Hybrid Phase Shifter Circuit for Low Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters experience high insertion loss and significant amplitude variation at high frequencies, which reduces efficiency and is undesirable in wireless communications systems.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design incorporating digital and continuous phase shifters, where digital phase shifters provide constant phase shifts and a continuous phase shifter varies the phase shift using a control voltage, with a switched inductor to minimize insertion loss and amplitude variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional phase shifters are used at high frequencies, then phase shifting function is achieved, but insertion loss increases and amplitude variation becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into multiple digital phase shifters (each providing discrete phase shifts) and one continuous phase shifter (providing fine-tuned phase adjustment). This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal range, reducing overall insertion loss and amplitude variation while achieving full 0° to 360° phase shift coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous phase shifter uses a control voltage to dynamically adjust the phase shift value, allowing optimization of the operating parameters to minimize insertion loss and amplitude variation across different phase shift settings. The switched inductor changes inductance values based on control signals to maintain optimal performance
2Extent of automation
If digital phase shifters with switched inductors are used, then discrete phase shifts are achieved, but amplitude variation occurs during switching transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous phase shifter acts as an intermediary between the digital phase shifters, smoothing out amplitude variations that occur during digital switching transitions. It provides continuous adjustment capability that compensates for the discrete switching nature of the digital phase shifters, maintaining amplitude stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple digital phase shifters with different phase shift values (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) and uses the continuous phase shifter to compensate for any amplitude variations before they affect the final output, cushioning against the harmful effects of switching transitions
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
The design achieves low insertion loss and minimal amplitude variation across the full 0° to 360° phase shift range, enhancing efficiency and performance at high frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
the continuous phase shifter load includes a first electrical component having a capacitance, wherein the capacitance of the first electrical component is configured to vary in response to the control voltage
Implementation Method 2
the switch is configured to create an open circuit in the second port when the switch is in an off state and create a short circuit in the second port when the switch is in an on state wherein an inductance of the switched inductor is lowered when the switch is in the on state compared to when the switch is in the off state
Implementation Method 3
a second inductor including a second inductive strip disposed in a way to be electromagnetically coupled with the first inductive strip
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a phase shifter including a plurality of digital phase shifters, each digital phase shifter of the plurality of the digital phase shifters configured to vary a phase of a phase shifter input signal by a corresponding phase shift value, and a continuous phase shifter configured to vary the phase of the phase shifter input signal with a variable phase shift value. In various embodiments, the continuous phase shifter comprises a continuous phase shifter load configured to receive a control voltage and vary the variable phase shift value using the control voltage.