Multi-port phase shifter with opposite-surface lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase shifters are limited to single-port configurations, leading to increased volume when attempting to implement multiple ports, which restricts their spatial installation in sector antennas requiring high gain.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port phase shifter design featuring a ground with multiple lines and via holes, allowing for multiple ports without the need for additional components like fixing or connecting columns, achieved through the use of conductive via holes and rotatable lines on dielectric substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are implemented by combining two or more phase shifters, then the number of ports increases, but the total volume increases and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple phase shifter functions into a single integrated structure by forming multiple transmission lines (first, second, third, and fourth lines) on opposite surfaces of a common ground. This allows multiple ports to be implemented within one phase shifter unit, eliminating the need to combine separate phase shifters and reducing total volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space by forming transmission lines on both opposite surfaces of the ground structure. The first and second lines are formed on one surface while the third and fourth lines are formed on the other surface, effectively using vertical dimensionality to pack multiple ports into a compact footprint without increasing horizontal volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ports are implemented by combining two or more phase shifters, then the number of ports increases, but additional components such as fixing column or connecting column are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple phase shifter functionalities into a single integrated device where multiple transmission lines share common structural elements. The first, second, third, and fourth lines all utilize the same ground structure and feed line, eliminating the need for separate fixing columns or connecting columns that would be required when combining multiple independent phase shifters.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground structure and feed line serve multiple functions simultaneously - they provide the reference plane for all transmission lines, act as the common grounding structure, and enable signal distribution to all four ports. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed compared to combining separate phase shifters.
3Device complexity
If conventional single-layer structure is used, then the structure is simple, but multi-port implementation is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-layer (two-dimensional) structure to a multi-layer (three-dimensional) structure by forming transmission lines on both opposite surfaces of the ground. This dimensional expansion enables multi-port implementation while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single integrated ground structure rather than multiple stacked layers.
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 the reduction of phase shifter volume while allowing for multiple ports, facilitating high-gain sector antenna applications without the need for combining multiple phase shifters.
Implementation Method 1
a via hole formed through the ground... The second line may receive an input signal through a coupling effect with the via hole included in the feed line
Implementation Method 2
The first line may receive an input signal through a coupling effect with the feed line, and the second line may receive an input signal through a coupling effect with the via hole included in the feed line
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port phase shifter includes a ground, a first line on one surface of the ground, a second line on the other surface of the ground, a third line spaced at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the first line and facing a part of the first line, and a fourth line spaced at a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the second line and facing a part of the second line. A via hole penetrates the ground. A power supply line on the one surface of the ground includes a region having the via hole. Multiple ports make the phase shifter applicable to a sector antenna for obtaining a high gain. Phase shifter volume can be reduced by implementing multiple ports in one phase shifter without coupling two or more phase shifters, thereby eliminating an additional component such as a fixing pole or a connecting pole.