Integrated Phase Shifter Using Multi-Level Planar Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributed phase shifters are large in size and exhibit high insertion losses, particularly when processing wider frequency bands, due to the need for long coupled lines that are a quarter or eighth of the wavelength of the central frequency.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design utilizing thin layer technology with planar windings in multiple conductive levels, where windings are either side by side or interleaved, and capacitive elements are used to achieve phase quadrature, reducing the size and insertion losses by optimizing inductive and capacitive elements for high-frequency operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional distributed phase shifters use quarter-wavelength coupled lines to achieve phase quadrature, then the phase shift accuracy is improved, but the device size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar distributed coupled lines to three-dimensional planar windings stacked in multiple conductive levels. This vertical stacking in the Z-dimension allows achieving the required phase quadrature with much shorter winding lengths, reducing the device footprint while maintaining phase shift accuracy through optimized mutual inductance coupling between levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters by using multiple stacked conductive levels with specific winding configurations (interleaved or side-by-side) and optimizing the number of turns and winding dimensions. This allows achieving the desired phase quadrature with compact sizes by controlling mutual inductance and capacitive coupling parameters rather than relying on long quarter-wavelength lines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional distributed phase shifters use long coupled lines for wide frequency band processing, then the frequency bandwidth is improved, but the insertion losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking windings in multiple conductive levels, the patent achieves wide frequency bandwidth processing with shorter effective electrical lengths. The three-dimensional coupling structure provides broader bandwidth response compared to planar lines, while the reduced physical length minimizes resistive losses and improves efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite conductive structures with multiple metal layers and dielectric materials optimized for high-frequency operation. This composite construction reduces skin effect losses and provides better current distribution, lowering insertion losses while maintaining wide bandwidth performance.
3Measurement precision
If conventional distributed phase shifters use quarter-wavelength lines, then the phase quadrature is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the stacked windings simultaneously provide phase quadrature, impedance transformation, and signal coupling. This integrated planar winding structure replaces the separate balun transformer and combiner components, reducing device complexity while maintaining phase quadrature accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-level planar winding structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the phase-shifting element, provides impedance matching, and enables signal distribution to multiple outputs. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 significantly reduces the size and insertion losses of the phase shifter, allowing it to operate effectively across wider frequency bands with shorter winding lengths and lower insertion losses, making it more compact and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
distributed or coupled lines (conductive lines arranged sufficiently close to each other to generate an electromagnetic coupling)
Implementation Method 2
a second planar winding coupled with the first one and grounded by a first capacitive element
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed phase shifter including: a first planar winding having its ends defining accesses in phase opposition; a second planar winding coupled with the first one and grounded by a first capacitive element; a third planar winding in a conductive level different from that receiving the first winding and electrically in series with the second winding; and a fourth planar winding, coupled with the third one in a conductive level different from that receiving the second winding, first ends of the third and fourth windings being connected by a capacitive element and their second ends being connected by another capacitive element, their first and second respective ends defining accesses in phase quadrature.