Dual Phase Shifter RF Channel for Precise 60 GHz Phase Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-frequency circuits at frequencies above 60 GHz face challenges in precise phase setting, leading to reduced accuracy in applications like radar systems due to imprecise phase settings causing unwanted spectral components and errors in angle detection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-phase shifter system within a radio-frequency channel, where a first phase shifter sets the phase based on predetermined modulation scheme values and a second phase shifter, equipped with digitally controllable passive phase-shifting elements, fine-tunes the phase to correct for errors caused by temperature changes and voltage fluctuations, reducing chip area and current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single complex phase shifter is used to cover the full phase range, then the phase setting capability is complete, but the manufacturing precision and calibration complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into two independent segments: a first phase shifter covering a first phase range and a second phase shifter covering a second phase range. Each segment is optimized for its specific range, allowing the first phase shifter to provide coarse phase adjustment while the second phase shifter provides fine-tuning. This segmentation reduces the complexity and calibration requirements for each individual phase shifter while maintaining complete phase coverage capability.
2Measurement precision
If intricately calibrated complex phase shifters are used to achieve precise phase setting, then the phase precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex phase adjustment task is segmented into two simpler sub-tasks performed by two independent phase shifters. The first phase shifter handles the primary phase setting based on modulation scheme values, while the second phase shifter handles fine-tuning based on fine-tuning information. This segmentation reduces the complexity of each individual phase shifter, making them easier to manufacture and calibrate, while achieving the same overall phase precision through their combined operation.
3Device complexity
If a single phase shifter is used for both coarse and fine phase adjustment, then the device structure is simple, but the phase setting precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single phase shifter for both coarse and fine adjustment, the function is segmented between two phase shifters. The first phase shifter is optimized for coarse phase adjustment with lower precision requirements, while the second phase shifter is optimized for fine-tuning with higher precision requirements. This functional segmentation allows each phase shifter to be designed and calibrated for its specific purpose, achieving high overall precision without requiring either phase shifter to be overly complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency integrated circuit includes a first radio-frequency channel and a first phase shifter in the first radio-frequency channel for setting a phase of the first radio-frequency channel based on predetermined phase values of a modulation scheme for signals of the first radio-frequency channel. A second phase shifter is provided in the first radio-frequency channel for fine-tuning the phase of the first radio-frequency channel based on fine-tuning information, the second phase shifter having a plurality of passive phase-shifting elements which are each able to be connected into the first radio-frequency channel or able to be disconnected from the first radio-frequency channel. The second phase shifter is configured to change a phase of the first radio-frequency channel by switching a selection of the plurality of passive phase-shifting elements into the first radio-frequency channel in accordance with the fine-tuning information.