Differential RF Phase Shifter With Tunable Dielectric Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifting devices for phased array antennas require significant space and are difficult to manufacture in large numbers due to the need for high-density electrode fabrication, while also lacking a large phase difference between input and output signals.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency phase shifting device using a transmission line with a differential design, featuring a first and second electrode separated by a tunable dielectric material, allowing for easy manufacturing and integration into phased array antennas, with a phase shift achieved through controlled dielectric properties via applied electric fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional phase shifting devices are used in phased array antennas, then the required phase difference between signals can be achieved, but the device occupies significant space and requires difficult high-density electrode fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line is segmented into multiple sections with alternating overlapping and non-overlapping portions. This segmentation allows the device to achieve the required phase difference through distributed capacitance effects rather than requiring a single large capacitor structure, thereby reducing overall space occupation while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar electrode layout to a three-dimensional configuration where electrodes overlap in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change enables compact phase shifting functionality by utilizing vertical space for capacitance generation rather than requiring extensive horizontal electrode areas
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional phase shifting devices are used in phased array antennas, then the required phase difference between signals can be achieved, but the device requires difficult high-density electrode fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the transmission line into multiple sections with alternating overlapping and non-overlapping portions, the invention distributes the phase shifting function across several simpler electrode structures. This segmentation reduces the manufacturing precision requirements compared to fabricating a single complex high-density electrode pattern
3Area of stationary object
If compact phase shifting devices are used to reduce space requirements, then space occupation is reduced, but the phase difference between input and output signals becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a tunable dielectric material between the overlapping electrode portions, enabling dynamic adjustment of the phase difference. This dynamic capability allows the compact device to provide adaptable phase shifting across a wide range while maintaining reduced space occupation, resolving the trade-off between compactness and phase difference capability
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 device provides a compact, easily manufacturable phase shifting solution with a large phase difference, suitable for phased array antennas, reducing space requirements and facilitating integration into phased array systems.
Implementation Method 1
a tunable dielectric material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode in the overlapping section, wherein a phase shift of the electromagnetic signal that is propagated along the transmission line is affected
Implementation Method 2
The phase difference created by a tunable phase shifting device can be tuned, i.e. it can be operated to produce different phase differences whereby the respective phase difference can be modified and controlled by a control setting applied to the tunable dielectric material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7c
AI summary
A phase shifting device with a linear transmission line (4) comprises a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (6) that are spaced at a distance to each other, wherein a tunable dielectric material is arranged between the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6). The transmission line (4) comprises several overlapping sections (12), wherein an overlapping area (10) of the first electrode (5) overlaps an overlapping area (11) of the second electrode (6) in order to provide for a parallel plate capacitor area (13) that affects the phase of an electromagnetic signal that propagates along the transmission line (4). The first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) are electrically connected to a bias voltage source, whereby the first electrode (5) is connected to a first bias electrode (15) which is connected to the bias voltage source, and whereby the second electrode (6) is connected to a second bias electrode (16) which is connected to the bias voltage source, whereby the first and second bias electrodes (15, 16) consists of a material with a lower electrical conductivity that that of the first and second electrode (5, 6). Signal transmission along the transmission line (4) of the phase shifting device is performed in differential mode with a quasi-TEM mode signal transmission along the transmission line (4).