Millimeter Wave Phase Shifter Tunable Transmission Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters for millimeter wave communication systems are large and complex, with limited capacitance tuning ranges, making them unsuitable for high-frequency applications, and require significant design time and resources.
Innovation Solution
A tunable phase shifter design featuring crossing lines with tunable capacitance and an inductance return line that conforms to the shape of the signal line, allowing for high capacitance tuning ranges and maintaining a constant characteristic impedance, reducing size and complexity while automating the design process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional phase shifters are used in millimeter wave systems, then phase shifting function is provided, but the device size and complexity increase due to large phase shifters spaced out on the chip requiring long transmission lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The crossing lines serve dual purposes: they provide capacitance tuning for phase shifting while also acting as part of the transmission path. The inductance return line is integrated beneath the crossing lines to provide inductance tuning. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and eliminates the need for long transmission lines connecting spaced-out phase shifters, thereby reducing device size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the inductance return line is positioned below the crossing lines, which themselves are below the signal line. This multi-layer nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements (signal transmission, capacitance tuning, inductance tuning) to be compactly integrated in a vertical stack, reducing the horizontal footprint and overall device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional transmission line phase shifters are used, then phase adjustment is provided, but the capacitance tuning range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the transmission line structure to expand the capacitance tuning range. The crossing lines are configured to conform to the shape of the signal line along at least three surfaces, maximizing the capacitive coupling area. Additionally, the ability to tune both capacitance (via crossing lines) and inductance (via inductance return line) provides dual-parameter control, significantly expanding the achievable phase tuning range compared to conventional single-parameter phase shifters.
3Ease of operation
If existing phase shifter designs are implemented, then phase shifting is achieved, but significant design time and resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an automated design process where a computer program automatically determines the physical dimensions of the crossing lines and inductance return line based on desired electrical characteristics. This self-service approach to design eliminates the need for manual iterative design and optimization, significantly reducing design time and resources while ensuring optimal performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If crossing lines are added for capacitance tuning, then capacitance tuning range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crossing lines are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide capacitance tuning by conforming to the signal line shape, they act as part of the transmission path for the millimeter wave signal, and they work in conjunction with the inductance return line to maintain characteristic impedance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the enhanced capacitance tuning capability.
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 solution enables efficient phase shifting in millimeter wave systems with significantly improved capacitance tuning ranges, reduced size, and streamlined design processes, addressing the limitations of existing phase shifters and enhancing system performance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more crossing lines below the signal line in proximity to the signal line and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the signal line, wherein the crossing lines conform to the shape of the signal line along at least three surfaces of the signal line and wherein the crossing lines have a tunable capacitance
Implementation Method 2
an inductance return line below the crossing lines substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the signal line, wherein the inductance return line provides a tunable inductance
Data Source
AI summary
Tunable phase shifters and methods for using the same include a signal line; one or more grounding lines; one or more crossing lines below the signal line in proximity to the signal line and substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the signal line, where the crossing lines conform to the shape of the signal line along at least three surfaces of the signal line and where the crossing lines have a tunable capacitance; and an inductance return line below the crossing lines substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the signal line, where the inductance return line provides a tunable inductance.