Multi-Band Phased Array IF Phase Shifting With Lower Insertion Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of phased array systems for high-frequency millimeter wave communication is complex due to the need to support multiple frequency bands, particularly in the 24.25 GHz to 29.5 GHz, 37.0 GHz to 43.5 GHz, and 57 GHz to 71 GHz ranges, as conventional radio frequency phase shifting methods face challenges with noise, linearity, impedance matching, and signal bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phased array apparatus with intermediate frequency phase shifters and local oscillator phase shifters, allowing phase shift processing on intermediate frequency signals for multiple frequency bands, reduces the number of phase shifters and insertion loss, and shares components like power dividing/combining networks and signal processing circuits to minimize area and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radio frequency phase shift is used to support multiple frequency bands, then phase shift functionality is achieved, but design difficulty increases due to noise coefficient, linearity, impedance matching, and signal bandwidth considerations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate frequency (IF) phase shifter as a mediator between the radio frequency (RF) signal and the baseband signal. The RF signal is first down-converted to IF frequency, then phase shifting is performed on the IF signal rather than directly on the RF signal. This intermediary approach simplifies the phase shifting operation while maintaining multi-frequency band support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the signal being phase-shifted from radio frequency to intermediate frequency. By performing phase shifting at the lower IF frequency rather than at the high RF frequency, the design complexity is reduced while still achieving the required phase control for multiple frequency bands.
2Reliability
If radio frequency phase shifters are used, then phase shift is achieved, but insertion loss increases and signal gain decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediate frequency phase shifter as a mediator to perform phase shifting operations. Since the IF frequency is lower than the RF frequency, the phase shifter experiences reduced insertion loss and improved signal gain compared to direct RF phase shifting.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate phase shifters are used for each frequency band, then frequency-specific optimization is achieved, but device area and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal IF phase shifter that can handle multiple frequency bands through a single shared component. The IF signal from different RF frequency bands is down-converted and then processed by the same phase shifter, eliminating the need for separate phase shifters for each frequency band and thereby reducing the overall device area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the phase shifting functionality for multiple frequency bands into a single shared IF phase shifter. Instead of having separate phase shifters for each frequency band, the system combines them into one unified component that processes IF signals from all frequency bands, reducing redundancy and device area.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a phased array apparatus and a communication device, and relates to the field of communication technologies. The phased array apparatus includes phased array channels coupled to antenna units in an antenna array. Each of the phased array channels is configured to transmit radio frequency signals of at least two frequency bands. Each of the phased array channels includes an intermediate frequency phase shifter configured to set a phase of an intermediate frequency signal corresponding to a radio frequency signal transmitted in the phased array channel.