Dual-Mode Phase Shifter Circuit for Accuracy and Noise Trade-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase shifters in radar systems face challenges in achieving optimal phase accuracy and reducing transmitted noise power, with existing solutions either compromising on accuracy or increasing silicon area due to the need for separate circuitry for voltage and current modes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible phase shifter circuitry that operates in both voltage and current modes, utilizing switching circuitry and a controller to provide the analogue signal as voltage in one mode and current in another, allowing for a trade-off between phase accuracy and noise, and incorporating a digital-to-analogue converter and sigma-delta modulator to enhance signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage mode operation is used in phase shifter, then phase accuracy is improved, but transmitted noise power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter dynamically switches between voltage mode and current mode operation based on the functional requirements. The switching circuitry enables the system to adapt its operating mode in real-time, allowing optimal performance for different operational scenarios such as calibration versus normal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter from voltage mode to current mode (or vice versa) to achieve different performance characteristics. By modifying the input signal type and circuit configuration, the phase shifter can prioritize either phase accuracy or noise reduction depending on the current operational context.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuitry is provided for voltage and current modes, then operational flexibility is improved, but silicon area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage mode and current mode circuitry into a single integrated phase shifter structure. The switching circuitry acts as a selector that routes signals through different internal paths of the same circuit, eliminating the need for completely separate voltage and current mode circuits and thereby reducing silicon area.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter circuit is designed with universal components that can function in both voltage mode and current mode. The same core circuitry performs both functions by reconfiguring its operation through the switching mechanism, making the circuit multi-functional without requiring duplicate dedicated circuits for each mode.
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 enables optimized phase accuracy for built-in self-test modes while reducing transmitted noise power in normal operation, all within a single phase shifter architecture, thereby reducing silicon area and improving system sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer stage configured to mix an oscillator signal with an analogue signal to provide a phase shifted signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a phase shifter (124) having a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the phase shifter comprising a mixer stage configured to mix an oscillator signal with an analogue signal to provide a phase shifted signal (131), switching circuitry (m, m) and a controller (116) arranged to provide the analogue signal to the mixer stage as a voltage in the first mode of operation and as a current in the second mode of operation.