Dual-Polarized Phase Shifter Layout for Slim Antenna Columns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phase shifters and antenna apparatuses face challenges in minimizing installation space in the depth direction and preventing interference between columns of radiation elements, which restricts slim manufacturing and affects beam performance.

Innovation Solution

A phase shifter design with a front feed strip line connected to multiple radiation element modules, a fixed substrate part with variable contact patterns, and a moving substrate part with electrical conduction terminals, allowing for dual polarization beam output and minimizing interference by reversing the installation position of key components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the width of the moving substrate is increased to accommodate phase-variable patterns, then the phase shifting function is improved, but the installation space in the width direction is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase shifting functionVSAvoidinstallation space in width direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by repositioning the phase-variable patterns from the width direction to the depth direction of the moving substrate. This allows the phase shifting function to be maintained while reducing the width occupation, thereby resolving the contradiction between phase shifting performance and width space consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the phase-variable patterns on the opposite side of the moving substrate (the side facing the fixed substrate). This inversion enables the patterns to be positioned in the depth direction rather than extending in the width direction, thus improving phase shifting while minimizing width space usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If the phase-variable patterns are printed on the moving substrate, then the phase shifting capability is improved, but the printing range occupies excessive width direction space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase shifting capabilityVSAvoidprinting range in width direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the dimensional orientation of the printed phase-variable patterns from width-direction extension to depth-direction arrangement. This allows the printing range to be confined within the depth direction while maintaining full phase shifting capability, thus resolving the contradiction between printing area and width space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If the moving substrates are disposed in vertical direction, then the phase shifting function is improved, but the forward and backward thickness of the antenna apparatus is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase shifting functionVSAvoidforward and backward thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional depth-direction arrangement by positioning the phase-variable patterns on the opposite side of the moving substrate, facing the fixed substrate. This inversion enables the patterns to be arranged in the width direction rather than extending in the depth direction, thus maintaining phase shifting function while reducing the forward-backward thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple phase-variable patterns are formed on the moving substrate, then the beam control capability is improved, but the columns may interfere with each other

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam control capabilityVSAvoidinterference between columns
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning phase-variable patterns for different columns at different depth positions. This spatial separation in the depth direction ensures that the electromagnetic fields of adjacent columns do not interfere with each other, while still maintaining independent beam control capability for each column.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 minimizes installation space and improves beam performance by enabling simultaneous phase shifting of polarization-side transmission lines, enhancing the reliability and gain of the antenna apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

The principle of the MLPS is to generate a phase difference between an input signal and an output signal by properly delaying the input signal. The MLPS may be implemented by simply differentiating the physical length of a transmission line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentEP4597748A1Phase shifter and antenna device comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 KMW INC
  • EP4597748A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b-1)
  • EP4597748A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4597748A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a phase shifter and an antenna device comprising same. In particular, the present invention provides the advantage of preventing physical interference between antenna elements between adjacent columns and enabling slim manufacturing of products, by comprising: a front feed strip line which is branched and electrically connected so as to enable dual polarized beam output to a plurality of radiating element modules disposed on the front of an antenna board assembly forming a plurality of antenna sub-arrays and additional antenna sub-arrays; a fixed substrate unit which is disposed on the front of the antenna board assembly, has a variable contact pattern that connects branch points of the front feed strip line and changes a physical transmission length to a first polarization side and a second polarization side of the radiating element modules; and a movable substrate unit which has a conductive terminal pattern that moves and makes contact with the variable contact pattern of the fixed substrate unit.