Digital Reactance Element Using Switched Capacitor-Inductor Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable reactance elements, such as variable capacitors and inductors, have limited range of phase shift and require complex control signals due to unidirectional reactance variation, leading to increased loss at higher frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A digital variable reactance element comprising a plurality of digital capacitors and inductors connected in series or parallel, with switchable digital switches, allowing for wide-range reactance variation through on-off states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable capacitor or variable inductor is used to vary reactance, then the reactance can be adjusted, but the adjustment range is limited and control signals become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reactance adjustment function into multiple discrete segments using binary-weighted capacitor and inductor arrays. Each segment is controlled by an independent digital switch, allowing the total reactance to be adjusted in steps corresponding to binary values. This segmentation enables wide-range reactance variation while maintaining simple digital control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from continuous analog control to discrete digital control by introducing a binary-weighted structure. The reactance adjustment is achieved through a second dimension of control - the binary state (on/off) of multiple switches - rather than continuous variation of a single parameter. This dimensional change simplifies the control signal from analog to digital domain.
2Speed
If frequency is increased to achieve higher performance, then the phase shift range decreases and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reactance adjustment capability that adapts to different frequency conditions. By using digitally controlled binary-weighted capacitor and inductor arrays, the system can dynamically reconfigure the total reactance value to compensate for frequency-induced phase shift reduction and loss, maintaining optimal performance across a wide frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reactance parameter (X) over a wide range by selectively switching capacitor and inductor elements in binary-weighted configurations. This parameter change capability allows the system to counteract the negative effects of frequency increase on phase shift range and signal loss, enabling wide variable range operation at higher frequencies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple variable capacitors or inductors are used to expand reactance range, then the reactance variable range increases, but the control signals become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reactance adjustment function into multiple binary-weighted units, where each unit is controlled by an independent digital switch. This segmentation allows the total reactance range to be expanded by simply adding more units following the binary-weighted pattern, while the control signal complexity remains manageable through systematic binary encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal digital control architecture that can adjust both capacitive and inductive reactance using the same binary-weighted switch structure. This multi-functional approach allows a single type of control circuit to manage multiple reactance adjustment functions, reducing overall control signal complexity compared to separate control systems for each component.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a digital variable reactance element that has a wide variable width. A digital variable reactance element 1 comprises a plurality of digital capacitors 2 and a plurality of digital inductors 4. The plurality of digital capacitors 2 and the plurality of digital inductors 4 are connected in series or in parallel. Each of the plurality of digital capacitors 2 has a capacitor C1 and a first digital switch Q that are connected in series or in parallel, and the first digital switch Q can be switched between two states, which are an on-state and an off-state. Each of the plurality of digital inductors 4 has an inductor L1 and a second digital switch Q that are connected in series or in parallel, and the second digital switch Q can be switched between two states, which are an on-state and an off-state.