Differential Time Delay Shifter for Phased Array Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical phase shifters used in phased array antennas for radiation pattern control introduce reliability and performance issues due to their mechanical nature and the need for stepper motors for remote control, which complicates the transmitter/antenna system.
Innovation Solution
A differential time delay shifter using a 1-to-N switch with a pole contact and throw contacts, allowing selective electrical coupling to propagate electromagnetic signals through various transmission lines, providing discrete time delay paths and improved phase control without mechanical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical phase shifters with stepper motors are used for remote control, then phase adjustment capability is improved, but reliability and performance deteriorate due to mechanical wear and motor failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical phase shifters with electronic phase shifters that use solid-state components (switches, transmission lines, and phase shifter circuits) instead of mechanical sliders and stepper motors. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, reduces failure points, and improves reliability while maintaining remote control capability through electronic switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the mechanical slider and stepper motor components from the phase shifting mechanism, extracting only the essential function of phase adjustment and implementing it through purely electronic means. This eliminates the harmful mechanical elements while preserving the desired remote controllability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical phase shifters are used, then phase adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional motors and mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assemblies (sliders, motors, linkages) with simpler electronic circuits consisting of switches, transmission lines, and integrated phase shifter components. This reduction in mechanical complexity while maintaining phase adjustment versatility demonstrates the principle of mechanics substitution.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical phase shifters are used for beam steering, then beam direction control is achieved, but performance deteriorates at high frequencies due to mechanical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical phase shifters with electronic phase shifters that use solid-state components, which have no moving parts and can operate reliably at high frequencies (including 5G frequency ranges). This substitution eliminates the mechanical limitations that degrade performance at high frequencies while maintaining beam steering 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
This solution enhances the reliability and performance of phased array antennas by enabling precise beam steering and radiation pattern control without mechanical complications, particularly at high frequencies, and is suitable for emerging cellular architectures like 5G systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more transmission lines, each transmission line is electrically connected between two of the N throw contacts... causing the EM signal to propagate through M of the one or more transmission lines
Data Source
AI summary
A differential time delay shifter may comprise a 1-to-N switch, where N is an integer greater than 1. The switch may have a pole contact, N throw contacts, and a pole arm to selectively couple the pole contact to one of the throw contacts. One throw contacts may be a first throw contact at a first switch position, and one throw contacts may be a last throw contact at a last switch position. The shifter may further comprise one or more transmission lines, each of which is electrically connected between two of the N throw contacts. The shifter may further comprise a source configured to generate an electromagnetic signal. The source may be electrically coupled to the pole contact, to convey the signal to the pole contact. The shifter may further comprise one or more loads, a first of which is electrically coupled to the first throw contact.