Ultra Wide Band Phase Shifter Using Orthocouplers and Capacitive Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters in broadband active phased array radar systems face challenges with inconsistent phase alignment across channels due to transmission line length differences and phase characteristic variations, making it difficult to achieve wideband performance and simplify system debugging.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-wideband fixed phase shifter based on capacitive load, comprising physically separated phase shift units with orthocouplers, transmission lines, and capacitive loads, which allows for adjustable phase shift values and simplified design by using identical orthocouplers and pure capacitive loads, reducing the need for power supply and logical control circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional phase shifters are used in broadband phased array systems, then phase shifting function is achieved, but phase consistency across channels deteriorates due to transmission line length differences and phase characteristic variations
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into N physically separated phase shift units, each implementing a specific phase shift state. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each unit while maintaining overall phase consistency across channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses capacitive loads to change the electrical parameters of each phase shift unit, enabling precise control of phase shift characteristics. By adjusting capacitive values, the phase response can be optimized across the broadband frequency range to maintain phase consistency.
2Measurement precision
If multiple different phase shift units are used to achieve wideband phase correction, then phase accuracy is improved, but device area and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using physically different components for each phase shift state, the invention achieves multiple phase shift states by changing capacitive parameters in identical unit structures. This allows precise phase control while maintaining compact size and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
All N phase shift units use the same identical structure with orthocouplers and capacitive loads, making each unit multi-functional capable of achieving different phase shift states through parameter variation rather than structural variation.
3Loss of energy
If conventional phase shifter designs are used, then basic phase shifting is achieved, but insertion loss increases and bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional inductive or resistive phase shifting mechanisms with a capacitive-based system using orthocouplers. This substitution reduces resistive losses and enables broader bandwidth operation while maintaining low insertion loss across the ultra-wideband frequency range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed phase shift units are designed for wideband operation, then bandwidth is improved, but phase flatness across the band deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive loads in each phase shift unit are designed with specific values that compensate for frequency-dependent phase variations. By carefully selecting capacitive parameters, the invention achieves both ultra-wideband operation and excellent phase flatness across the entire frequency range.
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 achieves a compact, low-loss phase shifter design with excellent phase flatness and wideband performance, simplifying system debugging and reducing insertion loss, while maintaining a compact structure and easy implementation in wideband active phased array radar systems.
Implementation Method 1
the orthocoupler includes an input end, a coupling end, a direct-connection end and an isolation end
Implementation Method 2
one end of the first capacitive load is connected with the coupling end of the orthocoupler and the other end is grounded; one end of the second capacitive load is connected with the direct-connection end of the orthocoupler and the other end is grounded
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an ultra wide band fixed phase shifter based on a capacitive load, which includes N physically separated phase shift units, and each phase shift unit includes an orthocoupler, first and second transmission lines, and first and second capacitive loads, wherein the orthocoupler includes an input end, a coupling end, a direct-connection end and an isolation end, one end of the first transmission line serves as a signal input end of the phase shift unit and the other end is connected with the input end of the orthocoupler, one end of the second transmission line serves as a signal output end of the phase shift unit and the other end is connected with the isolation end of the orthocoupler; one end of the first capacitive load is connected with the coupling end of the orthocoupler and the other end is grounded; one end of the second capacitive load is connected with the direct-connection end of the orthocoupler and the other end is grounded. The ultra wide band fixed phase shifter based on a capacitive load has compact structure, small area occupation and small insertion loss, does not need extra power supply and logical control, and can be widely applied.