Bent Digital Phase Shifter Layout for Reflection-Uniform Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital phase shifters with cascaded digital phase shift circuits experience phase shift amount distributions due to weak reflections at connection units, especially when configured with bend-type lines, leading to impedance mismatch issues.
Innovation Solution
The digital phase shifter incorporates capacitors connected in parallel to connection lines and adjacent digital phase shift circuits, along with electronic switches to control current paths, averaging phase shift amounts and mitigating reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital phase shift circuits are connected in cascade to achieve desired phase shift function, then the phase shift capability is improved, but the length of the digital phase shifter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies bend-type connection units with bent structures to connect digital phase shift circuits in a non-linear arrangement. This curvature approach shortens the overall length of the digital phase shifter while maintaining the cascade connection topology required for achieving the desired phase shift function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear one-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional bent configuration by introducing bend-type connection units. This dimensional change allows the signal path to fold back on itself, reducing the linear footprint while preserving the functional cascade structure.
2Length of moving object
If bend-type connection units are used to shorten the digital phase shifter length, then the compactness is improved, but phase shift amount distribution occurs due to weak reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces capacitors as intermediary elements connected in parallel to the bend-type connection units. These capacitors act as mediators that compensate for the weak reflections caused by the bent structures, thereby averaging out the phase shift amount distribution and improving phase shift uniformity across the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrical parameters of the bend-type connection units by adding parallel capacitors. This parameter change alters the impedance characteristics and reflection properties of the connection units, effectively compensating for the phase shift non-uniformity caused by the bent geometry.
3Reliability
If impedance matching is optimized to reduce reflections, then the phase shift uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies impedance matching optimization locally at specific critical points within the digital phase shifter, particularly at the bend-type connection units, rather than throughout the entire device. This localized approach reduces reflections and improves phase shift uniformity while minimizing the overall device complexity.
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 configuration effectively averages phase shift distributions and reduces impedance mismatch, enhancing the performance and reliability of digital phase shifters.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor connected in parallel to at least one of a first connection line of the connection unit connecting the signal line of the first digital phase shift circuit and the signal line of the second digital phase shift circuit
Implementation Method 2
two electronic switches, one thereof being provided between the other end of one of the two inner lines and the second ground conductor, the other thereof being provided between the other end of the other of the two inner lines and the second ground conductor, the circuit being set in a low-delay mode in which a return current flows through the two inner lines or a high-delay mode in which a return current flows through the two outer lines
Data Source
AI summary
A digital phase shifter (100) includes a bend-type connection unit (e.g., a connection unit (20-1)) connecting a first digital phase shift circuit (e.g., a digital phase shift circuit (10-10)) located at an end portion of a first digital phase shift circuit group and a second digital phase shift circuit (e.g., a digital phase shift circuit (10-11)) located at an end portion of a second digital phase shift circuit group, and a capacitor (50) is connected in parallel to at least one of a first connection line of the connection unit (20), a position in the vicinity of a connection position between signal lines of two adjacent digital phase shift circuits (10) constituting the first digital phase shift circuit group, and a position in the vicinity of a connection position between signal lines of two adjacent digital phase shift circuits (10) constituting the second digital phase shift circuit group.