Millimeter-Wave Phase Shifter Using Switched Transmission-Line Taps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional millimeter wave RF phase shifters require additional components to vary the propagation delay of RF signals, occupying more space on integrated circuits or printed circuit boards, and lack efficient methods to control phase shifts without physical antenna element movement.
Innovation Solution
A millimeter wave RF phase shifter with a transmission line featuring multiple taps and switching devices, controlled by a control device to selectively couple taps to the output, allowing adjustment of the electrical length of the transmission line for precise phase shift without additional components, using a meander or annular transmission line configuration to minimize space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional millimeter wave RF phase shifters use additional components to vary propagation delay, then phase shift control is achieved, but space occupancy on integrated circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line is divided into multiple segments with different electrical lengths, each providing a specific phase shift value. By selectively activating different segments through switching devices, the desired phase shift is achieved without requiring additional components, thus reducing space occupancy while maintaining phase shift control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter uses switching devices to dynamically reconfigure the transmission line path, allowing the electrical length to be changed electronically rather than mechanically. This dynamic reconfiguration enables phase shift control without physical antenna element movement and without requiring additional passive components
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional RF phase shifters lack efficient control methods, then phase shift control is limited, but physical antenna element movement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically moving antenna elements with an electronic system using switching devices to reconfigure the transmission line. This substitution enables beam steering through electronic phase shift control, improving adaptability and ease of operation while eliminating mechanical complexity
3Area of stationary object
If meander or annular transmission line configuration is used, then space occupancy is reduced, but transmission line complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line is configured in meander or annular patterns that utilize two-dimensional space more efficiently. By folding the transmission line back on itself or arranging it in a circular pattern, the electrical length is maintained while the physical footprint is significantly reduced, achieving compact integration without excessive complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A millimeter wave RF phase shifter includes an input and an output. The RF phase shifter further includes a transmission line coupled to the input. The transmission line can include a plurality of taps. The RF phase shifter can further include a plurality of switching devices. Each switching device can be coupled between the output and a corresponding tap of the plurality of taps. The RF phase shifter can include a control device operatively coupled to the plurality of switching devices. The control device can be configured to control operation of the plurality of switching devices to selectively couple one of the plurality of taps to the output to control a phase shift of a RF signal propagating on the transmission line.