the example of FIG. 5, the spoke portion 22 includes eight second radial lines. First ends of the second radial lines are connected to switch S4. The second radial lines are electrically connected to the first radial lines connected in series via switches S4 and S6. The second radial lines are also electrically connected to any of the bypass lines included in the bypass portion 25 via switches S5 and S6. Second ends of the second radial lines are connected to switch S2. The second radial lines are electrically connected to any of the arc-shaped lines included in the rim portion 23 via switch S2. The material of the radial lines is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0043] The second radial line included in the spoke portion 22 has a starting point P s In clockwise order, starting from the closest 21 , R 22 , R 23 , R 24 , R 25 , R 26 , R 27 , R 28 In FIG. 5, the reference numerals of the second radial lines are omitted. The second radial line R 21 is connected to the starting point P via the switch S2. s 5. The second radial line R 28 and the arc-shaped lines included in the rim portion 23 are integral with each other. In Figs. 6 to 8, the symbols of the plurality of second radial lines are used as appropriate (some symbols are not used).

[0044] The rim portion 23 includes multiple arc-shaped lines. In the example of Fig. 5, the rim portion 23 includes seven arc-shaped lines. The line length of the arc-shaped lines is set to one-eighth (λ / 8) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the board on which the phase shifter 20 is mounted. The line length of the arc-shaped lines corresponds to the length of the circumference of a circle centered on the hub portion 21 divided into eight equal parts.

[0045] A first end of the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion 23 is connected to a switch S2 and a switch S3. The arc-shaped line is electrically connected to any second radial line included in the spoke portion 22 via the switch S2. The arc-shaped line is also electrically connected to an adjacent arc-shaped line in the clockwise direction via the switch S3. A second end of the arc-shaped line is connected to another switch S3. The arc-shaped line is electrically connected to an adjacent arc-shaped line in the counterclockwise direction via another switch S3. The material of the rim portion 23 is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0046] The arc-shaped track C included in the rim portion 23 has a starting point P s In the clockwise direction from the closest point, they are called C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7. In FIG. 5, the reference numerals of the multiple arc-shaped lines are omitted. The arc-shaped line C1 in the lower left of FIG. 5 is connected to the switch S3. The arc-shaped line C1 is connected to the starting point P via the switch S3. s 5. The arc-shaped line C7 and the second radial line are integrated without the switch S2. There is no arc-shaped line between the arc-shaped line C1 and the arc-shaped line C7, and a gap is provided between them. In FIGS. 6 to 8, the symbols of the multiple arc-shaped lines are used as appropriate (although some symbols are not used).

[0047] The bypass section 25 includes multiple bypass lines. The bypass lines are transmission lines that electrically connect adjacent radial lines. In the example of FIG. 5, the bypass section 25 includes four bypass lines. The number of bypass lines may be three or less, or five or more. The bypass lines may also be provided at locations other than those shown in FIG. 5. The bypass lines are arc-shaped. The line length of the bypass lines is set to 1 / 16 (λ / 16) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate on which the phase shifter 20 is mounted. The end of the bypass line is connected to switch S5. The bypass line is electrically connected to any one of the first radial lines included in the spoke section 22 via switches S4 and S5. The end of the bypass line is electrically connected to any one of the second radial lines included in the spoke section 22 via switches S5 and S6. The material of the bypass lines is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0048] The bypass line included in the bypass section 25 has a start point P s They are denoted as B1, B2, B3, and B4 in clockwise order from the closest. In Fig. 5, the symbols for the multiple bypass lines are omitted. In Figs. 6 to 8, the symbols for the multiple bypass lines are used as appropriate (although some symbols are not used).

[0049] The switch group includes eight switches S1. The switch group includes seven switches S2 and seven switches S3. The switch group also includes eight switches S4, S5, and S6. For example, closely spaced switches may be configured as a single switch. The structure and material of the switches included in the switch group are not limited as long as they can be used as microwave switches. For example, the switches may be made of MEMS, PIN diodes, FETs, etc. For example, the switches may be made of materials such as gallium nitride or gallium oxide. For example, the switches may be made of switching elements including a thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2).

[0050] The switch S1 is disposed at a first end of the first radial lines included in the spoke portion 22. The switch S1 is used to switch the connection between the hub portion 21 and the first radial lines. When the switch S1 is in the ON state, the hub portion 21 and the first radial lines are electrically connected. When the switch S1 is in the OFF state, the hub portion 21 and the first radial lines are not electrically connected.

[0051] The switch S2 is disposed at a second end of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 22. The switch S2 is used to switch the connection between the second radial lines and the arc-shaped lines. When the switch S2 is in the ON state, the second radial lines and the arc-shaped lines are electrically connected. When the switch S2 is in the OFF state, the second radial lines and the arc-shaped lines are not electrically connected.

[0052] The switch S3 is disposed at the end of the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion 23. The switch S3 is used to switch the connection between two adjacent arc-shaped lines. When the switch S3 is in the ON state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are electrically connected via the switch S3. When the switch S3 is in the OFF state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are not electrically connected via the switch S3.

[0053] The switch S4 is disposed at a second end of the first radial lines included in the spoke portion 22. The switch S5 is disposed at an end of the bypass lines included in the bypass portion 25. The switch S6 is disposed at a first end of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 22. The switches S4, S5, and S6 are used to switch the connections of the first radial lines, the second radial lines, and the bypass lines. When the switches S4 and S5 are in the ON state and the switch S6 is in the OFF state, the first radial lines and the bypass lines are electrically connected. When the switch S4 is in the OFF state and the switches S5 and S6 are in the ON state, the bypass lines and the second radial lines are electrically connected. When the switches S4 and S6 are in the ON state and the switch S5 is in the OFF state, the first radial lines and the second radial lines are electrically connected. Under normal usage conditions, the switches S4, S5, and S6 are not all set to the ON state.

[0054] [Phase control] Next, three control examples will be given for the phase control using the phase shifter 20. By controlling the states of multiple switches (switch S1, switch S2, switch S3, switch S4, switch S5, switch S6) included in the switch, the starting point P s The phase of the signal input from the first radial line R is controlled. For example, the amount of phase shift by the phase shifter 20 is controlled by a control unit (not shown). In the following explanation of phase control, in order to distinguish between the switches, numbers are added to the end of the switches in clockwise order starting from the part closest to the starting point Ps (bottom left of the drawing). For example, 11 The switch S1 connected to 11 It is written as follows.

[0055] <Control example 1> Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first example of phase control using the phase shifter 20. In the first example of control, the phase of the signal input from the input terminal I is shifted by 112.5 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees). In Fig. 6, the switches in the ON state and the lines through which the signals propagate are indicated by hatching.

[0056] In the example of Figure 6, switch S 14 , switch S 23 , switch S 31 ~S 32 , switch S 44 , switch S 53 ~S 54 , and switch S 63 is in the ON state. The other switches in the switch group are in the OFF state. The signal input from input terminal I is s , switch S 31 , arc-shaped line C1, switch S 32 , via the arc-shaped line C2, and the switch S 23 Reach Switch S 23 The signal arriving at 23 , switch S 63 , switch S 53 , bypass line B2, switch S 54 , switch S 44 , the first radial line R 14 , switch S 14 The starting point P s The distance L from the first radial line R to the hub portion 21 is 23 , bypass line B2, first radial line R 14 In other words, the distance L is r+5×λ / 16. The length of the radial lines is offset by the difference in the phase shift amount from the phase reference (0 degrees). Also, a distance of 5 / 16×λ indicates that the phase is shifted by 112.5 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees). The signal input from input terminal I is phase-controlled by 112.5 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees), and is sent out as a transmission target radio wave from patch antenna 200 connected to hub unit 21.

[0057] <Control example 2> Fig. 7 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a second phase control example using the phase shifter 20. Control example 2 is an example in which the phase of the signal is shifted by 157.5 degrees compared to the phase reference (0 degrees). In Fig. 7, switches in the ON state and lines through which the signals propagate are indicated by hatching.

[0058] In the example of Figure 7, switch S 13 , switch S 24 , switch S 31 ~S 33 , switch S 43 , switch S 53 ~S 54 , and switch S 64 is in the ON state. The other switches in the switch group are in the OFF state. The signal input from input terminal I is s , switch S 31 , arc-shaped line C1, switch S 32 , arc-shaped line C2, switch S 33 , via the arc-shaped line C3, and the switch S 24 Reach Switch S 24 The signal arriving at 24 , switch S 64 , switch S 54 , bypass line B2, switch S 53 , switch S 43 , the first radial line R 13 , switch S 13 The starting point P s The distance L from the first radial line R to the hub portion 21 is 24 , bypass line B2, first radial line R 13 In other words, the distance L is r+7×λ / 16. The length of the radial lines is offset by the difference in the phase shift amount from the phase reference (0 degrees). Also, a distance of 7 / 16×λ indicates that the phase is shifted by 157.5 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees). The signal input from input terminal I is phase-controlled by 157.5 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees), and is sent out as a transmission target radio wave from patch antenna 200 connected to hub unit 21.

[0059] <Control example 3> Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a third phase control example using the phase shifter 20. Control example 3 is an example in which the phase of the signal is shifted by approximately 327.5 degrees compared to the phase reference (0 degrees). In Fig. 8, switches in the ON state and the lines through which the signals propagate are indicated by hatching.

[0060] In the example of Figure 8, switch S 17 , switch S 31 ~Switch S 37 , switch S 47 ~S 48 , switch S 57 is in the ON state. The other switches in the switch group are in the OFF state. The signal input from input terminal I is s , switch S 31 , arc-shaped line C1, switch S 32 , arc-shaped line C2, switch S 33 , arc-shaped line C3, switch S 34 , via the arc-shaped line C4, and the switch S 35 Reach Switch S 35 The signal arriving at 36 , arc-shaped line C6, switch S 37 , arc-shaped track C7, second radial track R 28 via switch S 48 Reach Switch S 48 The signal arriving at 47 , switch S 57 , the first radial line R 17 , switch S 17 The starting point P s The distance L from the first radial line R to the hub portion 21 is 28 , bypass line B4, first radial line R 17In other words, the distance L is r+15×λ / 16. The length of the radial lines is offset by the difference in the phase shift amount from the phase reference (0 degrees). Furthermore, the distance of 15 / 16×λ indicates that the phase is shifted by 337.5 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees) in Control Example 1. The signal input from input terminal I is phase-controlled by 337.5 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees), and is sent out as a transmission target radio wave from patch antenna 200 connected to hub unit 21.

[0061] 6 to 8, the phase shifter 20 can perform phase control with a resolution of 22.5 degrees. The control examples in FIGS. 6 to 8 are merely examples and do not limit the phase control performed by the phase shifter 20.

[0062] As described above, the phase shifter according to this embodiment includes a hub section, spoke sections, a rim section, a bypass section, and a group of switches. The hub section is connected to a feed point of the patch antenna. The group of switches includes a plurality of switches. The spoke sections are arranged radially around the hub section. The spoke sections include a plurality of radial lines electrically connected to the hub section via one of the plurality of switches. The rim section is arranged along an arc around the hub section. The rim section includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via one of the plurality of switches. The bypass section includes at least one bypass line that bypasses two adjacent radial lines. The plurality of radial lines include a first radial line and a second radial line. A first end of the first radial line is electrically connected to the hub section via one of the plurality of switches. A second end of the first radial line is electrically connected to an end of one of the bypass lines included in the bypass section and to a first end of the second radial line via one of the plurality of switches. The first end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any of the bypass lines included in the bypass section and to a second end of the first radial line via any of the multiple switches, and the second end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any of the arc-shaped lines included in the rim section.

[0063] The phase shifter of this embodiment includes a bypass line that is shorter than the arc-shaped line, and therefore the phase shifter of this embodiment can improve the resolution of the phase shift amount of the radio wave compared to the phase shifter of the first embodiment.

[0064] In one aspect of this embodiment, the hub section, switch group, spoke section, and rim section are formed on the same substrate. The spoke section includes eight radial lines. The rim section includes seven arc-shaped lines. The patch antenna is square. One side of the patch antenna has a length equivalent to half the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate. The line length of the multiple arc-shaped lines included in the rim section is one-eighth the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate. The line length of the bypass line is one-sixteenth the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate. The phase shifter of this aspect can control the phase of the signal to be transmitted and received in approximately 22.5 degree increments.

[0065] (Third embodiment) Next, a phase shifter according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The phase shifter of this embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that it includes two types of bypass lines that bypass adjacent radial lines.

[0066] (composition) FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a phase shifter 30 according to this embodiment. The phase shifter 30 has a wheel-shaped outer shape. The phase shifter 30 includes a hub portion 31, spoke portions 32, a rim portion 33, a bypass portion 35, and a group of switches. The spoke portion 32 includes a plurality of first radial lines, a plurality of second radial lines, and a plurality of third radial lines. The first radial lines, the second radial lines, and the third radial lines connected in series form a radial line extending from the hub portion 31 to the rim portion 33. The bypass portion 35 includes a plurality of first bypass lines and a plurality of second bypass lines. The rim portion 33 includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines. The group of switches includes a switch S1, a switch S2, a switch S3, a switch S4, a switch S5, a switch S6, a switch S7, a switch S8, and a switch S9.

[0067] The phase shifter 30 is placed in correspondence with the patch antenna 300, which is placed at the position indicated by the dashed rectangle. The size of the patch antenna 300 is set to match the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received inside the substrate (not shown) on which the phase shifter 30 is mounted. The wavelength λ is calculated by dividing the wavelength λ0 in a vacuum by the relative dielectric constant ε of the substrate. r 9, the patch antenna 300 is a square with a side length of λ / 2. The correspondence between the phase shifter 30 and the patch antenna 300 will be described in detail in a sixth embodiment to be described later.

[0068] The hub portion 31 is a disk-shaped conductor that includes the center point of the phase shifter 30. The hub portion 31 is electrically connected to a feed point F of the patch antenna 300. The position of the feed point F is offset from the position (center) where two diagonal lines of the patch antenna 300 intersect by an amount corresponding to the characteristic impedance. The hub portion 31 is connected to a switch S1. The hub portion 31 is electrically connected to the first radial lines that constitute the spoke portion 32 via the switch S1. There are no restrictions on the material of the hub portion 31 as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0069] The spoke portion 32 includes a plurality of first radial lines. In the example of FIG. 9 , the spoke portion 32 includes eight first radial lines. First ends of the first radial lines are connected to switch S1. The first radial lines are electrically connected to the hub portion 31 via switch S1. Second ends of the first radial lines are connected to switch S7. The first radial lines are electrically connected to any of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 32 via switches S7 and S9. In addition, the second ends of the first radial lines are electrically connected to any of the second bypass lines included in the bypass portion 35 via switches S7 and S8. The material of the first radial lines is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0070] The first radial line included in the spoke portion 32 has a starting point P s In clockwise order, starting from the closest 11 , R 12 , R 13 , R14 , R 15 , R 16 , R 17 , R 18 In Fig. 9, the reference symbols of the plurality of first radial lines are omitted. In Figs. 10 and 11, the reference symbols of the plurality of first radial lines are used as appropriate (some reference symbols are not used).

[0071] The spoke portion 32 also includes a plurality of second radial lines. In the example of FIG. 9 , the spoke portion 32 includes eight second radial lines. First ends of the second radial lines are connected to switch S9. The second radial lines are electrically connected to any of the first radial lines included in the spoke portion 32 via switches S7 and S9. The second radial lines are also electrically connected to any of the second bypass lines included in the bypass portion 35 via switches S9 and S8. Second ends of the second radial lines are connected to switch S4. The second radial lines are electrically connected to any of the third radial lines included in the spoke portion 32 via switches S4 and S6. The second radial lines are also electrically connected to any of the first bypass lines included in the bypass portion 35 via switches S4 and S5.

[0072] The second radial line included in the spoke portion 32 has a starting point P s In clockwise order, starting from the closest 21 , R 22 , R 23 , R 24 , R 25 , R 26 , R 27 , R 28 In Fig. 9, the reference symbols of the second radial lines are omitted. In Figs. 10 and 11, the reference symbols of the second radial lines are used as appropriate (some reference symbols are not used).

[0073] The spoke portion 32 also includes a plurality of third radial lines. In the example of FIG. 9 , the spoke portion 32 includes eight third radial lines. First ends of the third radial lines are connected to switch S6. The third radial lines are electrically connected to any of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 32 via switches S4 and S6. Furthermore, first ends of the third radial lines are electrically connected to any of the first bypass lines included in the bypass portion 35 via switches S5 and S6. Second ends of the third radial lines are connected to switch S2. The third radial lines are electrically connected to any of the arc-shaped lines included in the rim portion 33 via switch S2. The material of the radial lines is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0074] The third radial line included in the spoke portion 32 has a starting point P s In clockwise order, starting from the closest 31 , R 32 , R 33 , R 34 , R 35 , R 36 , R 37 , R 38 In FIG. 9, the reference numerals of the third radial lines are omitted. The third radial line R 31 is connected to the starting point P via the switch S2. s The signal input section 320 is connected to a signal input section 320 including an input terminal I and a start point P s The signal to be transmitted is input to the third radial line R at the bottom right of FIG. 9 without going through the switch S2. 31 are integral with the arc-shaped lines included in the rim portion 33. In Figs. 10 and 11, the symbols of the plurality of third radial lines are used as appropriate (some symbols are not used).

[0075] The rim portion 33 includes multiple arc-shaped lines. In the example of Fig. 9, the rim portion 33 includes seven arc-shaped lines. The line length of the arc-shaped lines is set to one-eighth (λ / 8) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the board on which the phase shifter 30 is mounted. The line length of the arc-shaped lines corresponds to the length of the circumference of a circle centered on the hub portion 31 divided into eight equal parts.

[0076] A first end of the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion 33 is connected to switches S2 and S3. The arc-shaped line is electrically connected to any of the third radial lines included in the spoke portion 32 via switch S2. The arc-shaped line is also electrically connected to an adjacent arc-shaped line in the clockwise direction via switch S3. A second end of the arc-shaped line is electrically connected to a first end of an adjacent arc-shaped line in the counterclockwise direction via another switch S3. The material of the rim portion 33 is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0077] The arc-shaped track C included in the rim portion 33 has a starting point P s In Fig. 9, the symbols of the multiple arc-shaped lines are omitted. The arc-shaped line C1 in the lower left of Fig. 9 is connected to the starting point P via the switch S3. s 9. The arc-shaped line C7 at the bottom right of FIG. 9 and the third radial line are integrated without going through switch S2. There is no arc-shaped line between the arc-shaped line C1 and the arc-shaped line C7, and a gap is provided between them. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the symbols of multiple arc-shaped lines are used as appropriate (although some symbols are not used).

[0078] The bypass section 35 includes a plurality of first bypass lines. The first bypass lines are transmission lines that electrically connect adjacent radial lines. In the example of FIG. 9, the bypass section 35 includes four bypass lines. The number of first bypass lines may be three or less, or five or more. The first bypass lines may also be provided at locations other than those shown in FIG. 9. The first bypass lines are arc-shaped. The line length of the first bypass lines is set to 1 / 16 (λ / 16) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the board on which the phase shifter 30 is mounted.

[0079] An end of the first bypass line is connected to switch S5. The first bypass line is electrically connected to any of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 32 via switches S4 and S5. The first bypass line is also electrically connected to any of the third radial lines included in the spoke portion 32 via switches S5 and S6. There are no limitations on the material of the first bypass line as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0080] The first bypass line included in the bypass section 35 has a start point P s In clockwise order, starting from the closest 11 , B 12 , B 13 , B 14 In Fig. 9, the reference numerals of the first bypass lines are omitted. In Figs. 10 and 11, the reference numerals of the first bypass lines are used as appropriate (some reference numerals are not used).

[0081] The bypass section 35 also includes a plurality of second bypass lines. The second bypass lines are transmission lines that electrically connect adjacent radial lines. In the example of FIG. 9, the bypass section 35 includes four second bypass lines. The number of second bypass lines may be three or less, or five or more. The second bypass lines may also be provided at locations other than those shown in FIG. 9. The second bypass lines are arc-shaped. The second bypass lines are shorter than the first bypass lines. The line length of the second bypass lines is set to 1 / 32 (λ / 32) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the board on which the phase shifter 30 is mounted.

[0082] An end of the second bypass line is connected to switch S8. The second bypass line is electrically connected to any one of the first radial lines included in the spoke portion 32 via switches S7 and S8. The second bypass line is also electrically connected to any one of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 32 via switches S8 and S9. There are no limitations on the material of the additional bypass line as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0083] The second bypass line included in the bypass section 35 has a start point P s Clockwise from B 21 , B 22 , B 23 , B 24 In Fig. 9, the reference numerals of the second bypass lines are omitted. In Figs. 10 and 11, the reference numerals of the second bypass lines are used as appropriate (some reference numerals are not used).

[0084] The switch group includes eight switches S1. The switch group includes seven switches S2 and seven switches S3. The switch group also includes eight switches S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, and S9. For example, the closely arranged switches may be configured as a single switch with three terminals. The structure and material of the switches included in the switch group are not limited as long as they can be used as microwave switches. For example, the switches can be made of MEMS, PIN diodes, FETs, etc. For example, the switches can be made of materials such as gallium nitride and gallium oxide. For example, the switches can be made of switching elements including a thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2).

[0085] The switch S1 is disposed at a first end of the first radial lines included in the spoke portion 32. The switch S1 is used to switch the connection between the hub portion 31 and the first radial lines. When the switch S1 is in the ON state, the hub portion 31 and the first radial lines are electrically connected. When the switch S1 is in the OFF state, the hub portion 31 and the first radial lines are not electrically connected.

[0086] The switch S2 is disposed at a second end of the third radial lines included in the spoke portion 32. The switch S2 is used to switch the connection between the third radial lines and the arc-shaped lines. When the switch S2 is in the ON state, the third radial lines and the arc-shaped lines are electrically connected. When the switch S2 is in the OFF state, the third radial lines and the arc-shaped lines are not electrically connected.

[0087] The switch S3 is disposed at the end of the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion 33. The switch S3 is used to switch the connection between two adjacent arc-shaped lines. When the switch S3 is in the ON state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are electrically connected via the switch S3. When the switch S3 is in the OFF state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are not electrically connected via the switch S3.

[0088] The switch S4 is disposed at the second end of the second radial line. The switch S5 is disposed at the end of the first bypass line. The switch S6 is disposed at the first end of the third radial line. The switches S4, S5, and S6 are used to switch the connections of the second radial line, the third radial line, and the first bypass line. When the switches S4 and S5 are in the ON state and the switch S6 is in the OFF state, the second radial line and the first bypass line are electrically connected. When the switch S4 is in the OFF state and the switches S5 and S6 are in the ON state, the first bypass line and the third radial line are electrically connected. When the switches S4 and S6 are in the ON state and the switch S5 is in the OFF state, the second radial line and the third radial line are electrically connected. Under normal usage conditions, none of the switches S4, S5, and S6 are set to the ON state.

[0089] The switch S7 is disposed at the second end of the first radial line. The switch S8 is disposed at the end of the second bypass line. The switch S9 is disposed at the first end of the second radial line. The switches S7, S8, and S9 are used to switch the connections of the first radial line, the second radial line, and the second bypass line. When the switches S7 and S8 are in the ON state and the switch S9 is in the OFF state, the first radial line and the second bypass line are electrically connected. When the switch S7 is in the OFF state and the switches S8 and S9 are in the ON state, the second bypass line and the second radial line are electrically connected. When the switches S7 and S9 are in the ON state and the switch S8 is in the OFF state, the first radial line and the second radial line are electrically connected. In normal use, the switches S7, S8, and S9 are not all set to the ON state.

[0090] [Phase control] Next, two examples of phase control using the phase shifter 30 will be given. By controlling the states of multiple switches (S1 to S9) included in the switch, the starting point P s The phase of the signal input from the first radial line R is controlled. For example, the amount of phase shift by the phase shifter 30 is controlled by a control unit (not shown). In the following explanation of phase control, in order to distinguish between the switches, numbers are added to the end of the switches in clockwise order starting from the part closest to the starting point Ps (bottom left of the drawing). For example, 11 The switch S1 connected to 11 It is written as follows.

[0091] <Control example 1> Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a first example of phase control using the phase shifter 30. In the first example of control, the phase of the signal input from the input terminal I is shifted by approximately 326.3 degrees compared to the phase reference (0 degrees). In Fig. 10, the switches in the ON state and the lines through which the signals propagate are indicated by hatching.

[0092] In the example of Figure 10, switch S 11 , switch S 31 ~S37 , switch S 48 , switch S 68 , switch S 71 , switch S 81 , switch S 88 , and switch S 98 is in the ON state. The other switches in the switch group are in the OFF state. The signal input from input terminal I is s , switch S 31 , arc-shaped line C1, switch S 32 , arc-shaped line C2, switch S 33 , arc-shaped line C3, switch S 34 , via the arc-shaped line C4, and the switch S 35 Reach Switch S 35 The signal arriving at 36 , arc-shaped line C6, switch S 37 , arc-shaped track C7, third radial track R 38 via switch S 68 Reach Switch S 68 The signal arriving at 48 , the second radial line R 28 , switch S 98 , switch S 88 , Second Bypass Line B 24 , switch S 81 , switch S 71 , the first radial line R 11 , switch S 11 The starting point P s The distance L from the arc-shaped lines C1 to C7 and the third radial line R 38 , the second radial line R 28 , Second Bypass Line B 24 , the first radial line R 11This corresponds to the sum of the lengths of the radial lines. In other words, the distance L is r + 29 × λ / 32. The length r of the radial lines is canceled out by the difference in the phase shift amount from the phase reference (0 degrees). Furthermore, the distance of 29 / 32 × λ ​​indicates that the phase is shifted by approximately 326.3 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees). The signal input from input terminal I is phase-shifted by approximately 326.3 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees), and is sent out as the radio wave to be transmitted from patch antenna 300 connected to hub unit 31.

[0093] <Control example 2> Fig. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a second phase control example using the phase shifter 30. Control example 2 is an example in which the phase of the signal is shifted by approximately 348.8 degrees compared to the phase reference (0 degrees). In Fig. 11, the switches in the ON state and the lines through which the signals propagate are indicated by hatching.

[0094] In the example of Figure 11, switch S 16 , switch S 31 ~S 37 , switch S 47 , switch S 57 ~S 58 , switch S 68 , switch S 76 , switch S 86 ~S 87 , switch S 97 is in the ON state. The other switches in the switch group are in the OFF state. The signal input from input terminal I is s , switch S 31 , arc-shaped line C1, switch S 32 , arc-shaped line C2, switch S 33 , arc-shaped line C3, switch S 34 , via the arc-shaped line C4, and the switch S 35 Reach Switch S 35 The signal arriving at 36 , arc-shaped line C6, switch S 37 , arc-shaped track C7, third radial track R 38 via switch S 68 Reach Switch S 68 The signal arriving at58 , First Bypass Line B 14 , switch S 57 , switch S 47 , the second radial line R 27 , switch S 97 Reach Switch S 97 The signal arriving at 87 , Second Bypass Line B 23 , switch S 86 , switch S 76 , the first radial line R 16 , switch S 16 The starting point P s The distance L from the arc-shaped lines C1 to C7 and the third radial line R 38 , First Bypass Line B 14 , the second radial line R 27 , Second Bypass Line B 23 , the first radial line R 16 In other words, the distance L is r+31×λ / 32. The length of the radial lines is offset by the difference in the phase shift amount from the phase reference (0 degrees). Furthermore, a distance of 31 / 32×λ indicates that the phase is shifted by approximately 348.8 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees). The signal input from input terminal I is phase-shifted by approximately 348.8 degrees from the phase reference (0 degrees), and is sent out as a transmission target radio wave from patch antenna 300 connected to hub unit 31.

[0095] 10 and 11, the phase shifter 30 can control the phase with a resolution of approximately 11.25 degrees. The control examples in FIGS. 10 and 11 are merely examples and do not limit the phase control by the phase shifter 30.

[0096] As described above, the phase shifter according to this embodiment includes a hub portion, a spoke portion, a rim portion, a bypass portion, and a group of switches. The hub portion is connected to a feed point of the patch antenna. The group of switches includes a plurality of switches. The spoke portion is arranged radially around the hub portion. The spoke portion includes a plurality of radial lines electrically connected to the hub portion via one of the plurality of switches. The rim portion is arranged along an arc around the hub portion. The rim portion includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via one of the plurality of switches. The bypass portion includes at least one first bypass line and at least one second bypass line that bypass two adjacent radial lines. The first bypass line has a line length longer than the second bypass line. The radial lines include a first radial line, a second radial line, and a third radial line. A first end of the first radial line is electrically connected to the hub portion via one of the plurality of switches. The second ends of the first radial lines are electrically connected to the first ends of the second radial lines and to the ends of any of the second bypass lines included in the bypass section via any of the multiple switches. The first ends of the second radial lines are electrically connected to the second ends of the first radial lines and to the ends of any of the second bypass lines included in the bypass section via any of the multiple switches. The second ends of the second radial lines are electrically connected to the first ends of any of the first bypass lines included in the bypass section and to the first ends of the third radial lines via any of the multiple switches. The first ends of the third radial lines are electrically connected to the second ends of any of the first bypass lines included in the bypass section and to the second ends of the second radial lines via any of the multiple switches. The second ends of the third radial lines are electrically connected to the ends of any of the arc-shaped lines included in the rim section.

[0097] The phase shifter of this embodiment includes two types of bypass lines with different lengths, which allows the phase shifter of this embodiment to have a higher resolution of the phase shift amount of the signal to be transmitted and received than the phase shifter of the second embodiment.

[0098] In one aspect of this embodiment, the hub section, switch group, spoke section, and rim section are formed on the same substrate. The spoke section includes eight radial lines. The rim section includes seven arc-shaped lines. The patch antenna is square. One side of the patch antenna has a length equivalent to half the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate. The line length of the arc-shaped lines is one-eighth of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate. The line length of the first bypass line is one-sixteenth of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate. The line length of the second bypass line is one-thirty-second of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate. The phase shifter of this aspect can control the phase of the signal to be transmitted and received in increments of approximately 11.25 degrees.

[0099] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a phase shifter according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The phase shifter of this embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments in that a bypass line is added to the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion. The bypass line added to the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion is also called an additional bypass line. In this embodiment, an example in which an additional bypass line is added to the configuration of the second embodiment will be described. The additional bypass line may be added to the configuration of the first or third embodiment.

[0100] (composition) FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a phase shifter 40 according to this embodiment. The phase shifter 40 has a wheel-shaped outer shape. The phase shifter 40 includes a hub portion 41, spoke portions 42, a rim portion 43, a bypass portion 45, an additional bypass portion 46, and a group of switches. The spoke portion 42 includes a plurality of first radial lines and a plurality of second radial lines. The first radial lines and the second radial lines connected in series form a radial line extending from the hub portion 41 to the rim portion 43. The bypass portion 45 includes a plurality of bypass lines. The additional bypass portion 46 includes two additional bypass lines. The rim portion 43 includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines. The group of switches includes a switch S1, a switch S2, a switch S3, a switch S4, a switch S5, and a switch S6. The group of switches also includes a first additional switch (S a1 , S a2 , Sa3 , S a4 ) and a second additional switch (S b1 , S b2 , S b3 , S b4 ) is included.

[0101] The phase shifter 40 is placed in correspondence with the patch antenna 400, which is placed at the position indicated by the dashed rectangle. The size of the patch antenna 400 is set to match the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received inside the substrate (not shown) on which the phase shifter 40 is mounted. The wavelength λ is calculated by dividing the wavelength λ0 in a vacuum by the relative dielectric constant ε of the substrate. r 12, the patch antenna 400 is a square with a side length of λ / 2. The correspondence between the phase shifter 40 and the patch antenna 400 will be described in detail in a sixth embodiment to be described later.

[0102] The hub portion 41 is a disk-shaped conductor that includes the center point of the phase shifter 40. The hub portion 41 is electrically connected to a feed point F of the patch antenna 400. The position of the feed point F is offset from the position (center) where two diagonal lines of the patch antenna 400 intersect by an amount corresponding to the characteristic impedance. The hub portion 41 is electrically connected to a plurality of first radial lines included in the spoke portion 42 via a plurality of switches S1. There are no limitations on the material of the hub portion 41 as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0103] The spoke portion 42 includes a plurality of first radial lines. In the example of FIG. 12, the spoke portion 42 includes eight first radial lines. First ends of the first radial lines are connected to switch S1. The first radial lines are electrically connected to the hub portion 41 via switch S1. Second ends of the first radial lines are connected to switch S4. The first radial lines are electrically connected to any of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 42 via switches S4 and S6. The first radial lines are also electrically connected to any of the first bypass lines included in the bypass portion 45 via switches S4 and S5. There are no limitations on the material of the first radial lines as long as they are electrically conductive.

[0104] The spoke portion 42 includes a plurality of second radial lines. In the example of FIG. 12, the spoke portion 42 includes eight second radial lines. First ends of the second radial lines are connected to switch S6. The second radial lines are electrically connected to any of the first radial lines included in the spoke portion 42 via switches S4 and S6. Furthermore, first ends of the second radial lines are electrically connected to any of the bypass lines included in the bypass portion 45 via switches S6 and S5. Second ends of the second radial lines are connected to switch S2. The second radial lines are electrically connected to any of the arc-shaped lines included in the rim portion 43 via switch S2. The material of the radial lines is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0105] The rim portion 43 includes multiple arc-shaped lines. In the example of Fig. 12, the rim portion 43 includes eight arc-shaped lines. The line length of the arc-shaped lines is set to one-eighth (λ / 8) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the board on which the phase shifter 40 is mounted. The line length of the arc-shaped lines corresponds to the length of the circumference of a circle centered on the hub portion 41 divided into eight equal parts.

[0106] A first end of the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion 43 is connected to switch S2 and switch S3. The arc-shaped line is electrically connected to any second radial line included in the spoke portion 42 via switch S2. The arc-shaped line is also electrically connected to an adjacent arc-shaped line in the clockwise direction via switch S3. A second end of the arc-shaped line is electrically connected to a first end of an adjacent arc-shaped line in the counterclockwise direction via another switch S2. The material of the rim portion 43 is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0107] The arc-shaped line at the bottom right of FIG. 12 and the second radial line are integrated without using the switch S2. The arc-shaped line at the bottom center of FIG. 12 is connected to the first additional bypass line A included in the additional bypass section 46. a and Second Additional Bypass Line A b The arc-shaped line is connected to the first additional switch S a3and a second additional switch S b2 The first additional switch S a2 and the first additional switch S a3 The arc-shaped track in the section between (right side) is arc-shaped track C 01 It is called arc-shaped track C. 01 is the first additional switch S a2 via the starting point P s A second additional switch S b2 and a second additional switch S b3 The arc-shaped track in the section between (left side) is arc-shaped track C 02 It is called.

[0108] The bypass section 45 includes a plurality of bypass lines. The bypass lines are transmission lines that electrically connect adjacent radial lines. In the example of FIG. 12, the bypass section 45 includes four bypass lines. The number of bypass lines may be three or less, or five or more. The bypass lines may also be provided at locations other than those shown in FIG. 12. The bypass lines are arc-shaped. The line length of the bypass lines is set to 1 / 16 (λ / 16) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the board on which the phase shifter 40 is mounted.

[0109] An end of the bypass line is connected to switch S5. The bypass line is electrically connected to any one of the first radial lines included in the spoke portion 42 via switches S4 and S5. The bypass line is also electrically connected to any one of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 42 via switches S5 and S6. There are no limitations on the material of the bypass line as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0110] The additional bypass section 46 includes two additional bypass lines (first additional bypass line A a , Second Additional Bypass Line A b ) The additional bypass line is provided on the arc-shaped line at the bottom center. The additional bypass line is curved. The additional bypass line may be located at a position other than that shown in FIG. 12.

[0111] First additional bypass line A a The first end of the first additional switch S a1 First additional bypass line A a is the first additional switch S a1 via the starting point P s The first additional bypass line A is connected to a signal input section 420 including: a The second end of the first additional switch S a4 First additional bypass line A a is the first additional switch S a4 and a second additional switch S b1 via the second additional bypass line A b Also, the first additional bypass line A a is the first additional switch S a4 and a second additional switch S b2 Through the arc-shaped track C 02 First additional bypass line A a The line length and the arc-shaped line C 01 The difference between the line length of the first additional bypass line A and the line length of the second additional bypass line A is set to 1 / 32 (λ / 32) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the board on which the phase shifter 40 is mounted. a The material is not limited.

[0112] Second additional bypass line A b The first end of the second additional switch S b1 Second additional bypass line A b is the second additional switch S b1 and the first additional switch S a3 Through the arc-shaped track C 01 Also, the second additional bypass line A b is the second additional switch S b1 and the first additional switch S a4 via the first additional bypass line A a The second additional bypass line A is electrically connected to the b The second end of the second additional switch S b4 Second additional bypass line Ab is the second additional switch S b4 and switch S 21 through the second radial line R 21 Also, the second additional bypass line A b is the second additional switch S b4 and switch S 31 The second additional bypass line A is electrically connected to the arc-shaped line C1 via the b The line length and arc-shaped line C 02 The difference between the line length of the second additional bypass line A and the line length of the second additional bypass line A is set to 1 / 64 (λ / 64) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the board on which the phase shifter 40 is mounted. b The material is not limited.

[0113] The switch group includes eight switches S1. The switch group includes seven switches S2 and seven switches S3. The switch group also includes eight switches S4, S5, and S6. The switch group also includes four first additional switches (S a1 , S a2 , S a3 , S a4 ) and four second additional switches (S b1 , S b2 , S b3 , S b4 ) The switches arranged in close proximity may be configured as a single switch. There are no limitations on the structure or material of the switches included in the switch group as long as they can be used as microwave switches. For example, the switches can be made of MEMS, PIN diodes, FETs, etc. For example, the switches can be made of materials such as gallium nitride or gallium oxide. For example, the switches can be made of a switching element including a thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2).

[0114] The switch S1 is disposed at a first end of the first radial lines included in the spoke portion 42. The switch S1 is used to switch the connection between the hub portion 41 and the first radial lines. When the switch S1 is in the ON state, the hub portion 41 and the first radial lines are electrically connected. When the switch S1 is in the OFF state, the hub portion 41 and the first radial lines are not electrically connected.

[0115] The switch S2 is disposed at a second end of the second radial lines included in the spoke portion 42. The switch S2 is used to switch the connection between the second radial lines and the arc-shaped lines. When the switch S2 is in the ON state, the second radial lines and the arc-shaped lines are electrically connected. When the switch S2 is in the OFF state, the second radial lines and the arc-shaped lines are not electrically connected.

[0116] The switch S3 is disposed at the end of the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion 43. The switch S3 is used to switch the connection between two adjacent arc-shaped lines. When the switch S3 is in the ON state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are electrically connected via the switch S3. When the switch S3 is in the OFF state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are not electrically connected via the switch S3.

[0117] The switch S4 is disposed at the second end of the first radial line. The switch S5 is disposed at the end of the bypass line. The switch S6 is disposed at the first end of the second radial line. The switches S4, S5, and S6 are used to switch the connections of the first radial line, the second radial line, and the bypass line. When the switches S4 and S5 are in the ON state and the switch S6 is in the OFF state, the first radial line and the bypass line are electrically connected. When the switch S4 is in the OFF state and the switches S5 and S6 are in the ON state, the bypass line and the second radial line are electrically connected. When the switches S4 and S6 are in the ON state and the switch S5 is in the OFF state, the first radial line and the second radial line are electrically connected. Under normal usage conditions, none of the switches S4, S5, and S6 are set to the ON state.

[0118] 1st additional switch S a1 is the first additional bypass line A a The first additional switch S a2 is the arc-shaped track C 01 The first additional switch S a3 is the arc-shaped track C 01 The first additional switch S is disposed at the second end of the a4 is the first additional bypass line A a The first additional switch (S a1 , S a2 , S a3 , S a4 ) is the arc-shaped track C 01 and the first additional bypass line A a The first additional switch S a1 and the first additional switch S a4 is ON, the first additional switch S a2 and the first additional switch S a3 When is in the OFF state, the first additional bypass line A a The first additional switch S a1 and the first additional switch S a4 is OFF, the first additional switch S a2and the first additional switch S a3 When is ON, the arc-shaped line C 01 is selected. Arc-shaped track C 01 Compared to the state where the first additional bypass line A is selected, a When the first additional switch (S a1 , S a2 , S a3 , S a4 ) are not all set to the ON state.

[0119] Second additional switch S b1 is the second additional bypass line A b A second additional switch S is disposed at the first end of the b2 is the arc-shaped track C 02 A second additional switch S is disposed at the first end of the b3 is the arc-shaped track C 02 A second additional switch S is disposed at the second end of the b4 is the second additional bypass line A b A second additional switch (S b1 , S b2 , S b3 , S b4 ) is the arc-shaped track C 02 and Second Additional Bypass Line A b The second additional switch S b1 and a second additional switch S b4 is ON, the second additional switch S b2 and a second additional switch S b3 When is in the OFF state, the second additional bypass line A b is selected. Second additional switch S b1 and a second additional switch S b4 is OFF, the second additional switch S b2 and a second additional switch S b3 When is ON, the arc-shaped line C 02 is selected. Arc-shaped track C 02 Compared to the state where the second additional bypass line A is selected, bWhen the switch is selected, the line length is increased by λ / 64. b1 , S b2 , S b3 , S b4 ) are not all set to the ON state.

[0120] In this embodiment, additional bypass lines are arranged on the arc-shaped lines of the rim portion 43. In this embodiment, the resolution of the phase shifter 40 can be improved depending on the line length of the additional bypass lines. In the example of FIG. 12, additional bypass lines that provide a line length difference of λ / 64 are added, thereby improving the resolution to λ / 64 (approximately 5.6 degrees). The length and number of additional bypass lines are not limited to the example of FIG. 12. The resolution of the phase shifter 40 is set depending on the line length difference obtained by adding the additional bypass lines.

[0121] As described above, the phase shifter according to this embodiment includes a hub section, spoke sections, a rim section, a bypass section, an additional bypass section, and a group of switches. The hub section is connected to a feed point of the patch antenna. The group of switches includes a plurality of switches. The spoke sections are arranged radially around the hub section. The spoke sections include a plurality of radial lines electrically connected to the hub section via one of the plurality of switches. The rim section is arranged along an arc around the hub section. The rim section includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via one of the plurality of switches. The bypass section includes at least one bypass line that bypasses two adjacent radial lines. The plurality of radial lines include a first radial line and a second radial line. A first end of the first radial line is electrically connected to the hub section via one of the plurality of switches. A second end of the first radial line is electrically connected to an end of one of the bypass lines included in the bypass section and to a first end of the second radial line via one of the plurality of switches. The first end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any bypass line included in the bypass section and to a second end of the first radial line via any of the plurality of switches. The second end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any arc-shaped line included in the rim section. The additional bypass line is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of arc-shaped lines included in the rim section via any of the plurality of switches.

[0122] In the phase shifter of this embodiment, an additional bypass line is arranged on the arc-shaped line. According to the phase shifter of this embodiment, the phase of the signal to be transmitted / received is controlled by the difference between the line length of the additional bypass line and the line length of the part of the arc-shaped line on which the additional bypass line is arranged. Therefore, the phase shifter of this embodiment can improve the resolution of the phase shift amount of the signal to be transmitted / received compared to the phase shifters of the first to third embodiments.

[0123] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a phase shifter according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The phase shifter of this embodiment differs from the first to fourth embodiments in that bypass lines are added to the radial lines included in the spoke portion. The bypass lines added to the radial lines included in the spoke portion are also called additional bypass lines. In this embodiment, an example in which additional bypass lines are added to the configuration of the first embodiment will be described. The additional bypass lines may be added to the configurations of the second to fourth embodiments.

[0124] (composition) FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a phase shifter 50 according to this embodiment. The phase shifter 50 has a wheel-shaped outer shape. The phase shifter 50 includes a hub portion 51, spoke portions 52, a rim portion 53, an additional bypass portion 57, and a group of switches. The spoke portion 52 includes a plurality of radial lines. The additional bypass portion 57 includes a plurality of additional bypass lines. The rim portion 53 includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines. The group of switches includes a switch S1, a switch S2, a switch S3, a switch S4, a switch S5, and a switch S6. The group of switches also includes an additional switch (S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , S B4 ) is included.

[0125] The phase shifter 50 is placed in correspondence with the patch antenna 500, which is placed at the position indicated by the dashed rectangle. The size of the patch antenna 500 is set to match the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received inside the substrate (not shown) on which the phase shifter 50 is mounted. The wavelength λ is calculated by multiplying the wavelength λ0 in a vacuum by the relative dielectric constant ε of the substrate. r 13, the patch antenna 500 is a square with a side length of λ / 2. The correspondence between the phase shifter 50 and the patch antenna 500 will be described in detail in a sixth embodiment to be described later.

[0126] The hub section 51 is a disk-shaped conductor including the center point of the phase shifter 50. The hub section 51 is electrically connected to a feed point F of the patch antenna 500. The position of the feed point F is a position that is shifted by the amount of the characteristic impedance from the position (center) where two diagonal lines of the patch antenna 500 intersect. The hub section 51 is connected to the switch S1 and the additional switch S2. B2 , and electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines included in the spoke portion 52. The material of the hub portion 51 is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0127] The spoke portion 52 includes a plurality of radial lines. In the example of Figure 13, the spoke portion 52 includes eight radial lines. The first ends of the radial lines are connected to the additional switches S B2 The radial lines are connected to the switch S1 and the additional switch S B2 The second end of the radial line is electrically connected to the hub portion 51 via the additional switch S B3 The radial line is connected to an additional switch S B3 and via switch S2, electrically connected to any of the arc-shaped lines included in rim portion 53. There are no limitations on the material of the radial lines as long as they are electrically conductive.

[0128] The rim portion 53 includes multiple arc-shaped lines. In the example of Fig. 13, the rim portion 53 includes eight arc-shaped lines. The line length of the arc-shaped lines is set to one-eighth (λ / 8) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted and received on the board on which the phase shifter 50 is mounted. The line length of the arc-shaped lines corresponds to the length of the circumference of a circle centered on the hub portion 51 divided into eight equal parts.

[0129] A first end of the arc-shaped line included in the limb portion 53 is connected to the switch S2 and the switch S3. B3 , and is electrically connected to any of the radial lines included in the spoke portion 52. The arc-shaped line is also electrically connected to the switch S2 and the additional switch S B4 , and is electrically connected to the additional bypass line via the Furthermore, the arc-shaped line is electrically connected to an adjacent arc-shaped line in the clockwise direction via a switch S3. The second end of the arc-shaped line is connected to another switch S2. The second end of the arc-shaped line is electrically connected to a first end of an adjacent arc-shaped line in the counterclockwise direction via another switch S2. The arc-shaped line at the bottom left of FIG. 13 is connected to switch S3. That arc-shaped line is connected to a start point P s 13 is electrically connected to a signal input unit 520 including a switch S2. The arc-shaped line and the radial lines at the bottom right of FIG. 13 are integrated without the intervention of switch S2. There is no arc-shaped line between the arc-shaped line at the bottom left and the arc-shaped line at the bottom right, and a gap is provided between them. The material of the rim portion 53 is not limited as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0130] The additional bypass section 57 includes seven additional bypass lines A. An additional bypass line A is provided on each of the seven radial lines. The additional bypass lines A are arc-shaped. The additional bypass lines A may be arranged at locations other than those shown in FIG. 13. The additional bypass lines A are also arc-shaped. There may be radial lines on which no additional bypass line A is arranged.

[0131] The first end of the additional bypass line A is connected to the additional switch S B1 The additional bypass line A is connected to the additional switch S B1 and the switch S1, and the second end of the additional bypass line A is electrically connected to the hub unit 51. B4 The additional bypass line A is connected to the additional switch S B4 and is electrically connected to the arc-shaped line via switch S2. 01 The difference between the line length of the additional bypass line A and the line length of the additional bypass line A is set to 1 / 16 (λ / 32) of the wavelength λ of the signal to be transmitted or received on the board on which the phase shifter 50 is mounted. There are no restrictions on the material of the additional bypass line A as long as it is electrically conductive.

[0132] The switch group includes eight switches S1. The switch group includes seven switches S2 and seven switches S3. The switch group also includes an additional switch (S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , S B4 ) are included. The switches arranged in close proximity may be configured as a single switch. The structure and material of the switches included in the switch group are not limited as long as they can be used as microwave switches. For example, the switches can be made of MEMS, PIN diodes, FETs, etc. For example, the switches can be made of materials such as gallium nitride or gallium oxide. For example, the switches can be made of a switching element including a thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2).

[0133] The switch S1 is disposed on the periphery of the hub section 51. The switch S1 is used to switch the connection between the hub section 51 and the radial lines and the additional bypass line A. The switch S2 is disposed at a first end of the arc-shaped line included in the hub section 55. The switch S2 is used to switch the connection between the radial lines and the additional bypass line A and the arc-shaped line. The additional switch S B1 is disposed at the first end of the additional bypass line A. The additional switch S B2 is disposed at the first end of the radial line. B3 is disposed at the second end of the radial line. B4 is disposed at the second end of the additional bypass line A. An additional switch (S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , S B4 ) is used to switch between the radial line and the additional bypass line A.

[0134] Switch S1, additional switch S B1 , additional switch S B4 , and switch S2 is in the ON state, additional switch S B2 and additional switch S B3 When the switch S1 is in the OFF state, the additional bypass line A is selected. B2, additional switch S B3 , and switch S2 is in the ON state, additional switch S B1 and additional switch S B4 When the switch (S) is in the OFF state, the radial line is selected. When the additional bypass line A is selected, the line length is longer by λ / 16 compared to when the radial line is selected. In normal use, the additional switch (S B1 , S B2 , S B3 , S B4 ) are not all set to the ON state.

[0135] The switch S3 is disposed at the end of the arc-shaped line included in the rim portion 53. The switch S3 is used to switch the connection between two adjacent arc-shaped lines. When the switch S3 is in the ON state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are electrically connected via the switch S3. When the switch S3 is in the OFF state, the two adjacent arc-shaped lines are not electrically connected via the switch S3.

[0136] In this embodiment, additional bypass lines are added to the radial lines of the spoke portion 52. In the example of FIG. 13, additional bypass lines that provide a line length difference of λ / 16 are added, thereby enabling phase control in increments of approximately 22.5 degrees. The length and number of additional bypass lines are not limited to the example of FIG. 13. For example, by combining the additional bypass lines of this embodiment (FIG. 13) with the additional bypass lines of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 12), a resolution of 5.6 degrees can be achieved.

[0137] As described above, the phase shifter according to this embodiment includes a hub section, spoke sections, a rim section, a bypass section, an additional bypass section, and a group of switches. The hub section is connected to a feed point of the patch antenna. The group of switches includes a plurality of switches. The spoke sections are arranged radially around the hub section. The spoke sections include a plurality of radial lines electrically connected to the hub section via one of the plurality of switches. The rim section is arranged along an arc around the hub section. The rim section includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via one of the plurality of switches. The bypass section includes at least one bypass line that bypasses two adjacent radial lines. The plurality of radial lines include a first radial line and a second radial line. A first end of the first radial line is electrically connected to the hub section via one of the plurality of switches. A second end of the first radial line is electrically connected to an end of one of the bypass lines included in the bypass section and to a first end of the second radial line via one of the plurality of switches. The first end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any of the bypass lines included in the bypass section and to a second end of the first radial line via any of the plurality of switches. The second end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any of the arc-shaped lines included in the rim section. The additional bypass line is electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of radial lines included in the spoke section via any of the plurality of switches.

[0138] In the phase shifter of this embodiment, additional bypass lines are arranged on the radial lines. According to the phase shifter of this embodiment, the phase of the signal to be transmitted / received is controlled by the difference between the line length of the additional bypass and the line length of the portion of the radial lines on which the additional bypass is arranged. Therefore, the phase shifter of this embodiment can improve the resolution of the phase shift amount of the signal to be transmitted / received compared to the phase shifters of the first to third embodiments.

[0139] (Sixth embodiment) Next, an antenna device according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The antenna device of this embodiment is an antenna device including any of the phase shifters according to the first to fifth embodiments. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the phase shifter of the first embodiment is included. Also, in this embodiment, an example will be given in which the phase shifter includes a switching element including a thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2). The following configuration is an example and does not limit the structure of an antenna device in which a phase shifter of the present disclosure is implemented.

[0140] (composition) FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of an antenna device 6 according to this embodiment. An example of the external appearance of the antenna device 6 is shown. The antenna device 6 includes a patch antenna array 61 composed of a number of patch antennas 600. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a partial cross section of the antenna device 6. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna device 6 cut along the radial lines of a spoke portion included in a phase shifter. FIG. 15 shows a portion associated with one of the multiple patch antennas 600 included in the patch antenna array 61. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a group of switches is composed of switching elements including a thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2).

[0141] The antenna device 6 includes a first substrate 611 and a second substrate 612. The antenna device 6 has a structure in which the first substrate 611 and the second substrate 612 are stacked. A gap is formed between the first substrate 611 and the second substrate 612. A dielectric layer may be sandwiched between the first substrate 611 and the second substrate 612. A patch antenna array 61 is disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate 611. The patch antenna array 61 includes a plurality of patch antennas 600. The plurality of patch antennas 600 are arranged in a two-dimensional array. In the example of FIG. 14 , the plurality of patch antennas 600 are arranged along the X direction and the Y direction. The plurality of patch antennas 600 are arranged in a phased array.

[0142] The first substrate 611 includes a transmission surface for transmitting radio waves to be transmitted. A patch antenna array 61 is arranged on the upper surface (first surface) of the first substrate 611. The patch antenna array 61 has a configuration in which a plurality of patch antennas 600 are arranged in a lattice pattern. A ground layer (described later) is formed on a second surface of the first substrate 611 opposite the first surface. For example, the material of the first substrate 611 is a material used for a silicon substrate or glass. For example, the material of the first substrate 611 may be an insulating film such as an oxide film or a nitride film. There are no limitations on the material of the first substrate 611 as long as it is capable of transmitting radio waves to be transmitted.

[0143] A first drive circuit 671 and a second drive circuit 672 are mounted on the first substrate 611. The first drive circuit 671 is a circuit for specifying addresses in the X direction. The second drive circuit 672 is a circuit for specifying addresses in the Y direction. By driving the first drive circuit 671 and the second drive circuit 672, it is possible to specify addresses associated with each patch antenna 600. For example, the first drive circuit 671 and the second drive circuit 672 are formed on the surface of the first substrate 611. The first drive circuit 671 and the second drive circuit 672 may also be formed inside the first substrate 611.

[0144] The second substrate 612 corresponds to the backplane of the liquid crystal display. A phase shifter and a matrix circuit are formed on the upper surface of the second substrate 612. The phase shifter has any of the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments. The matrix circuit has a structure in which a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) are arranged in a two-dimensional array. The TFTs included in the matrix circuit are formed using TFT process technology. For example, polysilicon (also called low-temperature polysilicon) manufactured at low temperatures using an excimer laser crystallization method or the like can be used for the TFTs. In addition, a signal layer is formed above the matrix circuit. The signal layer includes lines included in the phase shifter, a switch group including a plurality of switching elements, and signal lines connecting the phase-shifting wiring and the switch group. For example, the switching elements are formed using micro LED process technology. For example, the second substrate 612 is made of silicon or glass. The second substrate 612 may be made of a material other than silicon or glass as long as it is capable of transmitting the radio waves to be transmitted.

[0145] A phase shifter is disposed on the upper surface of the second substrate 612. A phase shifter is disposed for each patch antenna. A single antenna unit is configured for each patch antenna 600. The function of the phase shifter is realized for each antenna unit. That is, a phase shift element is configured for each antenna unit. The patch antenna 600 and the phase shifter corresponding to that patch antenna 600 are electrically connected through a via V that penetrates the first substrate 611. The via V is configured of a conductive material. The upper part of the via V is connected to the feed point F of the patch antenna 600. The lower part of the via V is connected to the hub portion 631 of the phase shifter. Figure 15 shows how the first end of the radial line R of the spoke portion is connected to the hub portion 631 via switch S1. The second end of the radial line R of the spoke portion is electrically connected to the arc-shaped line C via switch S2.

[0146] For example, multiple vias penetrating the second substrate 612 may be formed between transmission lines such as radial lines or arc-shaped wiring. The multiple vias penetrate the second substrate 612 from the upper surface on which the transmission lines are formed to the ground layer GLD on the lower surface. For example, conductive portions are formed inside the vias and around the openings. For example, conductive plating is applied to the conductive portions of the vias. The conductive portions of the vias electrically connect the upper surface on which the transmission lines are formed to the ground layer GLD on the lower surface. The multiple vias constitute an electromagnetic interference reduction structure. The electromagnetic interference reduction structure suppresses electromagnetic interference between adjacently arranged transmission lines.

[0147] FIG. 15 illustrates a heating wire H used to control the temperature of switches S1 and S2. When switches S1 and S2 are configured with switching elements including a thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2), the change in the resistance of VO2 in response to temperature changes is utilized. The heating wire H is used to control the resistance of the thin film of vanadium dioxide (VO2) included in switches S1 and S2. For example, the heating wire H is made of an alloy primarily composed of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr). Alternatively, the heating wire H may be made of an alloy primarily composed of chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), and aluminum (Al).

[0148] FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration example of a switch S configured as a switching element including a thin film of vanadium dioxide VO2. FIG. 16 shows an example in which a switch S configured of vanadium dioxide VO2 is arranged between radial lines R. The switch S may be arranged at any position illustrated in the first to fifth embodiments. Two radial lines R are electrically connected via the switch S. The switch S is a switching element including a thin film of vanadium dioxide VO2. A heating wire H is thermally connected to the switch S. A first end of the heating wire H is connected to a power supply line P. A second end of the power supply line P is connected to the drain d of the TFT. The source of the TFT is connected to a ground line G. When a gate voltage is applied to the gate g of the TFT, a current is supplied from the power supply line P between the drain d and source s of the TFT. The current from the power supply line P is supplied to the TFT via the heating wire H. When a current flows through the heating wire H, the heating wire H generates heat. When the temperature of the switch S in contact with the heating wire H exceeds the phase transition temperature of vanadium dioxide VO2, the switch S transitions to the ON state. When the switch S transitions to the ON state, the two radial lines R are electrically connected.

[0149] 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the antenna device 6. The antenna device 6 includes a patch antenna array 61, a matrix circuit 62, a phase shifter 60, a drive circuit 67, a control circuit 68, and a signal source 69.

[0150] The patch antenna 600 is a plate-shaped radiating element. In this embodiment, the patch antenna 600 is rectangular. The shape of the patch antenna 600 is not limited to rectangular, and may be circular or another shape. A slot opening is formed in the ground layer GND below the patch antenna 600. A via V is arranged in the slot opening. The patch antenna 600 is electrically connected to the hub portion 631 of the phase shifter 60 arranged on the upper surface of the second substrate 612 through the via V arranged in the slot opening.

[0151] The patch antenna 600 is an open-type resonator. The patch antenna 600 resonates at a frequency equal to an integral multiple of half the wavelength of the length of the patch antenna 600. The size of the patch antenna 600 is set according to the wavelength of the radio waves to be transmitted. To prevent a decrease in the Q value due to radio wave radiation and enable the patch antenna 600 to function as a resonator, a high-dielectric layer having a high dielectric constant may be interposed between the first substrate 611 and the second substrate 612. When a high-dielectric layer is interposed between the first substrate 611 and the second substrate 612, the thickness of the high-dielectric layer and the width of the patch antenna 600 are set sufficiently small compared to the wavelength of the radio waves to be transmitted.

[0152] The matrix circuit 62 has a configuration in which a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) are arranged in a two-dimensional array. The matrix circuit 62 is formed on the upper surface of the second substrate 612 using a TFT process technology. For example, a shield layer (not shown) may be formed above the matrix circuit 62. The shield layer is formed to prevent electromagnetic coupling between the upper and lower parts of the shield layer. For example, the shield layer includes a conductor. The potential of the shield layer is basically the ground potential. Therefore, a capacitance according to the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer is formed between the transmission line included in the phase shifter 60 and the shield layer. Each of the plurality of TFTs included in the matrix circuit 62 corresponds to one of the plurality of patch antennas 600 included in the patch antenna array 61. For example, the TFT includes a semiconductor layer such as amorphous silicon or polysilicon.

[0153] A phase shifter 60 is provided for each antenna unit. The phase shifter 60 is any one of the phase shifters according to the first to fifth embodiments. In this embodiment, the phase shifter 60 corresponds to the phase shifter 10 of the first embodiment.

[0154] The drive circuit 67 includes a first drive circuit 671 and a second drive circuit 672. The first drive circuit 671 is a circuit for specifying addresses in the X direction. The second drive circuit 672 is a circuit for specifying addresses in the Y direction. The drive circuit 67 specifies addresses associated with each patch antenna 600 by driving the first drive circuit 671 and the second drive circuit 672. The drive circuit 67 drives the plurality of TFTs included in the matrix circuit 62 under the control of the control circuit 68. The drive circuit 67 individually drives the plurality of TFTs arranged in a two-dimensional array.

[0155] The control circuit 68 controls the driving of the drive circuit 67 in response to an external control signal. The control circuit 68 drives the drive circuit 67 using an active matrix drive system. The control circuit 68 also outputs the external control signal to a signal source 69. For example, the control circuit 68 is realized by a microcomputer (also called a microcomputer) or a microcontroller. For example, the control circuit 68 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc. The control circuit 68 executes control and processing in accordance with a pre-stored program. The control circuit 68 executes control and processing in accordance with the program in accordance with a pre-set schedule, timing, external control instructions, etc.

[0156] The signal source 69 is connected to the plurality of switches S that make up the switch group included in the phase shifter 60. The signal source 69 is also connected to the control circuit 68. The signal source 69 receives a control signal from the control circuit 68. The signal source 69 controls the ON / OFF of the plurality of switches S that make up the switch group in response to the control signal. The signal source 69 may be configured to receive the control signal directly from the outside without going through the control circuit 68.

[0157] A signal that reaches the signal input section of the phase shifter 60 through a signal line (not shown) connected to an ON-state TFT is phase-shifted by an amount corresponding to the line length set in the phase shifter 60 and the dielectric constant of the substrates (first substrate 611 and second substrate 612). The phase-shifted signal propagates to the patch antenna 600 through the via V. The signal propagated to the patch antenna 600 is transmitted from the patch antenna 600 as a radio wave to be transmitted. The radio wave transmitted from the patch antenna 600 is based on a signal output from a transmission circuit (not shown). There are no particular limitations on the information contained in the signal.

[0158] The radio waves received by the patch antenna 600 are received according to a capacitance based on the dielectric constant of the substrates (first substrate 611 and second substrate 612) between the patch antenna 600 and the signal line. The received radio waves are phase-shifted by the phase shifter 60. The phase-shifted signal is received by a receiving circuit (not shown) through the signal line. Information contained in the signal received by the receiving circuit is decoded by a decoder (not shown).

[0159] As described above, the antenna device according to this embodiment has an antenna unit including a phase shifter according to any one of the first to sixth embodiments and a patch antenna arranged above the phase shifter. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an antenna device including a patch antenna whose size corresponds to the wavelength of a signal to be transmitted or received, regardless of the polarization state of the radio wave to be transmitted or received.

[0160] An antenna device according to one aspect of the present embodiment has a patch antenna array in which a plurality of antenna units are arranged in an array. The antenna device according to this aspect includes a patch array antenna composed of a plurality of patch antennas whose sizes correspond to the wavelengths of signals to be transmitted and received. The antenna device according to this aspect makes it possible to configure a patch array antenna whose directivity can be controlled regardless of the polarization state of the radio waves to be transmitted and received.

[0161] (Seventh embodiment) Next, a phase shifter according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The phase shifter of this embodiment has a simplified configuration of the phase shifters according to the first to fifth embodiments.

[0162] 18 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a phase shifter 70 according to this embodiment. The phase shifter 70 includes a hub portion 71, spoke portions 72, a rim portion 73, and a group of switches.

[0163] The hub portion 71 is connected to a feed point F of the patch antenna 700. The switch group includes a plurality of switches S. The spoke portion 72 is arranged radially from the hub portion 71 as the center. The spoke portion 72 includes a plurality of radial lines electrically connected to the hub portion 71 via any of the plurality of switches S. The rim portion 73 is arranged along an arc centered on the hub portion 71. The rim portion 73 includes a plurality of arc-shaped lines electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via any of the plurality of switches S.

[0164] The phase shifter of this embodiment can control the phase shift of radio waves whether the radio waves to be transmitted or received are circularly polarized or linearly polarized. Furthermore, the phase shifter of this embodiment is circular and can be formed compactly. Therefore, the phase shifter of this embodiment can be housed below a patch antenna. In other words, the phase shifter of this embodiment can be applied to a patch antenna whose size corresponds to the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted or received, regardless of the polarization state of the radio waves to be transmitted or received.

[0165] (Hardware) Here, a hardware configuration for executing control and processing according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using as an example an information processing device 90 (computer) in Fig. 19. Note that the information processing device 90 in Fig. 19 is an example configuration for executing control and processing according to each embodiment, and does not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0166] As shown in Fig. 19, an information processing device 90 includes a processor 91, a main storage device 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, an input / output interface 95, and a communication interface 96. In Fig. 19, interface is abbreviated as I / F (Interface). The processor 91, the main storage device 92, the auxiliary storage device 93, the input / output interface 95, and the communication interface 96 are connected to each other via a bus 98 so as to be able to communicate data with each other. The processor 91, the main storage device 92, the auxiliary storage device 93, and the input / output interface 95 are also connected to a network such as the Internet or an intranet via the communication interface 96.

[0167] The processor 91 loads a program (instructions) stored in an auxiliary storage device 93 or the like onto the main storage device 92. For example, the program is a software program for executing the control and processing of each embodiment. The processor 91 executes the program loaded onto the main storage device 92. The processor 91 executes the program to execute the control and processing of each embodiment.

[0168] The main memory device 92 has an area in which a program is loaded. The processor 91 loads a program stored in the auxiliary memory device 93 or the like into the main memory device 92. The main memory device 92 is realized by a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). Alternatively, a non-volatile memory such as an MRAM (Magneto-resistive Random Access Memory) may be configured / added to the main memory device 92.

[0169] The auxiliary storage device 93 stores various data such as programs. The auxiliary storage device 93 is realized by a local disk such as a hard disk or flash memory. Note that it is also possible to configure the main storage device 92 to store various data, thereby omitting the auxiliary storage device 93.

[0170] The input / output interface 95 is an interface for connecting the information processing device 90 to peripheral devices based on standards and specifications. The communication interface 96 is an interface for connecting to external systems and devices via a network such as the Internet or an intranet based on standards and specifications. The input / output interface 95 and the communication interface 96 may be a common interface for connecting to external devices.

[0171] Input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and touch panel may be connected to the information processing device 90 as needed. These input devices are used to input information and settings. When a touch panel is used as the input device, a screen having the function of the touch panel serves as the interface. The processor 91 and the input devices are connected via an input / output interface 95.

[0172] The information processing device 90 may be equipped with a display device for displaying information. When a display device is equipped, the information processing device 90 is equipped with a display control device (not shown) for controlling the display of the display device. The information processing device 90 and the display device are connected via an input / output interface 95.

[0173] The information processing device 90 may be equipped with a drive device. The drive device acts as an intermediary between the processor 91 and a recording medium (program recording medium) to read data and programs stored on the recording medium and to write processing results of the information processing device 90 to the recording medium. The information processing device 90 and the drive device are connected via an input / output interface 95.

[0174] The above is an example of a hardware configuration for enabling control and processing according to each embodiment of the present invention. The hardware configuration in Fig. 19 is an example of a hardware configuration for executing control and processing according to each embodiment, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. A program that causes a computer to execute control and processing according to each embodiment is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0175] The scope of the present invention also includes a program recording medium on which the program according to each embodiment is recorded. The recording medium can be realized, for example, as an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The recording medium may also be realized as a semiconductor recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) card. The recording medium may also be realized as a magnetic recording medium such as a flexible disk or other recording medium. When a program executed by a processor is recorded on a recording medium, the recording medium corresponds to a program recording medium.

[0176] The components of each embodiment may be combined in any manner, may be realized by software, or may be realized by a circuit.

[0177] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0178] 6 Antenna equipment 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 phase shifter 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 71 Hub 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 72 spokes 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 73 Rim section 35, 45 Bypass section 46, 57 Additional bypass section 61 Patch Antenna Array 62 Matrix Circuit 67 Drive Circuit 68 Control Circuit 69 Signal source 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 Patch antenna 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 signal input section 611 First board 612 Second board 631 Hub part 671 First drive circuit 672 Second drive circuit

Claims

1. A hub portion connected to the feed point of a patch antenna; a switch group including a plurality of switches; a spoke portion including a plurality of radial lines arranged radially around the hub portion and electrically connected to the hub portion via any one of the plurality of switches; a rim portion including a plurality of arc-shaped lines arranged along an arc centered on the hub portion and electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via any of the plurality of switches; a bypass section including at least one bypass line that bypasses two adjacent radial lines, The plurality of radial lines are a first radial line and a second radial line; a first end of the first radial line is electrically connected to the hub portion via any one of the plurality of switches; a second end of the first radial line is electrically connected to an end of any one of the bypass lines included in the bypass section and to a first end of the second radial line via any one of the switches; a first end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any of the bypass lines included in the bypass section and to a second end of the first radial line via any of the plurality of switches; A phase shifter in which a second end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any one of the arc-shaped lines included in the rim portion.

2. the hub portion, the group of switches, the spoke portion, and the rim portion are formed on the same substrate; the spoke portion includes eight of the radial lines, the rim portion includes seven of the arc-shaped lines, the patch antenna is a square having a side corresponding to half the wavelength of a signal to be transmitted or received on the substrate; a line length of the plurality of arc-shaped lines included in the rim portion is one-eighth of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate; 2. The phase shifter according to claim 1, wherein the line length of the bypass line is 1 / 16 of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted or received on the substrate.

3. A hub portion connected to a feed point of a patch antenna; a switch group including a plurality of switches; a spoke portion including a plurality of radial lines arranged radially around the hub portion and electrically connected to the hub portion via any one of the plurality of switches; a rim portion including a plurality of arc-shaped lines arranged along an arc centered on the hub portion and electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via any of the plurality of switches; a bypass section including at least one first bypass line and at least one second bypass line that bypass two adjacent radial lines, The first bypass line is a line length longer than that of the second bypass line, and the radial lines include first radial lines, second radial lines, and third radial lines; a first end of the first radial line is electrically connected to the hub portion via any one of the plurality of switches; a second end of the first radial line is electrically connected to an end of any one of the second bypass lines included in the bypass section and to a first end of the second radial line via any one of the switches; a first end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any of the second bypass lines included in the bypass section and a second end of the first radial line via any of the plurality of switches; a second end of the second radial line is electrically connected to an end of any one of the first bypass lines included in the bypass section and to a first end of the third radial line via any one of the switches; a first end of the third radial line is electrically connected to an end of any one of the first bypass lines included in the bypass section and a second end of the second radial line via any one of the switches; A phase shifter in which a second end of the third radial line is electrically connected to an end of any one of the arc-shaped lines included in the rim portion.

4. the hub portion, the group of switches, the spoke portion, and the rim portion are formed on the same substrate; the spoke portion includes eight of the radial lines, the rim portion includes seven of the arc-shaped lines, the patch antenna is a square having a side corresponding to half the wavelength of a signal to be transmitted or received on the substrate; a line length of the arc-shaped line is one-eighth of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate; a line length of the first bypass line is 1 / 16 of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted and received on the substrate; 4. The phase shifter according to claim 3, wherein the line length of the second bypass line is 1 / 32 of the wavelength of the signal to be transmitted or received on the substrate.

5. A hub portion connected to a feed point of a patch antenna; a switch group including a plurality of switches; a spoke portion including a plurality of radial lines arranged radially around the hub portion and electrically connected to the hub portion via any one of the plurality of switches; a rim portion including a plurality of arc-shaped lines arranged along an arc centered on the hub portion and electrically connected to the plurality of radial lines via any of the plurality of switches; a phase shifter in which at least one additional bypass line is disposed, the additional bypass line being electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of arcuate lines and the plurality of radial lines via any one of the plurality of switches;

6. 6. The phase shifter according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of switches included in the switch group are switching elements including a thin film of vanadium dioxide.

7. A phase shifter according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a patch antenna disposed above the phase shifter.

8. 8. The antenna device according to claim 7, comprising a patch antenna array in which a plurality of said antenna units are arranged in an array.

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