Phase Shifter Circuit for Array Antenna Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication devices face difficulties in achieving the beam steering function due to challenges in implementing phase shifters for array antennas, particularly with RF signals, which result in increased circuit size, temperature compensation issues, and complexity in mounting filters and RF switches.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter configuration that distributes RF signals into multiple signals with different phases and amplitudes, controlled by a controller and combined using amplifiers, allowing for easy implementation and temperature compensation, reducing the need for complex RF switches and variable capacitance elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If phase shifters are implemented using RF switches and variable capacitance elements, then phase shifting function is achieved, but circuit complexity and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical RF switches and variable capacitance elements with an all-passive distributed element network consisting of impedance transformers and transmission line sections. This substitution eliminates moving parts and complex active components, achieving phase shifting through pure impedance transformation and signal distribution, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining the phase shifting function
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter is divided into multiple independent impedance transformation sections, each handling a specific phase adjustment range. These sections are connected in series, allowing incremental phase shifts through each stage. This segmentation enables complex phase control to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a single complex mechanism
2Reliability
If filters are mounted for each antenna element to improve signal quality, then communication reliability improves, but mounting complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filtering function with the impedance matching network by integrating filter elements directly into the distributed element structure. The same transmission line sections and impedance transformers that perform phase and impedance control also provide frequency selectivity and filtering, eliminating the need for separate filter components at each antenna element
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed element network is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: impedance matching, phase shifting, and signal filtering. This multi-functional design allows a single component structure to achieve what would traditionally require multiple separate components, simplifying the mounting process while maintaining signal quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage-controlled phase shifters are used for beam steering, then beam steering function is achieved, but temperature compensation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces voltage-controlled active components with passive distributed elements whose electrical characteristics are determined by their physical dimensions and material properties. Since these passive elements do not require power supply or active control, they are inherently more stable against temperature variations, achieving beam steering through geometric configuration rather than voltage control
4Length of moving object
If array antenna elements are increased for better directivity, then transmission distance improves, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability that allows the antenna system to electronically redirect beams without physically moving or adding antenna elements. By controlling the phase shifters associated with existing elements, the system can adaptively focus energy in different directions, achieving extended effective coverage area and transmission distance without increasing the physical footprint of the antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
A phase shifter (60) is provided corresponding to an antenna element constituting an array antenna and is configured to change a phase of a radio frequency signal to be transmitted or received by a corresponding antenna element. The phase shifter (60) includes a first distributor (61) configured to distribute the radio frequency signal input thereto into a plurality of first distributed signals having mutually different phases; second distributors (62) provided corresponding to the first distributed signals, the second distributors each being configured to distribute a corresponding one of the first distributed signals into a plurality of second distributed signals having mutually different amplitudes; a controller (63) configured to control on/off of the second distributed signals; and a combiner (64) configured to combine the second distributed signals that are controlled on by the controller (63).