Overlapping Circuit Phase Shifter for Synchronized 5G MIMO Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G mobile communication systems, the increasing number of phase transformation units in phase shifters for MIMO antenna technology leads to synchronization issues among phases to be transformed, affecting beamforming efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design featuring a support frame with multiple phase transformation units, an operation unit, and a driving unit that synchronizes phases through a mechanism of overlapping circuit patterns and guided movement, utilizing motors and gears to adjust the overlap length of circuit patterns, ensuring synchronized phase transformation across units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of phase transformation units is increased to support more antennas in 5G MIMO systems, then the system capacity and beamforming capability are improved, but phase synchronization among the units becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The phase transformation system is divided into multiple independent phase transformation units, each capable of processing signals for different antennas. This segmentation allows the system to handle increased capacity while maintaining synchronization through a unified control mechanism that coordinates all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
A single driving unit is designed to control multiple phase transformation units simultaneously through a common operation bar mechanism. This multi-functional approach enables one control system to synchronize all phase transformation units, ensuring phase coherence across the entire array while supporting increased system capacity.
2Productivity
If more phase transformation units are added to the phase shifter, then the number of supported antennas increases, but the complexity of the device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple phase transformation units are integrated onto a single support frame with shared control mechanisms. The operation bar connects all units to a common driving unit, merging what would otherwise be separate independent systems into a unified structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while supporting more antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving unit and operation bar serve multiple functions by simultaneously controlling all phase transformation units. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each unit, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the ability to support a large number of antennas.
3Reliability
If the overlap length of circuit patterns is adjusted to transform phases, then phase synchronization is achieved, but the movement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a simplified operation bar mechanism that provides mechanical advantage. This substitution reduces the precision requirements for individual component movements while achieving the necessary phase synchronization through the leveraged mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms phase by changing the overlap length parameter of circuit patterns through controlled movement. By using a mechanical advantage system, the required movement distance is reduced, thereby lowering the precision requirements for manufacturing and assembly while still achieving accurate phase synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a phase transformation method performed by a phase shifter including a support frame, a plurality of phase transformation units on the support frame, an operation unit connected to the plurality of phase transformation units to synchronize phases, which are to be transformed through the plurality of phase transformation units, with each other, and a driving unit configured to operate the operation unit, wherein each of the plurality of phase transformation units includes a first circuit pattern, and a second circuit pattern connected to the first circuit pattern while a region of the second circuit pattern overlaps the first circuit pattern, and a length of the region of the second circuit pattern overlapping the first circuit pattern changes when the operation unit is operated.