90° Hybrid Coupler Phase Detection for High-Frequency RF Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase detectors are not adapted for high-frequency radiofrequency applications, particularly in the millimeter bands, and are not suitable for determining phase shifts effectively in 5G technology.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a 90-degree hybrid coupler to determine phase shift between two radiofrequency signals without actual phase calculation, by adjusting the phase of one signal until the power levels of the output signals from the coupler are equal within a tolerance, utilizing peak detectors and a comparator to analyze and adjust the phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional phase detectors (analog multipliers or digital circuits) are used, then phase detection can be performed, but the device complexity increases and they are not adapted for high-frequency radiofrequency applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional analog/digital phase detectors with a hybrid coupler-based system that uses power measurement instead of direct phase detection. This substitution transforms the measurement approach from electrical signal processing to power level comparison, which is inherently more suitable for high-frequency RF applications and reduces device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hybrid coupler as an intermediary device that converts phase difference information into power level differences at its output ports. This intermediary transforms the difficult-to-measure phase parameter into an easier-to-measure power parameter, enabling accurate phase determination without complex high-frequency phase detectors
2Measurement precision
If actual phase calculation is performed, then precise phase shift determination can be achieved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mathematical phase calculation with a physical measurement approach using power detectors. Instead of calculating phase from signal parameters, the system directly measures power levels at the hybrid coupler outputs, which naturally encode the phase difference information. This substitution eliminates complex calculations while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses power level changes (analogous to color changes in optical systems) as indicators of phase difference. The power levels at the hybrid coupler outputs change in response to phase differences, providing a direct visual/measurable indication of phase relationship without requiring mathematical computation
3Measurement precision
If invasive topology is used for phase detection, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the influence on power supply lines increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid coupler serves as an intermediary that isolates the measurement process from the power supply lines. By measuring power levels at the coupler outputs rather than directly probing signal lines, the system achieves accurate phase detection without invasive connections that would complicate integrated circuit manufacturing or affect power supply stability
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 allows for accurate determination of phase shift with low complexity and minimal influence on power supply lines, suitable for high-frequency applications like 5G technology, without attenuating the radiofrequency signals.
Implementation Method 1
delivering the first signal to a first input of a 90-degree hybrid coupler, delivering the second signal to a second input of the hybrid coupler
Implementation Method 2
determination of the first piece of information comprises a determination of the peak value of the DC voltage of the first output signal and that the determination of the second piece of information also comprises a determination of the peak value of the DC voltage of the second output signal
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method for determining the phase shift between a first signal and a second signal includes: delivering the first signal to a first input of a 90° hybrid coupler; delivering the second signal to a second input of the 90° hybrid coupler; determining a first piece of information relating to a power of a first output signal delivered to a first output of the 90° hybrid coupler; determining a second piece of information relating to a power of a second output signal delivered to a second output of the coupler; and adjusting the phase of the second signal until obtaining a calibrated phase for which the first piece of information is substantially equal to the second piece of information, wherein the first and second signals have identical frequencies, and wherein the phase shift between the first signal and the second signal is equal to the calibrated phase.