Phase Shifter Feeding Structure for Low-Loss Field Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase shifters with coplanar waveguide transmission lines face high transmission loss due to the inability to directly convert transverse electric fields into longitudinal electric fields, which hinders efficient signal feeding and radiation.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design with a first and second feeding structure, each with a waveguide structure and recesses, converts transverse electric fields into longitudinal electric fields, allowing for efficient signal transmission and radiation by overlapping feeding structures with waveguide ports and using conductive structures within recesses to reduce energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a coplanar waveguide transmission line is used in the phase shifter, then the phase shifter can be constructed with a planar structure, but the transmission loss increases due to inability to convert transverse electric fields into longitudinal electric fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feeding structures with waveguide ports as intermediary elements between the coplanar waveguide transmission line and the phase shifter. These feeding structures contain conductive structures within recesses that act as mediators to convert transverse electric fields from the coplanar waveguide into longitudinal electric fields required by the phase shifter, thereby reducing transmission loss while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electric field parameters by changing the orientation from transverse to longitudinal through the feeding structures. The waveguide ports and conductive structures within recesses transform the electric field configuration, enabling efficient energy transfer and reducing transmission loss without complicating the overall planar structure
2Loss of energy
If feeding structures are added to convert electric fields, then transmission loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the feeding structures with the waveguide ports and integrates conductive structures within recesses into a unified configuration. This combining approach allows the electric field conversion function to be achieved without adding separate, complex components, thereby reducing transmission loss while minimizing increases in device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the signal line and patch electrode form variable capacitors, then phase adjustment capability is achieved, but transmission loss increases due to electric field conversion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding structures with waveguide ports serve as intermediaries between the variable capacitor formed by the signal line and patch electrode and the external circuit. This intermediary configuration enables the variable capacitor to maintain its phase adjustment capability while the feeding structures handle the electric field conversion, thereby preserving adaptability while reducing transmission loss
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 significantly reduces transmission loss by enabling effective conversion of electric fields, improving signal feeding and radiation efficiency in phase shifters for applications like phased array antennas.
Implementation Method 1
A phase shifter with an adjustable dielectric layer modulates a phase of a microwave signal by changing a voltage difference between a signal line and a patch electrode to change a dielectric constant of the dielectric layer between the signal line and the patch electrode, based on the characteristics that the dielectric layer has different dielectric constants under different electric field intensities
Implementation Method 2
the at least one patch electrode is provided corresponding to the at least one branch structure to form at least one variable capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a phase shifter and an antenna, and relates to the field of communication technology. The phase shifter provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is divided into a first feeding region, a second feeding region and a phase-shift region. The phase shifter includes: a first substrate and a second substrate provided opposite to each other, a dielectric layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a first feeding structure and a second feeding structure. The first feeding structure is electrically coupled to one end of the signal line, and the second feeding structure is electrically coupled to the other end of the signal line. The first feeding structure is located in the first feeding region; and the second feeding structure is located in the second feeding region. Recesses are formed in the first base substrate and/or in the second base substrate.