Cable-Free Cavity Phase Shifter for Lower Antenna Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase cable connections in base station antennas result in insertion loss, reducing antenna gain in MIMO and beamforming systems.
Innovation Solution
A cavity phase shifter design that eliminates cable connections between the phase shifter and feed board by using a transmission line with an input and output end, where the output end is electrically connected to another transmission line outside the cavity without cables, and a movable element adjusts the phase shift within the cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cable connections are used between phase shifters and feed boards, then electrical connection is achieved, but insertion loss increases and antenna gain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase shifter and feed board into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate cable connections. The feed board is positioned within the housing to directly receive RF signals from the phase shifter output, creating a unified structure that removes insertion loss interfaces while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful element (cable connections) from the system. By removing the intermediate cable connections between phase shifters and feed boards, the design eliminates the source of insertion loss while preserving the essential electrical connection function through direct integration.
2Reliability
If cable connections are used for phase shifter output, then electrical connection is established, but antenna gain performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter and feed board are merged into a single integrated assembly where the feed board resides within the phase shifter housing. This integration eliminates multiple separate components and their interconnecting cables, reducing device complexity while improving antenna gain through direct signal transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the cable connection structure from the system entirely. By eliminating this unnecessary component, the design simplifies the overall structure and reduces the number of parts, while the integrated feed board maintains all required electrical connections internally.
3Loss of energy
If phase shifters are enclosed in metal housing, then RF signal losses are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal housing serving as a cavity for the phase shifter is merged with the feed board housing into a single unified enclosure. This integration maintains the RF signal loss reduction benefits of the cavity structure while eliminating the need for separate housings, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure performs multiple functions: it serves as the cavity for the phase shifter to reduce RF losses, provides structural support, and houses the integrated feed board. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining RF performance.
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
This design reduces insertion loss, thereby improving the gain performance of the antenna by eliminating cable-related losses and enhancing the adjustment of phase shifts for better antenna beam control.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission line mounted in the cavity. The transmission line is provided with an input end and an output end
Implementation Method 2
Movement of the movable element is configured to adjust a phase shift experienced by an RF signal that travels between the input end and output end of the transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cavity phase shifter with a housing having at least one cavity and a transmission line mounted in the cavity. The transmission line is provided with an input end and an output end. The output end of the transmission line is electrically connected to another transmission line outside the cavity without the aid of a cable. The cavity phase shifter also includes a movable element mounted within the cavity. Movement of the movable element is configured to adjust a phase shift experienced by an RF signal that travels between the input end and output end of the transmission line. The cavity phase shifter can be provided in a base station antenna having a reflector; a feed board mounted forwardly of the reflector; and a radiating element extending forwardly from the feed board. The phase shifter is mounted rearward of the reflector. The phase shifter includes a printed circuit board that extends perpendicularly to the feed board, and an output end of a transmission line on the printed circuit board is soldered to a trace on the feed board. Thus, the insertion loss associated with the phase cables would be reduced and the gain performance of the antenna can be improved.