Overlapping U-Shaped Phase Shifter for Compact Multi-Port Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna feeding systems require multiple phase shifters to achieve multi-port configurations, leading to increased size and complexity, making it difficult to control the tilting angle of the antenna effectively.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter and delay device design utilizing overlapping 'U' and reverse 'U' shaped conductor patterns on separate substrates with dielectric layers, allowing for electrical connection and phase shifting, enabling the reduction of antenna size and simplifying control of the tilting angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase shifters are used to achieve multi-port configuration, then the number of ports is increased, but the antenna size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple phase shifters are merged into a single integrated structure where first and second patterns are disposed on different substrates and overlap each other. The overlapping regions create multiple ports without requiring separate phase shifter units, thus achieving multi-port configuration while reducing overall antenna size.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter transitions from a planar two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration with overlapping patterns on different substrates. This vertical stacking approach allows multiple ports to be realized within a compact footprint by utilizing the third dimension (height/depth) rather than expanding horizontally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple phase shifters are disposed in serial, then multi-port configuration is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple phase shifter functions are combined into a single integrated device where first patterns and second patterns overlap to create multiple ports. This unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate phase shifters and their individual control mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-port capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping pattern structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates multiple ports, provides phase shifting capability for each port, and establishes electrical connections between substrates. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate components.
3Measurement precision
If individual control of multiple phase shifters is implemented, then precise phase control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The single phase shifter with overlapping patterns provides unified control for all ports through a common structure. The first and second patterns work together to control phase for multiple ports simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual control of separate phase shifters while maintaining precise phase control capability through the integrated design.
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 design allows for the realization of multiple ports with reduced antenna size and enhanced ease of use, enabling convenient control of the tilting angle and functioning as both a phase shifter and delay device.
Implementation Method 1
Some of the first patterns are connected electrically to corresponding third patterns through electrical coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding system for providing a power using metal patterns having ‘U’ shape is disclosed. A phase shifter as the feeding system includes a first substrate, a first pattern as a conductor disposed on the first substrate, a second substrate separated from the first substrate and a second pattern as a conductor disposed on the second substrate. Here, the first pattern is overlapped with the second pattern, and electrical length of overlapped part of the patterns changes in case of changing phase of an RF signal outputted from the phase shifter.