Method and apparatus for processing signal phase in wireless communication system

Abstract

A phase shifter according to embodiments of the present disclosure may process a phase of a signal by passing the signal received at an input terminal through any one of three paths on the basis of the type of a voltage provided to a circuit. For example, when the type of provided voltage is a positive voltage, a negative voltage, or a 0V voltage, any one of the three paths may be allowed to allow the signal to flow according to each voltage, and the phase of the signal flowing through the allowed path may be shifted.

Description

Method and apparatus for processing the phase of a signal in a wireless communication system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for processing the phase of a radio frequency signal in a wireless communication system. Specifically, it relates to a method and apparatus for shifting or transitioning the phase of a radio frequency signal in a wireless communication system.

[0002] Looking back at the evolution of wireless communication through successive generations, technologies have been developed primarily for human-oriented services, such as voice, multimedia, and data. Following the commercialization of 5G (5th Generation) communication systems, connected devices, which have been increasing explosively, are expected to be connected to communication networks. Examples of networked objects include vehicles, robots, drones, home appliances, displays, smart sensors installed in various infrastructures, construction machinery, and factory equipment. Mobile devices are expected to evolve into various form factors, such as augmented reality glasses, virtual reality headsets, and holographic devices. In the 6G (6th Generation) era, efforts are underway to develop improved 6G communication systems to connect hundreds of billions of devices and objects to provide diverse services. For this reason, 6G communication systems are being referred to as "beyond 5G" systems.

[0003] In the 6G communication system predicted to be realized around 2030, the maximum transmission speed is tera (i.e., 1,000 gigabit) bps (bit per second), and the wireless latency is 100 microseconds (μsec). In other words, compared to the 5G communication system, the transmission speed in the 6G communication system is 50 times faster, and the wireless latency is reduced to one-tenth.

[0004] To achieve such high data transmission speeds and ultra-low latency, 6G communication systems are being considered for implementation in the terahertz (THz) band (e.g., the 95 gigahertz (GHz) to 3 terahertz (3THz) band). Due to more severe path loss and atmospheric absorption phenomena compared to the millimeter wave (mmWave) band introduced in 5G, the importance of technologies capable of guaranteeing signal reach, or coverage, is expected to increase in the terahertz band. As key technologies to ensure coverage, new waveforms, beamforming, and multi-antenna transmission technologies such as massive Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO), Full Dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and large-scale antennas, which are superior in terms of coverage compared to RF (Radio Frequency) devices, antennas, and OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), must be developed. In addition, new technologies such as metamaterial-based lenses and antennas, high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technology using Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM), and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS) are being discussed to improve the coverage of terahertz band signals.

[0005] In addition, to improve frequency efficiency and system network, development is underway in 6G communication systems for full duplex technology, in which uplink and downlink simultaneously utilize the same frequency resources at the same time; network technology that integrates satellites and HAPS (High-Altitude Platform Stations); network structure innovation technology that supports mobile base stations and enables network operation optimization and automation; dynamic spectrum sharing technology through collision avoidance based on spectrum usage prediction; AI-based communication technology that utilizes AI (Artificial Intelligence) from the design stage and internalizes end-to-end AI support functions to realize system optimization; and next-generation distributed computing technology that realizes services of complexity exceeding the limits of terminal computing capabilities by utilizing ultra-high performance communication and computing resources (Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), cloud, etc.). In addition, attempts are continuing to further strengthen connectivity between devices, further optimize networks, promote the softwareization of network entities, and increase the openness of wireless communication through the design of new protocols to be used in 6G communication systems, the implementation of hardware-based security environments, the development of mechanisms for the safe utilization of data, and the development of technologies regarding privacy maintenance methods.

[0006] Due to the research and development of such 6G communication systems, it is expected that a new dimension of hyper-connected experience will become possible through the hyper-connectivity of 6G communication systems, which encompasses not only connections between objects but also connections between people and objects. Specifically, it is projected that 6G communication systems will enable the provision of services such as truly immersive eXtended Reality (XR), high-fidelity mobile holograms, and digital replicas. Furthermore, services such as remote surgery, industrial automation, and emergency response, which are provided through 6G communication systems with enhanced security and reliability, will be applied in various fields including industry, healthcare, automotive, and home appliances.

[0007] One objective of the present disclosure may be to provide a method and apparatus for shifting or shifting the phase of a radio frequency (RF) signal to transmit or receive a radio frequency signal in a communication system such as 5G, 5G-Advanced, and 6G.

[0008] A phase shifter according to embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a first line including an input terminal for receiving a signal and an output terminal for transmitting a signal; a second line having one end connected to a first position of the first line and the other end connected to a second position of the first line, wherein the first position is closer to the input terminal than the second position; a third line having one end connected to a third position of the first line and the other end connected to a fourth position of the first line, wherein the third position is closer to the input terminal than the fourth position, and the third position is the same as or further from the input terminal than the second position; a first ground line having one end connected to a fifth position of the second line and the other end grounded; a second ground line having one end connected to a sixth position of the third line and the other end grounded; a first switch positioned to face the output terminal between the first position and the second position of the first line; a second switch positioned to face the output terminal between the third position and the fourth position of the first line; and a first ground line positioned to face the second line. A phase shifter comprising a third switch, a fourth switch positioned to face ground in a second ground line, a first DC blocking unit positioned between a first position and a fifth position in a second line, a second DC blocking unit positioned between a fourth position and a sixth position in a third line, and a fourth line for supplying a DC voltage, wherein the fourth line is connected between the first switch and the second switch in the first line, between the position of the first DC blocking unit and the second position in the second line, or between the third position and the position of the second DC blocking unit in the third line.

[0009] A phase shifter according to embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the phase of a signal is processed by passing a signal received at an input terminal through one of three paths based on the type of voltage provided to the circuit. The type of voltage includes any one of a positive voltage, a negative voltage, or a 0 V voltage, and the angle at which the phase of the signal is shifted is different among the three paths.

[0010] The method and apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can shift the phase of a signal in a wireless communication system with a simpler configuration.

[0011] Specifically, the method and apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the number of voltage supply devices required for switching operations while finely shifting the phase of the signal.

[0012] In addition, the method and apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce quantization errors due to phase shift of the signal.

[0013] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0014] The features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description together with the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a terminal according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a network entity (or base station) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a phase shifting method for shifting phases in various ways using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a phase shifting method using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a phase shifting method for shifting a phase using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c are drawings for illustrating a phase shifting method for shifting a phase using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a circuit of a DC voltage supply device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates a phase shift device and a DC voltage supply device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the phase shift result implemented in a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a graph showing reflection loss parameters and insertion loss parameters according to phase shift implemented in a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates two phase shift devices connected according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e are drawings for illustrating a phase shifting method for shifting a phase using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Embodiments of the present disclosure may solve the problems and / or disadvantages described above and provide the advantages described below. One aspect of the present disclosure may provide a network entity (or node) and a method of communication thereof in a wireless communication system.

[0032] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described in this disclosure. Terms used in this disclosure that are defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this disclosure. In some cases, even terms defined in this disclosure are not to be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0033] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described below illustrate a hardware-based approach. However, since the various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques using both hardware and software, the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude a software-based approach.

[0034] Additionally, various embodiments of the present disclosure describe various embodiments using terms used in some communication standards (e.g., 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project)), but this is merely an example for illustrative purposes. Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be easily modified and applied to other communication systems.

[0035] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a base station (110), a first terminal (120), and / or a second terminal (130) as part of nodes utilizing a wireless channel in a wireless communication system. FIG. 1 illustrates only one base station, but this is merely an example. The wireless communication system of FIG. 1 may include other base stations identical or similar to the base station (110).

[0038] A base station (110) is a network infrastructure that provides wireless access to terminals (120, 130). The base station (110) has coverage defined as a certain geographical area based on the distance at which it can transmit signals. In addition to being a base station, the base station (110) may be referred to as an 'access point (AP)', 'evolved Node B (eNB)', 'next generation node B (gNB)', '5G node (5th generation node)', 'wireless point', 'transmission / reception point (TRP)', or other terms having an equivalent technical meaning.

[0039] Each of the first terminal (120) and the second terminal (130) is a device used by a user and can perform communication with the base station (110) via a wireless channel. At least one of the first terminal (120) or the second terminal (130) can be operated without user involvement. For example, at least one of the first terminal (120) or the second terminal (130) may be a device that performs machine type communication (MTC) and may not be carried by the user. Each of the first terminal (120) and the second terminal (130) may be referred to as 'user equipment (UE)', 'mobile station', 'subscriber station', 'customer premises equipment (CPE)', 'remote terminal', 'wireless terminal', 'electronic device', or 'user device' or other terms having an equivalent technical meaning.

[0040] The base station (110), the first terminal (120), and the second terminal (130) can transmit and / or receive wireless signals in a millimeter wave (mmWave) band (e.g., 28 GHz, 30 GHz, 38 GHz, 60 GHz). At this time, to improve channel gain, the base station (110), the first terminal (120), and / or the second terminal (130) can perform beamforming.

[0041] Beamforming may include transmitting beamforming and / or receiving beamforming. That is, the base station (110), the first terminal (120), and / or the second terminal (130) may give directivity to the transmitted signal or the received signal. To give directivity to the received signal, the base station (110) and / or the terminals (120, 130) may select serving beams (112, 113, 121, 131) through a beam search or beam management procedure. After the serving beams (112, 113, 121, 131) are selected, subsequent communication may be performed through a resource that is in a quasi-co-located (QCL) relationship with the resource that transmitted the serving beams (112, 113, 121, 131).

[0042] The base station (110), the first terminal (120), and the second terminal (130) of the present disclosure may each be a transmitting apparatus, a transmitting node, a receiving apparatus, and / or a receiving node. For example, the base station (110) may transmit a radio frequency (RF) signal to the first terminal (120). The base station (110) may receive an RF signal from the first terminal (120). As another example, the first terminal (120) may transmit an RF signal to the base station (110) or the second terminal (130). The first terminal (120) may receive an RF signal from the base station (110) or the second terminal (130).

[0043] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a terminal according to embodiments.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, a terminal (200) according to embodiments may include a transceiver (transmitter / receiver) (210), a memory (220), and / or a processor (230). Although the present disclosure describes the terminal (200) as including a transceiver (210), a memory (220), and / or a processor (230), this is merely an example. For example, the terminal (200) may include additional components other than the transceiver (210), the memory (220), and the processor (230).

[0045] According to the embodiments, the transceiver (210), memory (220), and processor (230) may each be implemented or formed as separate chips. However, this is merely an example, and the transceiver (210), memory (220), and / or processor (230) may be implemented or formed as a single chip.

[0046] According to embodiments, the transceiver (210) may include at least one transmitter and / or at least one receiver. For example, the transceiver (210) may include an RF transmitter for amplifying and up-converting the frequency of a transmitted signal. The transceiver (210) may include an RF receiver for down-converting the frequency of a received signal and amplifying low-noise.

[0047] The configurations of the transceiver (210) described in this disclosure are merely examples and the configuration of the transceiver (210) is not limited to an RF transmitter and an RF receiver. For example, the transceiver (210) may further include a coupler to ensure isolation between the RF transmitter and the RF receiver.

[0048] According to the embodiments, the transceiver (210) can transmit or receive a signal to or from the processor (230). For example, the transceiver (210) can transmit or deliver an RF signal received through a wireless communication channel to or from the processor (230). The transceiver (210) can receive or receive an RF signal from or from the processor (230).

[0049] According to the embodiments, the transceiver (210) may be referred to as a UE transmitter or a UE receiver.

[0050] According to embodiments, the transceiver (210) may transmit a signal to a base station (e.g., base station (110) of FIG. 1) or a network entity (e.g., an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity) or receive a signal from a base station or a network entity. In embodiments, the transmitted or received signal may include control signals and data.

[0051] According to embodiments, the memory (220) may include or store programs and data necessary for the operations of the terminal (200). For example, the memory (220) may be a non-transitory memory, and a program stored in the non-transitory memory may be organically coupled with the hardware configuration of the terminal (200) (e.g., a processor (230) or a transceiver (210)). The memory (220) may store control information or data including signals obtained by the terminal (200). In embodiments, the memory (220) may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, and / or a storage medium.

[0052] According to the embodiments, the processor (230) may include one processor or a plurality of processors. For example, the processor (230) may include a communication processor. For example, the processor (230) may include a communication processor and / or an application processor.

[0053] According to embodiments, the processor (230) can control a series of processes performed by the terminal (200). For example, the transceiver (210) can receive a data signal containing control information transmitted by a base station or network entity. The processor (230) can process the received control signal and data signal.

[0054] The term processor in the present disclosure may be replaced with various terms referring to a configuration that executes or performs operations of the terminal (200). For example, the processor may be replaced with a controller or a computing circuit.

[0055] The terminal (200) of the present disclosure may correspond to the first terminal (120) and / or the second terminal (130) of FIG. 1.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a network entity (or base station) according to embodiments.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, a network entity (300) according to embodiments may include a transceiver (transmitter / receiver) (310), a memory (320), and / or a processor (330). Although the present disclosure describes the network entity (300) as including a transceiver (310), a memory (320), and / or a processor (330), this is merely an example. For example, the network entity (300) may include additional components other than the transceiver (310), the memory (320), and the processor (330). The network entity (300) may represent network functions included in a base station or other core network.

[0058] According to the embodiments, the transceiver (310), memory (320), and processor (330) may each be implemented or formed as separate chips. However, this is merely an example, and the transceiver (310), memory (320), and / or processor (330) may be implemented or formed as a single chip.

[0059] According to embodiments, the transceiver (310) may include at least one transmitter and / or at least one receiver. For example, the transceiver (310) may include an RF transmitter for amplifying and up-converting the frequency of a transmitted signal. The transceiver (310) may include an RF receiver for down-converting the frequency of a received signal and amplifying low-noise.

[0060] The configurations of the transceiver (310) described in this disclosure are merely examples and are not limited to an RF transmitter and an RF receiver. For example, the transceiver (310) may further include a coupler to ensure isolation between the RF transmitter and the RF receiver.

[0061] According to the embodiments, the transceiver (310) can transmit or receive a signal to or from the processor (330). For example, the transceiver (310) can transmit or deliver an RF signal received through a wireless communication channel to or from the processor (330). The transceiver (310) can receive or receive an RF signal from the processor (230).

[0062] According to the embodiments, the transceiver (310) may be referred to as a network entity transmitter or a network entity receiver.

[0063] According to embodiments, the transceiver (310) can transmit a signal to the terminal (200) or receive a signal from the terminal (200). In embodiments, the transmitted or received signal may include control signals and data.

[0064] According to embodiments, the memory (320) may contain programs and data necessary for the operations of the network entity (300). For example, the memory (320) may be a non-transitory memory, and a program stored in the non-transitory memory may be organically coupled with the hardware configuration of the network entity (300) (e.g., a processor (330) or a transceiver (310)). The memory (320) may store control information or data including signals obtained by the network entity (300). In embodiments, the memory (320) may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, and / or storage media.

[0065] According to the embodiments, the processor (330) may include one processor or a plurality of processors. For example, the processor (330) may include a communication processor. For example, the processor (330) may include a communication processor and / or an application processor.

[0066] According to embodiments, the processor (330) can control a series of processes performed by the network entity (300). For example, the transceiver (310) may receive a data signal containing control information transmitted by the network entity. The processor (330) may process the received control signal and data signal.

[0067] The term processor in the present disclosure may be replaced with various terms referring to a configuration that executes or performs operations of a network entity (300). For example, processor may be replaced with a controller or a computing unit.

[0068] The network entity (300) of the present disclosure may correspond to the base station (110) of FIG. 1.

[0069] The device described in FIGS. 2 and 3 may correspond to a device of a transmitting end or a receiving end. A terminal or network entity according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be a transmitting end when it is a transmitting end, and may be a receiving end when the terminal or network entity is a receiving end.

[0070] In the following, the transmitting end and the receiving end may respectively refer to the terminal or base station described above in FIGS. 1 to 3. The terminal or base station described in FIGS. 1 to 3 may change the phase of the signal during the process of transmitting or receiving a wireless signal. That is, the terminal or base station (or network entity) may shift or transition the phase of the signal to transmit a signal or process a received signal.

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure may represent a phase shifter for shifting or moving the phase of a signal.

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 4, the phase shift device can shift the phase of a signal by changing the line through which the signal passes by a switch. The phase shift device may include a plurality of transmission lines (412, 414, 416) of different lengths and a switch (422, 424) for selecting the line through which the signal passes.

[0074] In a phase shifting device, a signal received at the input terminal passes through one of the selected transmission lines among a plurality of transmission lines to have its phase shifted and can be output through the output terminal.

[0075] A phase shift device may include an input terminal for receiving a signal, a switch (422) connecting the input terminal to any one of a plurality of transmission lines (412, 414, 416), a plurality of transmission lines (412, 414, 416) of different lengths, a switch (424) connecting any one of the plurality of transmission lines (412, 414, 416) to an output terminal, and an output terminal for outputting a signal transmitted through the switch (424).

[0076] The lengths of multiple transmission lines may differ from one another. Therefore, the phase of a signal received through an input terminal may shift to a different degree depending on which transmission line it passes through. For example, the length of the first transmission line may be L1, the length of the second transmission line may be L2, and the length of the third transmission line may be L3. Also, L1, L2, and L3 may have different values. A signal passing through the first transmission line with length L1 may have a phase shift of 60 degrees, a signal passing through the second transmission line with length L2 may have a phase shift of 90 degrees, and a signal passing through the third transmission line with length L3 may have a phase shift of 120 degrees.

[0077] In various embodiments, the number of transmission lines included in the phase shift device may vary, and the phase of the signal passing through the transmission line may vary depending on the length of each transmission line. The phase shift device may be designed to change the phase in units of specific angles (e.g., 90 degrees) by dividing 360 degrees.

[0078] The phase shift device of the line switching method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure enables miniaturization of the device and has the effect of a short signal phase switching time.

[0079] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a phase shifting method for shifting the phase at various angles using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5, four interconnected phase shifters are illustrated as an example. The phase shifters of FIG. 5 can change the phase of a signal in increments of 22.5 degrees from 0 degrees to 337.5 degrees. The phase shifters can combine transmission lines through which the signal passes by adjusting a plurality of switches, thereby shifting the phase of the output signal.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5, the phase shift device may be composed of a combination of a plurality of phase shift devices. For example, a single phase shift device may include a first phase shift device capable of shifting the phase of a signal by 22.5 degrees, a second phase shift device capable of shifting the phase of a signal by 45 degrees, a third phase shift device capable of shifting the phase of a signal by 90 degrees, and a fourth phase shift device capable of shifting the phase of a signal by 180 degrees. Here, the first to fourth phase shift devices may be connected by switches to allow signals to pass through.

[0082] If the first phase shift device is ON and the second to fourth phase shift devices are OFF, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 22.5 degrees. Such a state of the phase shift devices can be represented as (1,0,0,0). Here, the ON state can be represented as 1 and the OFF state can be represented as 0. As another example, if the second phase shift device is ON, the first phase shift device is OFF, and the third and fourth phase shift devices are OFF, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 45 degrees. Such a state can be represented as (0,1,0,0). Likewise, in the (0,0,1,0) state, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 90 degrees, and in the (0,0,0,1) state, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 180 degrees.

[0083] The phase shift device of Fig. 5 may include a total of 16 (2^4) states and can shift the phase of the signal in increments of 22.5 degrees.

[0084] In various embodiments, the phase shift state according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be composed of a combination of various numbers of phase shift devices. In this case, the phase shift angles of each phase shift device may be configured differently. For example, in the case of 5 phase shift devices, 2^5 states may be included. That is, the phase of the signal can be shifted into 32 different states.

[0085] FIG. 6 illustrates a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] In the phase shift device described in FIGS. 4 and 5, a switch for determining the transmission line through which a signal passes may include a PIN (P-type Intrinsic N-type) diode. By controlling the on or off state of the PIN diode, the transmission line through which the signal passes can be determined.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 6, the phase shift device may include a first line (612), a second line (614), a third line (616), a first switch (622), a second switch (624), a first DC voltage cutoff unit (632), a second DC voltage cutoff unit (634), and a fourth line (642).

[0088] The first line (612) includes an input terminal for receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal and an output terminal for outputting a radio frequency signal. The signal received at the input terminal may have its phase shifted during the process of being output to the output terminal through the first line (612).

[0089] One end of the second line (614) may be connected to the first position of the first line (612), and the other end may be connected to the second position of the first line (612). A signal received through the input end of the first line (612) may have its phase shifted as it passes through the second line (614) depending on the state of the switch.

[0090] One end of the third line (616) is connected to the third position of the second line (614), and the other end can be connected to ground.

[0091] The first switch (622) can be positioned in a direction toward the output terminal between the first position and the second position of the first line (612).

[0092] The second switch (624) can be positioned on the third line (616) in a direction toward ground.

[0093] In one embodiment, the first switch (622) and the second switch (624) may include any one of the systems capable of performing a switching function, such as a PIN diode, an SPST (single pole, single throw) switch, or a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system). Preferably, the first switch (622) and the second switch (624) may include a PIN diode. A PIN diode may be advantageous for phase shifting of a signal for wireless communication when considering the speed and linearity of the switching operation. In a PIN diode, PIN is an abbreviation for diode structure, representing a P-type semiconductor (Positive), an intrinsic layer, and an N-type semiconductor (Negative), and the PIN diode may have a structure in which an intrinsic layer is inserted between the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor.

[0094] In one embodiment, when the first switch (622) and the second switch (624) are PIN diodes, the direction of the switches may indicate a direction from the P-type semiconductor to the N-type semiconductor. That is, when the first switch (622) and the second switch (624) are composed of PIN diodes, the direction of the switches may be set to the direction in which current flows from the P-type semiconductor to the N-type semiconductor. When a high voltage is applied to the P-type semiconductor of the PIN diode and a low voltage is applied to the N-type semiconductor, causing a potential difference, the PIN diode turns ON and an RF signal can pass through the PIN diode.

[0095] The first DC voltage blocking unit (632) may be positioned between the input terminal and the first position on the first line (612). The second DC voltage blocking unit (634) may be positioned between the second position and the third position on the second line (614). The first DC voltage blocking unit (632) and the second DC voltage blocking unit (634) may include a capacitor.

[0096] The fourth line (642) may be connected between the first and third positions (or the positions of the second DC voltage blocking unit) of the second line (614). Alternatively, the fourth line (642) may be connected between the first position of the first DC voltage blocking unit (632) of the first line (612) and the first position. The fourth line (642) may supply DC voltage to the second line (614). The fourth line (642) may supply any one of a DC voltage, a positive voltage, a negative voltage, or a 0 V voltage to the second line (614). The supplied DC voltage affects the area on the transmission line separated by the first DC voltage blocking unit (632) and the second DC voltage blocking unit (634), and cannot affect the area by passing through the first DC voltage blocking unit (632) and the second DC voltage blocking unit (634). Since a potential difference is formed by the supplied voltage, alternating current can flow through the first DC voltage blocking unit (632) or the second DC voltage blocking unit (634), but direct current cannot flow through the first DC voltage blocking unit (632) and the second DC voltage blocking unit (634).

[0097] In the phase shifting device of FIG. 6, the potential of the input and output terminals is set to 0 V, and the path through which the signal flows can be changed depending on the type of voltage supplied through the fourth line (642). Accordingly, the phase of the signal can be shifted by changing the path through which the signal flows. Specifically, depending on the type of voltage supplied through the fourth line (642), the signal received at the input terminal may pass only through the first line (612) and be output to the output terminal, or it may pass from the first line (612) to the second line (614) and be output to the output terminal. When the signal received at the input terminal passes only through the first line (612) and is output to the output terminal, the second line (614) can function as a line for impedance matching.

[0098] In one embodiment, when the first switch and the second switch are PIN diodes, the directions of the first switch and the second switch may be configured opposite to the directions shown in FIG. 6. For example, the N-type semiconductor of the first switch may be connected close to the input terminal and the P-type semiconductor of the first switch may be connected close to the output terminal. Also, the P-type semiconductor of the second switch may be connected to ground and the N-type semiconductor of the second switch may be connected to the second line (614). Hereinafter, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are described based on the phase shift device of FIG. 6, but the embodiments of the present disclosure include embodiments of a device in which the directions of all switches in the phase shift device of FIG. 6 are configured opposite.

[0099] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a phase shifting method using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 7, the state in which a signal flows through a different path depending on the type of voltage supplied by the phase shifter of FIG. 6 is illustrated. FIG. 7 is described below based on the reference numerals shown in the phase shifter of FIG. 6.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 7, when a positive (+) voltage is supplied through the fourth line (642), the potential of the line affected by the positive voltage may be higher than that of the input terminal (0 V) and the output terminal (0 V). Since the positive voltage supplied on the second line (614) cannot affect the line beyond the first DC voltage blocking unit (632) and the second DC voltage blocking unit (634), a potential difference is generated between the second line (614) and the input and output terminals with the first DC voltage blocking unit (632) and the second DC voltage blocking unit (634) as boundaries.

[0102] Then, the first switch (622) and the second switch (624) are turned ON by the generated potential difference. That is, a signal can pass through the first switch (622) and the second switch (624). Here, the first switch (622) can pass a signal from the input terminal toward the output terminal, and the second switch (624) can pass a signal from the second line (614) toward ground. In the case of the first switch (622), the voltage of the line on the side where the signal is input is + and the voltage of the line on the side where the signal is output is 0 V, so the switch can be turned ON by the potential difference. In the case of the second switch (624), the voltage of the line on the side where the signal is input is + and the voltage of the line on the side where the signal is output is 0 V, so the switch can be turned ON by the potential difference.

[0103] When the state of the first switch (622) and the second switch (624) is ON and an RF (radio frequency) signal is input through the input terminal, the RF signal can pass through the first switch (622) via the first line (612) and be output to the output terminal, and the phase may not shift. At this time, the second line (614) and the third line (616) can perform an impedance matching function as a matching circuit.

[0104] When a voltage of 0 V or negative (-) is supplied through the fourth line (642), the potential of the line affected by the 0 V or negative voltage may be equal to or lower than that of the input terminal (0 V) and the output terminal (0 V). Since the voltage supplied on the second line (614) cannot affect the line beyond the first DC voltage blocking unit (632) and the second DC voltage blocking unit (634), a potential difference between the second line (614) and the input and output terminals may not occur (in the case of 0 V) ​​or may occur (in the case of negative voltage) with respect to the first DC voltage blocking unit (632) and the second DC voltage blocking unit (634).

[0105] And, when 0 V or a negative voltage is supplied through the fourth line (642), the first switch (622) and the second switch (624) are turned off. That is, the first switch (622) cannot pass a signal from the input terminal to the output terminal, and the second switch (624) cannot pass a signal from the second line (614) to ground. In the case of the first switch (622), the voltage of the line on the side where the signal is input is 0 V or a negative voltage, and the voltage of the line on the side where the signal is output is 0 V, so the switch is turned off. In the case of the second switch (624), the voltage of the line on the side where the signal is input is 0 V or a negative voltage, and the voltage of the line on the side where the signal is output is 0 V (ground), so the switch is turned off.

[0106] When the first switch (622) and the second switch (624) are OFF and an RF (radio frequency) signal is input through the input terminal, the RF signal can pass through the second line (614) via the first line (612) and be output to the output terminal, and the phase can be transitioned based on the length of the second line (614). Since the first switch (622) and the second switch (624) are OFF, the signal flows through the second line (614), which is the only line through which the signal can flow. The RF signal is received from the input terminal and flows from the first position of the first line (612) to the second line (614), and then flows from the second line (614) to the first line (612) from the second position of the first line (612) and can be output to the output terminal.

[0107] In one embodiment, when the first switch and the second switch are PIN diodes, the direction of the first switch and the second switch may be configured opposite to the direction shown in FIG. 6. In this case, when a positive voltage or 0 V voltage is supplied through the fourth line (642), the first switch and the second switch are OFF, and the signal may flow through the second line (614). And, when a negative voltage is supplied through the fourth line (642), the first switch and the second switch are ON, as the voltage on the P-type semiconductor side is 0 V and the voltage on the N-type semiconductor side is negative, respectively, and the RF signal supplied through the input terminal may flow to the output terminal by passing through the first switch on the first line (612). That is, when the PIN diode is ON, the RF signal may flow from the N-type semiconductor to the P-type semiconductor. Therefore, even if the direction of the switches is configured opposite to that shown in FIG. 6, the phase of the signal may be shifted depending on the type of voltage provided.

[0108] In various embodiments, the phase shift angle of the RF signal can be set differently depending on the length of the second line (614). For example, depending on the length of the second line (614) included in the phase shift device, the phase shift device can shift the phase of the RF signal by 90 degrees or by 180 degrees.

[0109] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a phase shifting method for shifting a phase using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 8, when multiple phase shifting devices are connected, the phase of a signal can be shifted at various angles. For example, a first phase shifting device capable of shifting the phase of a signal by 180 degrees and a second phase shifting device capable of shifting the phase of a signal by 90 degrees can be connected to each other. The output terminal of the first phase shifting device can be connected to the input terminal of the second phase shifting device.

[0111] In one embodiment, when both the first switch and the second switch of the first phase shift device are ON, and both the third switch and the fourth switch of the second phase shift device are ON, the phase of the RF signal does not shift (shifts by 0 degrees). At this time, the state of the first phase shift device and the second phase shift device can correspond to the state shown in (A) of FIG. 7, respectively.

[0112] In one embodiment, when the first switch and the second switch of the first phase shift device are both ON, and the third switch and the fourth switch of the second phase shift device are both OFF, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted (shifted by 90 degrees). At this time, the state of the first phase shift device can correspond to the state shown in (A) of FIG. 7, and the state of the second phase shift device can correspond to the state shown in (B) of FIG. 7. The phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 90 degrees while passing through the second phase shift device.

[0113] In one embodiment, when the first switch and the second switch of the first phase shift device are both OFF and the third switch and the fourth switch of the second phase shift device are both ON, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted (shifted by 180 degrees). At this time, the state of the first phase shift device can correspond to the state shown in (B) of FIG. 7, and the state of the second phase shift device can correspond to the state shown in (A) of FIG. 7. The phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 180 degrees while passing through the first phase shift device.

[0114] In one embodiment, when both the first switch and the second switch of the first phase shift device are OFF, and both the third switch and the fourth switch of the second phase shift device are OFF, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted (shifted by 270 degrees). At this time, the state of the first phase shift device and the second phase shift device may correspond to the state shown in (B) of FIG. 7, respectively. The phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 270 degrees as it passes through the first phase shift device and the second phase shift device.

[0115] FIG. 9 illustrates a phase shift device (900) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 9, the phase shift device (900) may include a first line (912), a second line (914), a third line (916), a first ground line (918) connected to the second line (914), a second ground line (919) connected to the third line (916), a first switch (922), a second switch (924), a third switch (926), a fourth switch (928), a first DC blocking unit (932), a second DC blocking unit (934), and / or a fourth line (942).

[0117] The first line (912) includes an input terminal for receiving a signal and an output terminal for transmitting a signal. That is, one end of the first line (912) is connected to the input terminal, and the other end of the first line (912) can be connected to the output terminal. The first line (912) can receive a signal through the input terminal and transmit a signal through the output terminal.

[0118] One end of the second line (914) is connected to a first position of the first line (912) and the other end is connected to a second position of the first line (912), and the first position is closer to the input end than the second position. Therefore, a signal received at the input end can pass through the first position and flow to the second position. The second line (914) may have a specific length to shift the phase of the signal as a delay line.

[0119] One end of the third line (916) is connected to the third position of the first line (912) and the other end is connected to the fourth position of the first line (912). The third position is closer to the input end than the fourth position, and the third position may be the same as the second position or further from the input end than the second position. Thus, a signal received at the input end can pass through the second position, and then pass through the third and fourth positions in sequence to flow to the output end. That is, the position closest to the input end on the first line (912) may be the first position, and the position closest to the output end may be the fourth position. The second and third positions may be the same, or the second position may be closer to the input end than the third position. The third line (916) may have a specific length to shift the phase of the signal as a delay line.

[0120] One end of the first grounding line (918) may be connected to the second line (914) and the other end may be connected to ground. One end of the first grounding line (918) is connected to the fifth position of the second line (914).

[0121] One end of the second grounding line (919) may be connected to the third line (916) and the other end may be connected to ground. One end of the second grounding line (919) is connected to the sixth position of the third line (916).

[0122] The first switch (922) may be positioned to face the output end between the first and second positions of the first line (912). Additionally, the second switch (924) may be positioned to face the output end between the third and fourth positions of the first line (912).

[0123] Additionally, the third switch (926) may be positioned to face the second line (914) from the first ground line (918), and the fourth switch (928) may be positioned to face the ground from the second ground line (919).

[0124] The first switch (922), the second switch (924), the third switch (926), and the fourth switch (928) may include any one of the systems capable of performing a switch function, such as a PIN diode, an SPST (single pole, single throw) switch, or a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system). Preferably, the first switch (922), the second switch (924), the third switch (926), and the fourth switch (928) may include a PIN diode. A PIN diode may be advantageous for phase shifting of a signal for wireless communication when considering the speed and linearity of the switch operation.

[0125] In one embodiment, when the first switch (922), the second switch (924), the third switch (926), and the fourth switch (928) are PIN diodes, the direction of the switches may indicate a direction from the P-type semiconductor to the N-type semiconductor. That is, when the first switch (922), the second switch (924), the third switch (926), and the fourth switch (928) are composed of PIN diodes, the direction of the switches may be set to the direction in which current flows from the P-type semiconductor to the N-type semiconductor. When a high voltage is applied to the P-type semiconductor of the PIN diode and a low voltage is applied to the N-type semiconductor, causing a potential difference, the PIN diode turns ON, and an RF signal can pass through the PIN diode.

[0126] In one embodiment, when the first to fourth switches are PIN diodes, the direction of the first to fourth switches may be configured opposite to the direction shown in FIG. 9. For example, the N-type semiconductor of the first switch may be connected close to (or toward) the input terminal, and the P-type semiconductor of the first switch may be connected close to (or toward) the output terminal. Also, the P-type semiconductor of the third switch may be connected to the second line (914), and the N-type semiconductor of the third switch may be connected to ground. Hereinafter, FIGS. 10a to 10c, FIGS. 15, FIGS. 16a to 16e are described based on devices corresponding to the phase shift device of FIG. 9, but embodiments of the present disclosure include embodiments for a device in which the direction of all switches in the phase shift device of FIG. 9 is configured to be reversed. A first DC blocking unit (932) may be positioned between a first position and a fifth position of a second line (914), and a second DC blocking unit (934) may be positioned between a fourth position and a sixth position of a third line (916). The first DC blocking unit (932) and the second DC blocking unit (934) include a capacitor and can block DC current or block the effect of DC voltage supply. For example, one side of the first DC blocking unit (932) may have a high voltage and the other side may have a low voltage, so a potential difference may be formed, and the first DC blocking unit (932) may pass alternating current without passing direct current.

[0127] One end of the fourth line (942) may be connected between the first switch (922) and the second switch (924) in the first line (912), between the location of the first DC blocking unit (932) and the second location in the second line (914), or between the third location and the location of the second DC blocking unit (934) in the third line (916), and may supply DC voltage to the connected line. That is, the other end of the fourth line (942) may be connected to a power supply unit to supply DC voltage to another line connected to one end. The voltages that can be supplied through the fourth line (942) include positive (+) voltage, 0 V, and negative (-) voltage.

[0128] In the case of the phase shift device (900) according to the embodiment of FIG. 9, the path through which the signal flows can be determined in three different ways based on the type of voltage (+, 0, or -) supplied through the fourth line (942). Accordingly, the signal received through the input terminal can be output through the output terminal with its phase shifted according to the selected path.

[0129] FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c are drawings for illustrating a phase shifting method for shifting a phase using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0130] FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c illustrate that the second line (914) of the phase shifting device has a length that shifts the phase of the signal by 120 degrees, and the third line (916) has a length that shifts the phase of the signal by 240 degrees. However, in embodiments of the present disclosure, the lengths of the second line and the third line may be set differently based on the frequency, wavelength, and / or intended phase shift angle of the signal.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 10a, when a negative (-) voltage is supplied through the fourth line (942), the path through which the signal flows is illustrated. At this time, the first switch (922) is ON, the second switch (924) is OFF, the third switch (926) is ON, and the fourth switch (928) is OFF. The states of these four switches can be expressed as (1, 0, 1, 0), and the states can be shown in order from the state of the first switch (922) (which has a value of 1 when ON) to the state of the fourth switch (928).

[0132] In the case of the first switch (922), the voltage of the part connected close to the input terminal (or, if the switch is a PIN diode, a P-type semiconductor) is 0 V and the voltage of the part connected close to the output terminal (or, if the switch is a PIN diode, an N-type semiconductor) is negative, so a positive potential difference is formed along the direction of the switch (for example, if the switch is a PIN diode, the direction from the P-type semiconductor to the N-type semiconductor), and the first switch is turned ON. In the case of the second switch (924), the voltage of the part connected close to the input terminal is negative and the voltage of the part connected close to the output terminal is 0 V, so a positive potential difference is not formed along the direction of the switch, and the second switch is turned OFF. In the case of the third switch (926), the voltage of the part connected to ground (or, if the switch is a PIN diode, the P-type semiconductor) is 0 V (ground) and the voltage of the part connected to the second line (914) (or, if the switch is a PIN diode, the N-type semiconductor) is negative, so a positive potential difference is formed along the direction of the switch (for example, if the switch is a PIN diode, the direction from the P-type semiconductor to the N-type semiconductor), and the third switch is turned ON. In the case of the fourth switch (928), the voltage of the part connected to the third line (916) (or, if the switch is a PIN diode, the P-type semiconductor) is negative and the voltage of the part connected to ground (or, if the switch is a PIN diode, the N-type semiconductor) is 0 V (ground), so a positive potential difference is not formed along the direction of the switch, and the fourth switch is turned OFF. In other words, depending on the direction of the switch, if a positive potential difference occurs, the switch turns ON and allows the signal to pass through; if a negative potential difference occurs or the potentials on both sides of the switch are equal, the switch turns OFF and the signal cannot pass through.

[0133] At this time, when an RF signal, which is an AC signal, is introduced into the input terminal, the RF signal passes through the first position and the first switch (922), and since the second switch (924) and the fourth switch (928) are OFF, it can flow to the output terminal through the third line (916). And, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted based on the length of the third line (916) (e.g., 240 degrees). Here, the second line (914) and the first ground line (918) can perform the role of impedance matching.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 10b, when a voltage of 0 V is supplied through the fourth line (942), the path through which the signal flows is illustrated. At this time, the first switch (922) is OFF, the second switch (924) is OFF, the third switch (926) is OFF, and the fourth switch (928) is OFF. The states of these four switches can be expressed as (0,0,0,0), and the states can be shown in order from the state of the first switch (922) (which has a value of 1 when ON) to the state of the fourth switch (928).

[0135] In the case of the first switch (922), the voltage of the part connected close to the input terminal is 0 V and the voltage of the part connected close to the output terminal is 0 V, so a positive potential difference is not formed along the direction of the switch, and thus the first switch is turned OFF. In the case of the second switch (924), the voltage of the part connected close to the input terminal is 0 V and the voltage of the part connected close to the output terminal is 0 V, so a positive potential difference is not formed along the direction of the switch, and thus the second switch is turned OFF. In the case of the third switch (926), the voltage of the part connected to ground is 0 V (ground) and the voltage of the part connected to the second line (914) is 0 V, so a positive potential difference is not formed along the direction of the switch, and thus the third switch is turned OFF. In the case of the fourth switch (928), the voltage of the part connected to the third line (916) is 0 V and the voltage of the part connected to ground is 0 V (ground), so a positive potential difference is not formed along the direction of the switch, and thus the fourth switch is turned OFF.

[0136] At this time, when an RF signal, which is an AC signal, is introduced into the input terminal, the RF signal can pass through the first position, pass through the second line (914), and flow to the output terminal through the third line (916). And, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted based on the length of the second line (914) and the length of the third line (916). For example, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted 120 degrees by the second line (914), shifted 240 degrees by the third line (916), and finally shifted 360 degrees. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be the same as when it is not shifted.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 10c, when a positive (+) voltage is supplied through the fourth line (942), the path through which the RF signal flows is illustrated. At this time, the first switch (922) is OFF, the second switch (924) is ON, the third switch (926) is OFF, and the fourth switch (928) is ON. The states of these four switches can be expressed as (0, 1, 0, 1), and the states can be shown sequentially from the state of the first switch (922) (which has a value of 1 when ON) to the state of the fourth switch (928).

[0138] In the case of the first switch (922), the voltage of the part connected close to the input terminal is 0 V and the voltage of the part connected close to the output terminal is positive, so a positive potential difference is not formed along the direction of the switch, and the first switch is turned OFF. In the case of the second switch (924), the voltage of the part connected close to the input terminal is positive and the voltage of the part connected close to the output terminal is 0 V, so a positive potential difference is formed along the direction of the switch, and the second switch is turned ON. In the case of the third switch (926), the voltage of the part connected to ground is 0 V (ground) and the voltage of the part connected to the second line (914) is positive, so a positive potential difference is not formed along the direction of the switch, and the third switch is turned OFF. In the case of the fourth switch (928), the voltage of the part connected to the third line (916) is positive and the voltage of the part connected to ground is 0 V (ground), so a positive potential difference is formed along the direction of the switch, and the fourth switch is turned ON.

[0139] At this time, when an RF signal, which is an AC signal, is introduced into the input terminal, the RF signal can pass through the first position, pass through the second line (914), pass through the second switch (924), and flow to the output terminal. Also, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted based on the length of the second line (914). For example, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 120 degrees by the second line (914). Here, the third line (916) and the second ground line (919) can perform the role of impedance matching.

[0140] The phase shift device according to the embodiment of FIG. 9 can pass a signal through any one of three paths depending on the type of supplied voltage, such as + voltage, - voltage, and 0 V voltage, and can shift the phase of the signal. Since the phase of the signal can be shifted in three ways by one phase shift device, the phase of the signal can be shifted in nine ways when two phase shift devices are connected. That is, the phase shift device has the effect of shifting the phase more finely even when connecting a small number of phase shift devices, and can be efficient as fewer devices are required to supply voltage.

[0141] In one embodiment, when the first to fourth switches are PIN diodes, the direction of the first to fourth switches may be configured opposite to the direction shown in FIGS. 10a to 10c. At this time, when a positive voltage is supplied through the fourth line (942), the first switch and the third switch are each in the ON state because the voltage on the P-type semiconductor side is positive and the voltage on the N-type semiconductor side is 0 V, and the second switch and the fourth switch are each in the OFF state because the voltage on the P-type semiconductor side is 0 V and the voltage on the N-type semiconductor side is positive, and the signal may flow through the first line and the third line. By the same principle, when a voltage of 0 V is supplied through the fourth line (942), the first to fourth switches are OFF and the signal may flow through the first line, the second line, and the third line. And, when a negative voltage is supplied through the fourth line (942), the first switch and the third switch are OFF, and the second switch and the fourth switch are ON, and the signal can flow through the first line and the second line. When the PIN diode is ON, the RF signal may flow from the N-type semiconductor to the P-type semiconductor. Therefore, even if the direction of the switches in the phase shifting device is configured opposite to that shown in FIG. 9, the phase of the signal can be shifted depending on the type of voltage provided.

[0142] FIG. 11 illustrates a circuit of a DC voltage supply device (1100) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 11, a DC voltage supply device (1100) may include a first power source (BAT1) and a second power source (BAT2). A line connected to the positive terminal of the second power source may have a positive voltage, and a line connected to the negative terminal of the first power source may have a negative voltage. A line connected between the first power source and the second power source may have a voltage of 0 V.

[0144] The line of the DC voltage supply device (1100) is connected to the fourth line (942) of the phase shift device (900) of FIG. 9 and can provide a positive voltage, a negative voltage, or a 0 V voltage through the fourth line (942).

[0145] FIG. 12 illustrates a phase shift device and a DC voltage supply device (1200) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 12, a DC voltage supply device (1200) may include a first power supply (power supply 1) and a second power supply (power supply 2). A line connected to the positive terminal of the first power supply may provide a positive voltage, and a line connected to the negative terminal of the second power supply may provide a negative voltage. A line connected between the negative terminal of the first power supply and the positive terminal of the second power supply may provide a 0 V voltage.

[0147] In a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., the phase shift device of FIG. 9), a fourth line for supplying a DC voltage may be connected to a DC voltage supply device (1200) by a switch. Accordingly, if the fourth line is connected to the positive terminal of a first power source through the switch, a positive voltage may be supplied through the fourth line. Additionally, if the fourth line is connected to the negative terminal of a second power source through the switch, a negative voltage may be supplied through the fourth line. If the fourth line is connected between the first power source and the second power source through the switch, a voltage of 0 V may be supplied through the fourth line. In this way, the type of voltage supplied to the fourth line may be determined, and accordingly, the path of the signal flowing through the phase shift device may be selected. And, the phase of the signal flowing along the selected path may be shifted.

[0148] Meanwhile, the phase shift device may further include a first signal blocking coil (1252), a second signal blocking coil (1254), and / or a third signal blocking coil (1256).

[0149] One end of the first signal blocking coil (1252) is connected between the input end of the first line (912) and the first position, and the other end can be grounded. Accordingly, the first signal blocking coil (1252) can make the potential of the input end of the first line (912) 0 V, like ground, and at the same time block the RF signal received from the input end from flowing in the direction of ground.

[0150] One end of the second signal blocking coil (1254) is connected between the fourth position of the first line (912) and the output terminal, and the other end can be grounded. Accordingly, the second signal blocking coil (1254) can make the potential of the output terminal of the first line (912) 0 V, like ground, and at the same time block the RF signal received from the input terminal from flowing in the direction of ground.

[0151] One end of the third signal blocking coil (1256) is connected to the fourth line (942), and the other end can be connected to a DC voltage supply (via a switch). Thus, the third signal blocking coil (1256) can block RF signals flowing through the third line (916) from flowing toward the DC voltage supply (1200).

[0152] The first signal blocking coil (1252), the second signal blocking coil (1254), and the third signal blocking coil (1256) may include coils that prevent an RF signal, which is an alternating current signal, from passing through.

[0153] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the phase shift result implemented in a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 13, a graph is shown in which the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents phase. The state indicated in the category of the graph represents the state of the switches of the phase shift device (900) of FIG. 9, and if the state value is 0, the switch is in an off state, and if the state value is 1, the switch is in an on state.

[0155] State 1 represents the state of the first switch (922) and the third switch (926) of the phase transition device (900), and State 2 may represent the state of the second switch (924) and the fourth switch (928).

[0156] When State1=0 and State2=0, the first switch, second switch, third switch, and fourth switch of the phase shift device (900) are in the OFF state. Therefore, the RF signal passes through both the second line and the third line, and the phase can be shifted 360 degrees.

[0157] When State1=0 and State2=1, the first switch and the third switch of the phase shift device (900) are in the OFF state, and the second switch and the fourth switch are in the ON state. Therefore, the RF signal passes through the second line and the phase can be shifted by 120 degrees accordingly.

[0158] When State1=1 and State2=0, the first switch and the third switch of the phase shift device (900) are in the ON state, and the second switch and the fourth switch are in the OFF state. Therefore, the RF signal passes through the third line and the phase can be shifted by 240 degrees accordingly.

[0159] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the phase shift device of FIG. 9 can output signals with different phases of 120 degrees (for example, the phase of the signal is shifted by 120, 240, or 360 degrees).

[0160] FIG. 14 is a graph showing reflection loss parameters and insertion loss parameters according to phase shift implemented in a phase shift device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 14, a graph is shown in which the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents the value of the reflection loss parameter or the insertion loss parameter in decibels (dB). The state indicated in the category of the graph represents the state of the switches of the phase shift device (900) of FIG. 9, and if the state value is 0, the switch is in an off state, and if the state value is 1, the switch is in an on state.

[0162] When the frequency is 28 GHz, the reflection loss parameters for each switch operating state are -18.06 dB, -26.28 dB, and -33.80 dB, indicating that the signal reflected by the phase shift device is very small.

[0163] State 1 represents the state of the first switch (922) and the third switch (926) of the phase transition device (900), and State 2 may represent the state of the second switch (924) and the fourth switch (928).

[0164] When State1=0 and State2=0, the first switch, second switch, third switch, and fourth switch of the phase shift device (900) are in the OFF state. And, in this state, the reflection loss parameter is -26.28 dB.

[0165] When State1=0 and State2=1, the first switch and the third switch of the phase shift device (900) are in the OFF state, and the second switch and the fourth switch are in the ON state. In this state, the reflection loss parameter is -18.06 dB.

[0166] When State1=1 and State2=0, the first switch and the third switch of the phase shift device (900) are in the ON state, and the second switch and the fourth switch are in the OFF state. In this state, the reflection loss parameter is -33.80 dB.

[0167] In addition, when the frequency is 28 GHz, the insertion loss parameters for each switch operating state are -0.74 dB, -1.48 dB, and -1.72 dB, indicating that the signal loss input to the phase shift device is very small.

[0168] When State1=0 and State2=0, the first switch, second switch, third switch, and fourth switch of the phase shift device (900) are in the OFF state. And, in this state, the insertion loss parameter is -0.74 dB.

[0169] When State1=0 and State2=1, the first switch and the third switch of the phase shift device (900) are in the OFF state, and the second switch and the fourth switch are in the ON state. In this state, the insertion loss parameter is -1.48 dB.

[0170] When State1=1 and State2=0, the first switch and the third switch of the phase shift device (900) are in the ON state, and the second switch and the fourth switch are in the OFF state. In this state, the insertion loss parameter is -1.72 dB.

[0171] The phase shift device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has very little signal reflection loss or insertion loss.

[0172] FIG. 15 illustrates two phase shift devices connected according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 15, a first phase shift device (15100) and a second phase shift device (15200) are connected. The first phase shift device is similar to the phase shift device of FIG. 9, but in the case of the second phase shift device, the lengths of the lines (reference numerals 15214 and 15216) corresponding to the second line (914) and third line (916) of the phase shift device of FIG. 9 may differ. Accordingly, in the case of the second phase shift device (15200), the phase of the signal can be shifted by 40 degrees or 320 degrees depending on the lengths of the lines (reference numerals 15214 and 15216) corresponding to the second line and third line of the phase shift device of FIG. 9.

[0174] The output terminal of the first phase shift device (15100) can be connected to the input terminal of the second phase shift device (15200). Additionally, the first phase shift device and the second phase shift device can each independently receive a DC voltage (+, -, or 0 V) ​​from a different DC voltage supply device.

[0175] That is, the phase shift device of FIG. 15 is a first phase shift device (15100) and a second phase shift device (15200) connected together, and as a DC voltage is supplied independently to each phase shift device, the phase shift device of FIG. 15 can shift the phase of the signal in nine different ways.

[0176] The first switch (15122) and the third switch (15126) of the first phase shift device (15100) correspond to the fifth switch (15222) and the seventh switch (15226) of the second phase shift device (15200), and the second switch (15124) and the fourth switch (15128) of the first phase shift device (15100) may correspond to the sixth switch (15224) and the eighth switch (15228) of the second phase shift device (15200).

[0177] The first line (15112), second line (15114), and third line (15116) of the first phase shift device (15100) can correspond, respectively, to the fourth line (15212), fifth line (15214), and sixth line (15216) of the second phase shift device (15200).

[0178] In one embodiment, the first phase shift device (15100) and / or the second phase shift device (15126) of FIG. 15 may be configured such that the direction of the switches is opposite to that shown in the drawing.

[0179] FIGS. 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d and 16e are drawings for illustrating a phase shifting method for shifting a phase using a phase shifting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 16a, a state in which the phase of the signal is shifted by 40 degrees or 80 degrees by the phase shifting device of FIG. 15 is shown.

[0181] State(0,0,0,1) may represent the state of switches included in the phase shift device. For example, when referred to as State(a,b,c,d), a may represent the state of the first switch (15122) and the third switch (15126) of the first phase shift device (15100), and b may represent the state of the second switch (15124) and the fourth switch (15128) of the first phase shift device (15100). Also, c may represent the state of the fifth switch (15222) and the seventh switch (15226) of the second phase shift device (15200), and d may represent the state of the sixth switch (15224) and the eighth switch (15228) of the second phase shift device (15200). A value of 0 indicates that the switch is off, and a value of 1 indicates that the switch is on.

[0182] In FIG. 16a, when State(0,0,0,1), the phase of the RF signal input to the input terminal of the first phase shift device and output to the output terminal of the second phase shift device can be shifted by 40 degrees. Specifically, since the first switch, second switch, third switch, and fourth switch of the first phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the second line and the third line, and since the fifth switch and seventh switch of the second phase shift device are off, it passes through the fifth line and is output. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 400 degrees through the second line (120-degree phase shift), the third line (240-degree phase shift), and the fifth line (40-degree phase shift). Ultimately, the phase of the signal is the same as being shifted by 40 degrees.

[0183] In Fig. 16a, when State(0,1,1,0), the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 80 degrees.

[0184] In FIG. 16a, when State(0,1,1,0), the phase of the RF signal input to the input terminal of the first phase shift device and output to the output terminal of the second phase shift device can be shifted by 80 degrees. Specifically, since the first switch and the third switch of the first phase shift device are off and the second switch and the fourth switch are on, the signal passes through the second line, and since the sixth switch and the eighth switch of the second phase shift device are off, it passes through the sixth line and is output. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 440 degrees through the second line (120-degree phase shift) and the sixth line (320-degree phase shift). Ultimately, the phase of the signal is the same as being shifted by 80 degrees.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 16b, a state is shown in which the phase of the signal is shifted by 120 degrees or 160 degrees by the phase shifting device of FIG. 15.

[0186] In Fig. 16b, when State(0,1,0,0), the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 120 degrees.

[0187] In FIG. 16b, when State(0,1,0,0), the phase of the RF signal input to the input terminal of the first phase shift device and output to the output terminal of the second phase shift device can be shifted by 120 degrees. Specifically, since the first switch and the third switch of the first phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the second line, and since the fourth switch, the fifth switch, the sixth switch, and the seventh switch of the second phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the fifth line and the sixth line and is output. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 480 degrees through the second line (120-degree phase shift), the fifth line (40-degree phase shift), and the sixth line (320-degree phase shift). Ultimately, the phase of the signal is the same as being shifted by 120 degrees.

[0188] In Fig. 16b, when State(0,1,0,1), the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 160 degrees.

[0189] In FIG. 16b, when State(0,1,0,1) is input to the input terminal of the first phase shift device and output to the output terminal of the second phase shift device, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 120 degrees. Specifically, since the first switch and the third switch of the first phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the second line, and since the fourth switch and the sixth switch of the second phase shift device are off, it passes through the fifth line and is output. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 160 degrees through the second line (120-degree phase shift) and the fifth line (40-degree phase shift).

[0190] Referring to FIG. 16c, a state is shown in which the phase of the signal is shifted by 200 degrees or 240 degrees by the phase shifting device of FIG. 15.

[0191] In Fig. 16c, when State(1,0,1,0), the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 200 degrees.

[0192] In FIG. 16c, when State(1,0,1,0) is input to the input terminal of the first phase shift device and output to the output terminal of the second phase shift device, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 200 degrees. Specifically, since the second switch and the fourth switch of the first phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the third line, and since the fifth switch and the eighth switch of the second phase shift device are off, it passes through the sixth line and is output. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 560 degrees through the third line (240-degree phase shift) and the sixth line (320-degree phase shift). Ultimately, the phase of the signal is the same as being shifted by 200 degrees.

[0193] In Fig. 16c, when State(1,0,0,0), the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 240 degrees.

[0194] In FIG. 16c, when State(1,0,0,0) is input to the input terminal of the first phase shift device and output to the output terminal of the second phase shift device, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 240 degrees. Specifically, since the second switch and the fourth switch of the first phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the third line, and since all switches (the fourth switch to the eighth switch) of the second phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the fifth line and the sixth line and is output. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 600 degrees through the third line (240-degree phase shift), the fifth line (40-degree phase shift), and the sixth line (320-degree phase shift). Ultimately, the phase of the signal is the same as being shifted by 240 degrees.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 16d, a state is shown in which the phase of the signal is shifted by 280 degrees or 320 degrees by the phase shifting device of FIG. 15.

[0196] In Fig. 16d, when State(1,0,0,1), the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 280 degrees.

[0197] In FIG. 16d, when State(1,0,0,1), the phase of the RF signal input to the input terminal of the first phase shift device and output to the output terminal of the second phase shift device can be shifted by 280 degrees. Specifically, since the second switch and the fourth switch of the first phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the third line, and since the fourth switch and the sixth switch of the second phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the fifth line and is output. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 280 degrees through the third line (240-degree phase shift) and the fifth line (40-degree phase shift).

[0198] In Fig. 16d, when State(0,0,1,0), the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 320 degrees.

[0199] In FIG. 16d, when State(0,0,1,0), the phase of the RF signal input to the input terminal of the first phase shift device and output to the output terminal of the second phase shift device can be shifted by 320 degrees. Specifically, since all switches (the first to fourth switches) of the first phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the second line and the third line, and since the sixth and eighth switches of the second phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the sixth line and is output. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 680 degrees through the second line (120-degree phase shift), the third line (240-degree phase shift), and the sixth line (320-degree phase shift). Ultimately, the phase of the signal is the same as being shifted by 320 degrees.

[0200] Referring to FIG. 16e, the state in which the phase of the signal is shifted 360 degrees by the phase shifting device of FIG. 15 is shown.

[0201] In Fig. 16e, when State(0,0,0,0), the phase of the RF signal can be shifted 360 degrees (0 degrees).

[0202] In FIG. 16d, when State(0,0,0,0) is input to the input terminal of the first phase shift device and output to the output terminal of the second phase shift device, the phase of the RF signal can be shifted by 360 degrees. Specifically, since all switches (the first to fourth switches) of the first phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the second and third lines, and since all switches (the fourth to eighth switches) of the second phase shift device are off, the signal passes through the fifth and sixth lines and is output. Therefore, the phase of the signal can be shifted by 720 degrees through the second line (120-degree phase shift), the third line (240-degree phase shift), the fifth line (40-degree phase shift), and the sixth line (320-degree phase shift). Ultimately, the phase of the signal is the same as being shifted by 360 degrees (0 degrees).

[0203] In one embodiment, the phase shifting devices of FIGS. 16a to 16e may be configured such that the direction of the switches is opposite to that shown in the drawings. Even when the direction of the switches is opposite, it can be explained by the foregoing that the phase of the signal may be shifted differently depending on the type of voltage provided.

[0204] In FIGS. 16a to 16e, the type of voltage (+, -, or 0 V) ​​provided by the DC voltage supply to control the state of the switch is not specified, but the operation of the DC voltage supply in FIGS. 16a to 16e can be sufficiently explained by the description given above in FIGS. 9 to 10c.

[0205] According to the phase shift device of FIGS. 15 and 16 described above, nine phase shift states are realized by the combination of the first phase shift device and the second phase shift device, and the phase of the signal can be finely adjusted in 40-degree increments. Since two phase shift devices are combined, two devices are required to provide DC voltage for controlling the switch. On the other hand, in the case of a device capable of providing two phase shift states depending on the on / off state of the switch, three devices must be combined to provide 2^3 (8) phase shift states, and three devices are required to provide DC voltage. That is, since a large number of circuits are required for phase shifting, it may cause spatial constraints in the placement of the device.

[0206] The phase shift device (or phase shifter) according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can implement fine phase shifting with a small number of units, and accordingly, has the effect of reducing phase error.

[0207] In the phase shifting device (or, phase shifter) according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the lengths of the lines for phase shifting can be varied and applied by a person skilled in the art.

[0208] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail to explain the technical concept of the present disclosure, the individual operations constituting each embodiment may be changed in order or parts of which may be omitted. Accordingly, an embodiment in which the order of operations is changed or some operations are omitted may be understood as having been described by the present disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified in various ways according to the content described in the present disclosure.

[0209] Although the operations of the method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described separately for each embodiment, the operations included in each embodiment may be combined with the operations of other embodiments to form new embodiments. Accordingly, embodiments in which the embodiments of the present disclosure are combined may also be understood as being described by the present disclosure.

[0210] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where a component (e.g., the first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., the second), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationally," it means that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0211] As used in this disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of a component or part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0212] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a machine (e.g., a processor of an electronic device (e.g., processor (230)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to at least one called instruction. One or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., an EM wave), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0214] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the described components may include a singular or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as they were performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically; one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order; omitted; or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In phase transitions, A first line comprising an input terminal for receiving a signal and an output terminal for transmitting the signal; One end is connected to a first position of the first line and the other end is connected to a second position of the first line, wherein the first position is a second line closer to the input end than the second position; One end is connected to a third position of the first line and the other end is connected to a fourth position of the first line, wherein the third position is closer to the input end than the fourth position, and the third position is the same as the second position or is a third line further from the input end; A first grounding line, one end of which is connected to the fifth position of the second line and the other end of which is grounded; A second grounding line, one end of which is connected to the 6th position of the third line and the other end of which is grounded; A first switch positioned between the first position and the second position of the first line; A second switch positioned between the third position and the fourth position of the first line; A third switch placed on the first grounding line above; A fourth switch placed on the second grounding line above; A first DC blocking unit positioned between the first position and the fifth position of the second line; A second DC blocking unit positioned between the fourth position and the sixth position of the third line; and It includes a fourth line for supplying DC voltage, and The above-mentioned fourth line is connected between the first switch and the second switch in the first line, between the location of the first DC blocking unit and the second location in the second line, or between the third location and the location of the second DC blocking unit in the third line. Phase transition.

2. In Claim 1, The lengths of the second line and the third line are different from each other. Phase transition.

3. In Claim 1, The type of the above DC voltage includes one of a positive voltage, a negative voltage, or a voltage of 0 V, and depending on the type of the above DC voltage provided through the fourth line, the phase of the signal received at the input terminal is shifted differently and output to the output terminal. Phase transition.

4. In Claim 1, The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch comprise any one of an SPST (single pole single throw) switch, a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system), or a PIN diode. Phase transition.

5. In Claim 4, The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch each include a PIN diode. The first switch above has a P-type semiconductor connected close to the input terminal and an N-type semiconductor connected close to the output terminal, The second switch has a P-type semiconductor connected close to the input terminal and an N-type semiconductor connected close to the output terminal, The above third switch has a P-type semiconductor connected to ground and an N-type semiconductor connected to the above second line, and The above-mentioned fourth switch has a P-type semiconductor connected to the above-mentioned third line and an N-type semiconductor connected to ground, Phase transition.

6. In Claim 1, The first DC blocking unit and the second DC blocking unit include a capacitor. Phase transition.

7. In Claim 1, The above-mentioned fourth line includes a signal blocking coil capable of blocking the signal, Phase transition.

8. In Claim 1, A first signal blocking coil, one end of which is connected between the input end and the first position of the first line and the other end of which is connected to ground; and A second signal blocking coil further comprising one end connected between the fourth position of the first line and the output terminal and the other end connected to ground, Phase transition.

9. In Claim 1, The above second line has a length that shifts the phase of the signal by 120 degrees, The above third line has a length that shifts the phase of the signal by 240 degrees, Phase transition.

10. In Claim 4, When a positive voltage is supplied through the above-mentioned fourth line, The first switch and the third switch are OFF, the second switch and the fourth switch are ON, and the signal passes through the second line, Phase Shift.

11. In Claim 10, When a 0 V voltage is supplied through the above-mentioned fourth line, The first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch are OFF, and the signal cannot pass through the second line and the third line, Phase transition.

12. In Claim 11, When a negative voltage is supplied through the above-mentioned fourth line, The first switch and the third switch are ON, the second switch and the fourth switch are OFF, and the signal passes through the third line, Phase transition.

13. In Claim 9, The output terminal of the above phase shifter is connected to the input terminal of another phase shifter, and The other phase shifter described above includes a line having a length that shifts the phase of the signal by 40 degrees and a line having a length that shifts the phase of the signal by 320 degrees. Phase transition.

14. In Claim 13, The phase of the above signal is shifted at 40-degree intervals by the above phase shifter and the other phase shifter, Phase transition.

15. In phase transitions, Based on the type of voltage provided to the circuit, the phase of the signal is processed by passing the signal received at the input terminal through one of three paths, and The above types of voltage include any one of positive voltage, negative voltage, or 0 V voltage, and The degree to which the phase of the above signal shifts is different among the three paths, Phase transition.

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