Movable Capacitive RF Coupler for Signal Distribution and Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF signal processing apparatuses lack flexibility in distributing signals to multiple sinks and controlling phase shifts, leading to inefficiencies in RF signal transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a translationally movable electrically conductive element capacitively coupled to multiple transmission lines, allowing for flexible distribution of RF signals and adjustable phase shifts through capacitive coupling and impedance transformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed RF signal processing apparatus is used, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility in distributing RF signals to multiple sinks and controlling phase shifts is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a translationally movable electrically conductive element that can be positioned at different locations along the transmission lines. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same apparatus structure to achieve multiple signal distribution configurations and phase shift values, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple fixed apparatuses. The movable element enables continuous adjustment of capacitive coupling strength with different transmission lines, providing flexible signal routing and phase control.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to simultaneously distribute RF signals to multiple transmission lines and apply independent phase shifts to each line using a single movable conductive element. This multi-functional design allows one apparatus to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate phase shifters and signal distributors, achieving versatility in signal processing while maintaining relatively simple structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate phase shifters are used for each transmission line, then phase control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple phase shifters into a single apparatus with one movable electrically conductive element. By positioning this element at different locations relative to multiple transmission lines, the apparatus achieves independent phase control for each line simultaneously. The capacitive coupling mechanism provides continuous phase adjustment capability, maintaining precision while reducing the number of discrete components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable electrically conductive element acts as an intermediary that couples between the RF signal source and multiple transmission lines. Through its positional adjustment, it mediates the distribution of RF signals and applies phase shifts without requiring direct connection to each transmission line through separate components. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall structure while maintaining precise phase control capability.
3Loss of energy
If capacitive coupling is used for signal distribution, then the insertion loss is reduced, but the phase control mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable electrically conductive element utilizes its own positional variation to simultaneously achieve both signal distribution and phase control functions. As the element moves along the transmission lines, it automatically adjusts the capacitive coupling strength with different lines, thereby controlling both signal routing and phase shifts without requiring additional control mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces insertion loss through capacitive coupling while keeping the phase control mechanism relatively simple.
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
Enables efficient distribution of RF signals to multiple sinks with precise phase control, supporting multiband and wideband operations with low insertion losses and stable return loss.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive element (140) that is capacitively coupled with said first transmission line (110) and said second transmission line (120)
Implementation Method 2
By moving (manually and/or by means of a drive) said electrically conductive element with respect to the transmission lines, a signal phase of the RF signal coupled from said electrically conductive element into the respective transmission line may be shifted
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~7C
Figure 8~9B
AI summary
Apparatus for processing radio frequency, RF, signals, wherein said apparatus comprises at least a first transmission line and a second transmission line, and an electrically conductive element that is capacitively coupled with said first transmission line and said second transmission line and that is translationally movably arranged with respect to at least one of said first transmission line and said second transmission line.