Integrated Phase Shifter Attenuation for Low-Loss Amplitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive digitally-controllable phase shifters for 5G NR applications face challenges with high power consumption, area overhead, and insertion loss due to the use of active devices like variable gain amplifiers and attenuators, which are complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter with integrated attenuation in each transmission line segment, allowing independent control of phase shift and attenuation, using switching elements and resistive elements to minimize area overhead and insertion loss, and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a variable gain amplifier or controllable attenuator is used for amplitude control, then accurate amplitude control is achieved, but power consumption increases and area overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase shifter and attenuator into a single integrated device. The attenuation circuits are embedded within the transmission line segments of the phase shifter, eliminating the need for separate VGA or attenuator components. This merging reduces power consumption and area overhead while maintaining accurate amplitude control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both phase shifting and attenuation control within the same structure. The transmission line segments serve dual purposes as both phase delay elements and attenuation elements when attenuation circuits are activated, reducing the overall component count and system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a variable gain amplifier or controllable attenuator is used for amplitude control, then accurate amplitude control is achieved, but area overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase shifter and attenuator into a single integrated device. The attenuation circuits are embedded within the transmission line segments of the phase shifter, eliminating the need for separate VGA or attenuator components. This merging reduces power consumption and area overhead while maintaining accurate amplitude control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both phase shifting and attenuation control within the same structure. The transmission line segments serve dual purposes as both phase delay elements and attenuation elements when attenuation circuits are activated, reducing the overall component count and system complexity.
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 phase shifter achieves minimal dispersion and excellent linearity with reduced power consumption by integrating attenuation into the phase shifter, minimizing area overhead and insertion loss, while maintaining precise amplitude control.
Implementation Method 1
A passive digitally-controllable phase shifter based on Transmission Line (TL) can be realized by changing the time constant of each unity segment constituting the TL
Implementation Method 2
The attenuation circuit is selectively configurable between a first configuration providing a first resistance between the signal line and ground and a second configuration providing a second resistance, different from said first resistance, between the signal line and ground
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4B
Figure 4C~4D
AI summary
A phase shifter with controllable attenuation and a method for controlling the phase shifter is disclosed, the phase shifter comprising a plurality of transmission line segments (220) coupled in series, wherein each said transmission line segment (220) comprises an attenuation circuit (230), selectively couplable between a signal line (222) of the transmission line segment (220) and ground to selectively attenuate a signal propagating through the transmission line segment (220). Each transmission line segment (220) of a coplanar waveguide is switchable by switches (S0) between a first configuration with outer conductors (224) closer to the signal line (222) providing a first phase shift (220) and a second configuration with outer conductors (226) farer from the signal line (222) providing a second phase shift, greater than said first phase shift. Insertion loss variations between different phase states are mitigated by switchable equalizing resistors incorporated in the attenuation resistors (230). Switchable capacitors (C2) are connected to the signal line for compensation of variation of characteristic impedance between phase states. Switchable capacitors (C1) are connected to the signal line for compensation of switch capacitances between attenuation states.