3D Feed Stripline Layout for Compact Phase Shifter Branching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feed striplines in communication devices such as base stations have a large area ratio, which hinders miniaturization due to the difficulty in controlling the plane area and inefficient utilization of space, leading to increased volume and costs.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional feed stripline structure with separate power branch lines of different lengths and a jump structure that allows non-overlapping extension, combined with a sliding medium to adjust phase differences, enhancing space utilization and reducing overall volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power divider branch lines extend along different transmission paths in a plane to avoid signal serial connection, then electrical performance is ensured, but plane area increases and space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional spatial structure by introducing vertical stacking of feed stripline layers. Power branch lines are arranged in different layers (first feed stripline layer, second feed stripline layer) with vertical spacing, allowing signals to transmit in three dimensions rather than being constrained to planar paths. This resolves the contradiction by enabling compact area utilization while maintaining electrical performance through proper layer isolation and spacing.
2Reliability
If branch lines are arranged in a plane without overlapping, then signal interference is avoided, but area ratio increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes vertical layering to separate power branch lines that would otherwise need to occupy large planar areas. By distributing branch lines across multiple feed stripline layers with appropriate vertical spacing and isolation structures, the design achieves compact volume while preventing signal interference through spatial separation in the vertical dimension rather than requiring extensive planar dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested multi-layer structure where feed stripline layers are stacked vertically with isolation structures between them. Power branch lines in different layers are nested within the same overall volume envelope, allowing compact integration while maintaining electrical isolation. This nested arrangement reduces total volume compared to planar expansion while preserving signal transmission quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If feed stripline uses traditional planar structure, then manufacturing is simple, but area ratio is large and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends traditional planar PCB manufacturing techniques into the vertical dimension by stacking multiple feed stripline layers. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity by using conventional layer-by-layer fabrication processes while achieving compact area ratios through three-dimensional integration. The multi-layer structure is manufactured using standard industrial processes adapted for vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed stripline structure integrates multiple functions into a compact multi-layer system: power division, signal transmission, phase shifting, and isolation are all accomplished within the same stacked structure. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate components, maintaining manufacturing efficiency while minimizing area ratio and overall volume.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution improves space utilization and reduces the overall volume of the feed stripline, phase shifter, array antenna, and base station, thereby decreasing transportation and installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
By setting extension lengths of the first power branch line and the second power branch line to be different from each other, a phase difference may be generated between an electrical signal output by the first power branch line and an electrical signal output by the second power branch line
Data Source
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AI summary
This application relates to a feed stripline. The feed stripline includes a signal input line, a first power branch line, and a second power branch line. One end of the signal input line is conducted to an external signal source, and the other end is electrically connected to each of the first power branch line and the second power branch line. The first power branch line includes a jump structure, the first power branch line spans from one side of the second power branch line to the other side of the second power branch line by using the jump structure, and the jump structure and the second power branch line are spaced from each other. In the feed stripline in this application, the jump structure is disposed, allowing the first power branch line to be separately arranged and extended on two opposite sides of the second power branch line. Therefore, utilization of a plane area of the feed stripline is improved, and an overall area of the feed stripline is reduced. This application further relates to a phase shifter, an array antenna, and a base station.