Embedded-Matching Phase Shifter Circuit for Compact mmWave Beamforming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In high-frequency RF applications, such as mmWave, the increased number of data communication chains required for forming narrow beams occupies more circuit area in electronic devices, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
The use of cascaded amplifier stages and phase-shifting matching networks with embedded matching circuits to efficiently amplify and phase-shift signals while minimizing circuit size by providing impedance matching and reducing signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of data communication chains is increased to form narrower beams, then the beamforming capability is improved, but the circuit area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase shifter and impedance matching network into a single integrated phase-shifting matching network. This merging eliminates the need for separate phase shifting components and matching networks, thereby reducing the overall circuit area while maintaining the required beamforming capability across multiple data communication chains
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-shifting matching network performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides phase shifting for beamforming and impedance matching for signal integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing circuit area while maintaining adaptability for narrow beam formation
2Ease of operation
If traditional separate phase shifters and matching networks are used, then the phase shifting function is achieved, but the circuit area increases and signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the phase shifter and matching network into a single unified circuit structure. The phase-shifting matching network uses shared inductors and capacitors to perform both phase shifting and impedance matching, eliminating redundant components and reducing circuit area compared to traditional separate implementations
3Ease of operation
If traditional separate phase shifters and matching networks are used, then the phase shifting function is achieved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the phase shifter and matching network, the patent creates a unified impedance-matched phase-shifting path. This integration ensures continuous impedance matching throughout the phase shifting process, minimizing reflections and signal loss that would occur at interfaces between separate components
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 approach reduces circuit size and improves signal loss by effectively amplifying and phase-shifting signals while maintaining impedance matching, thereby addressing the issue of increased circuit area in high-frequency RF applications.
Implementation Method 1
the second inductor configured to inductively couple to the first inductor
Implementation Method 2
a first phase-shifting matching network coupled to the first amplifier stage and the second amplifier stage... providing impedance matching and reducing signal loss
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to amplifiers including amplification circuitry, phase-shifting circuitry, and impedance matching circuitry. An amplifier may include multiple amplifier stages each amplifying an input signal by a portion of a total amplification factor of the amplifier. The amplifier may include multiple phase shifters each including a matching circuit embedded thereon. Each phase shifter may shift a phase of the input signal by a portion of a total phase shift value of the amplifier. Moreover, at least some phase shifters may provide an output signal at an output port having an output impedance matching (e.g., nearly matching) an input impedance of a subsequent circuit coupled thereto. The amplifier may include cascaded amplifier stages and phase shifters coupled to the subsequent circuit such as an antenna, a processor, and/or a memory device.