Integrated Phase Shifter and T/R Switch for Low-Loss Phased Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication devices, sharing antennas between transmitters and receivers can lead to lower signal quality and negatively impact the linearity of phased array systems due to increased insertion loss and noise figure, particularly when using multiple T/R switches and phase shifter stages.

Innovation Solution

Integrating phase shifters with T/R switches in a phased array transceiver circuit, utilizing differential amplifiers and a switching network to reduce the number of T/R switches and phase shifter stages, allowing for reduced insertion loss by selectively coupling processing circuitry to inductors to apply phase shifts in both transmit and receive modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple T/R switches and phase shifter stages are used to enable antenna sharing between transmitter and receiver, then antenna sharing capability is improved, but insertion loss increases and signal quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna sharing capabilityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the T/R switch and phase shifter into a single integrated circuit component. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate components (multiple T/R switches and multiple phase shifter stages), thereby reducing the cumulative insertion loss while maintaining the antenna sharing capability between transmitter and receiver.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a T/R switch and a phase shifter. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve antenna sharing and phase control in a single component, reducing the overall component count and associated losses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple T/R switches and phase shifter stages are used to enable antenna sharing, then antenna sharing capability is improved, but noise figure increases and signal quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna sharing capabilityVSAvoidnoise figure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the T/R switch and phase shifter into one integrated circuit, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that contribute to noise accumulation. Fewer components mean lower cumulative noise figure and improved signal quality while maintaining full antenna sharing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple T/R switches and phase shifter stages are used, then antenna sharing is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantenna sharing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple discrete components (T/R switches and phase shifter stages) into a single integrated circuit, dramatically reducing device complexity while preserving the antenna sharing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit is designed to perform multiple functions (T/R switching and phase shifting) within a single component, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components and simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Loss of energy

If integrated phase shifters with T/R switches are used, then insertion loss is reduced, but phase shifting capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidphase shifting accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated circuit combines T/R switching and phase shifting functions in a single component, reducing insertion loss while incorporating precision phase control mechanisms to maintain accurate phase shifting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250015831A1Phased array systems and methods with phase shifter

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 APPLE INC

AI summary

This disclosure provides various techniques for improving the quality of a signal. By integrating phase-shifting circuitry with a transmit/receive (T/R) switch, insertion loss may be reduced while decreasing space consumed on an integrated circuit or printed circuit board. In particular, embodiments disclosed herein include a transmitter including one or more differential power amplifiers coupled to a first inductor, and a switching network coupled to a second inductor and one or more phase-shifting circuitries. A differential interface of the differential amplifiers may enable integration of a stage of the phase shifter (e.g., a 180 degree stage) with the T/R switch, such that a single circuit may operate as the phase shifter and the T/R switch. This implementation may reduce the number of T/R switches and phase shifter stages in the phased array system, reducing the overall insertion loss experienced by the phased array system.