Gigahertz Phase Shifter Circuit Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase shifters for Giga Hertz integrated circuits face limitations such as sub-Gigahertz implementations, frequency limitations, gain and amplitude mismatch, high area with low loss, and high loss with low area, making them unsuitable for efficient high-frequency signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design comprising a first and second coil segment forming an inductor, capacitors, and a resistor, which together operate to provide a phase shift without amplitude imbalance, using the inductor, capacitors, and resistor to achieve a phase shift of up to 180 degrees by adjusting the R/X ratio, allowing for efficient high-frequency signal processing with reduced area requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional digital implementation like clock divider is used, then the circuit is simple to implement, but the frequency is limited to sub Gigahertz and cannot achieve Giga Hertz operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional digital clock divider circuits with an analog phase shifter implementation using transmission lines, capacitors, and inductors. This substitution enables Giga Hertz frequency operation by using continuous analog signal processing instead of discrete digital switching, achieving frequencies above 10 GHz while maintaining controlled phase shift functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves frequency scaling to Giga Hertz range by changing the electrical parameters of the circuit elements - specifically using transmission line characteristics, capacitor values, and inductor values optimized for high-frequency operation. The phase shift is controlled by adjusting these parameters rather than using digital division ratios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transmission line loaded with capacitors is used, then the phase shift capability is improved, but the area increases and gain mismatch occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase shift function with the transmission line structure itself, rather than adding separate phase shifting components. The transmission line segments are designed to provide both signal transmission and phase shift functionality, eliminating the need for additional dedicated phase shifters and reducing overall circuit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line segments serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as signal transmission paths, provide phase shift capability through their electrical length, and contribute to impedance matching. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and circuit area compared to dedicated single-function components.
3Loss of energy
If lumped elements delay lines are used, then the phase shift is achieved, but there is high area with low loss or high loss with low area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces lumped element delay lines with distributed transmission line structures. Transmission lines provide continuous signal transmission with lower insertion loss compared to cascaded lumped elements, while achieving the same phase shift and delay functionality through their physical length and characteristic impedance.
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 enables phase shifting of high-frequency signals with minimal area usage and no amplitude imbalance, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional phase shifters by achieving efficient phase shifting with reduced gain mismatch and area constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the inductor, first capacitor, second capacitor and the resistor together operative as a phase shifter such that when a input signal of a first frequency is presented across the first capacitor, the output signal across the resistor is phase shifted version of the input signal shifted in phase by a first angle
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of present disclosure, a phase shifter for providing a desired phase shift to a very high frequency signal fabricated as part of the an integrated circuit comprises a first coil segment and a second coil segment together forming an inductor of first inductance value, a first capacitor of first capacitance value electrically connected parallel the inductor, a second capacitor of second capacitance value electrically connected between the first coil segment and the second coil segment and a resistor of a first resistance value electrically connected parallel to the second capacitor, in that, the inductor, first capacitor, second capacitor and the resistor together operative as a phase shifter such that when a input signal of a first frequency is presented across the first capacitor, the output signal across the resistor is phase shifted version of the input signal shifted in phase by a first angle.