Digital Phase Shifter for Precise Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog phase shifters in remote electrical tilt antennas struggle with precise phase shifting and angle adjustment, especially as higher frequency spectra are used, necessitating a more precise method for beam control in mobile communications systems.
Innovation Solution
A digital phase control method and system that replaces analog phase shifters with digital phase shifters and mechanical transmission with a switch controller, using MEMS switches and microstrips to establish radio frequency paths and control phase delays, allowing for precise phase shifting and beam adjustment through digital domain control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an analog phase shifter is used to change phase by applying external tension, then the system can implement phase shifting, but it cannot achieve precise phase shifting and angle adjustment at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical transmission apparatus and motor-driven analog phase shifter with a digital phase shifter that uses electronic switching (MEMS switches) and digital signal processing. This substitution eliminates mechanical components that cannot achieve precise phase control at high frequencies, while enabling accurate phase shifting through digital domain operations and controlled radio frequency path length variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical tension application to digital control of radio frequency path lengths. By controlling the lengths of different radio frequency paths in the digital phase shifter, the system achieves precise phase delays for multiple current branches, enabling accurate beamforming at higher frequencies where analog methods fail.
2Ease of operation
If a motor-driven mechanical transmission apparatus is used to apply tension to the phase shifter, then phase shifting can be implemented, but the system complexity and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the motor-driven mechanical transmission apparatus entirely, replacing it with an electronic switch controller that directly actuates MEMS switches in the digital phase shifter. This removes mechanical wear, reduces system complexity, and simplifies operation to digital signal control, while maintaining the ability to implement precise phase shifting through electronic means.
3Adaptability or versatility
If analog phase shifters are used in remote electrical tilt antennas, then the system can control radiation beam direction, but precision deteriorates at higher frequency spectra
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog phase shifters with a digital phase shifter that operates in the digital domain, using MEMS switches to control radio frequency signal paths. This digital approach maintains beam control capability across higher frequency spectra while preserving precision, as digital switching and path length control are not subject to the frequency-dependent limitations of analog mechanical systems.
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
Enables precise phase shifting and beam adjustment with reduced phase deviation, eliminating the need for mechanical transmission and enhancing the ability to control radio frequency signals uniformly, thereby improving the accuracy of beam control in higher frequency environments.
Implementation Method 1
controlling duration of phase delays for the at least two current branches by controlling lengths of the radio frequency paths through which the at least two current branches flow
Implementation Method 2
separately establishing, by the digital phase shifter, the radio frequency paths for the at least two current branches according to connection directions in which the drive voltage drives micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) switches in the digital phase shifter
Data Source
AI summary
A phase control method in the present disclosure includes dividing, by a power divider, the high frequency current into at least two current branches, and separately feeding the at least two current branches into corresponding radio frequency input ports on a digital phase shifter, determining, by the switch controller according to the digital control flow, radio frequency paths that are in the digital phase shifter and for the at least two current branches fed into the digital phase shifter, and controlling the drive voltage to act on the digital phase shifter, and separately establishing, by the digital phase shifter according to the drive voltage and for the at least two current branches, radio frequency paths for currents to flow through, and controlling duration of phase delays for the at least two current branches by controlling lengths of the radio frequency paths through which the at least two current branches flow.