Dielectric Phase Shifter Impedance Matching Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Prior art dielectric phase shifters require multiple discontinuous impedance matching, leading to increased impedance change nodes, mismatch, and return loss, which affects the performance and consistency of the output signal across different frequencies, making them inefficient and difficult to install.

Innovation Solution

A 3-port dielectric phase shifting unit with a dielectric plate featuring a first and second matching hole, where the first hole is closer to the input port and the second hole is further away, allowing for reduced impedance matching nodes and improved impedance matching by only requiring one discontinuous impedance matching during the phase shifting process, and enabling the dielectric phase shifting units to be connected in series or parallel with integral connections for reduced network loss and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple discontinuous impedance matching are performed in prior art phase shifters, then impedance adaptation is attempted, but the number of impedance change nodes increases and return loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance matching qualityVSAvoidnumber of impedance change nodes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple impedance matching functions into a single integrated impedance matching structure. The impedance matching component is designed to simultaneously handle multiple impedance transitions that would otherwise require separate matching networks, thereby reducing the total number of impedance change nodes while maintaining reliable impedance matching across different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The impedance matching structure is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it provides impedance matching for different dielectric positions, maintains consistent impedance across frequency bands, and reduces return loss simultaneously. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized impedance matching components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dielectric plate covers power divider nodes, then phase shifting is achieved, but line impedance becomes too small requiring increased line size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase shifting capabilityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform dielectric plate structure where the dielectric material is strategically positioned to cover specific regions. The dielectric plate has varying thickness or material properties in different areas, allowing it to provide the necessary phase shifting coverage while maintaining appropriate impedance levels at critical nodes like power dividers, thus avoiding the need for increased line size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If impedance changes frequently during operation, then phase adjustment is achieved, but bandwidth limitation causes poor impedance matching characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase adjustment rangeVSAvoidimpedance matching characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic impedance matching where the impedance matching structure is designed to adaptively maintain optimal impedance characteristics across the full range of phase adjustments. The matching network incorporates variable elements or geometric configurations that automatically adjust as the dielectric plate moves, ensuring consistent impedance matching performance throughout the entire operational bandwidth without being constrained by fixed bandwidth limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution reduces impedance change nodes and network loss, simplifies installation, and enhances the performance and stability of the phase shifter and base station antenna by minimizing impedance mismatch and return loss, while allowing for efficient use of space and improved assembly efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

adjusting the phase from an input port to an output port by moving the dielectric in a cavity, thereby changing the phase input to an antenna array

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Implementation Method 2

a dielectric plate for impedance matching and for moving along a predetermined path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

impedance matching portions on a dielectric plate are disposed on the dielectric plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance matching:

Data Source

PatentEP3547446B1Dielectric phase shifting unit, dielectric phase shifter and base station antenna
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 COMBA TELECOM TECH (GUANGZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP3547446B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3547446B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of communications technology, and in particular, to technology related to impedance matching in communication technology, and in particular, to a dielectric phase shifting unit, dielectric phase shifter and base station antenna. It includes a feeding network and a dielectric plate for impedance matching and for moving along a predetermined path, an impedance matching portion of the dielectric plate being disposed on one end of the dielectric plate adjacent to an input port on the feeding network. The present invention not only reduces the number of impedance matching and network loss, but also reduces the equivalent electrical length of the entire network, effectively saves costs, reduces the complexity of disassembly and assembly of related components, and improves disassembly and assembly efficiency. Moreover, it is convenient to install as many dielectric phase shifting units as possible in a limited space in the cavity and to ensure an equal phase relationship between the output ports, thereby improving performance of the dielectric phase shifter and the electric adjustable base station antenna.