Phase Shifter Signal Circuit Using Folding Voltage Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters for phased array antenna apparatuses in wireless communication systems require larger circuit sizes, higher power consumption, and slower processing speeds, and lack tolerance to process, voltage, and temperature variations, as well as linear control characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A signal generation circuit comprising control and reference voltage source circuits, and folding circuits that generate control and reference voltages to produce output signals with predetermined phases, using differential amplifiers and constant current sources to achieve smaller size, lower power consumption, and faster operation with tolerance to PVT variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gains and bias voltages are stored from a storage device and signals are processed based on these stored values, then phase control functionality is achieved, but circuit size and power consumption are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the storage device from the phase shifter circuit. Instead of storing gains and bias voltages in a storage device and reading them during operation, the patent generates these values dynamically through voltage source circuits. This removes the storage component entirely, reducing circuit size while maintaining the ability to provide multiple gain values and bias voltages for phase control.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage source circuits generate their own control voltages and bias voltages without external storage devices. The first voltage source circuit generates control voltages corresponding to different gain values, and the second voltage source circuit generates bias voltages, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for separate storage components.
2Reliability
If gains and bias voltages are stored from a storage device and signals are processed based on these stored values, then phase control functionality is achieved, but power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is completely removed from the circuit architecture. The patent replaces the storage-and-read mechanism with direct voltage generation through specialized voltage source circuits, eliminating the power consumption associated with maintaining and accessing stored data.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage source circuits autonomously generate the required control and bias voltages without relying on external storage devices. This self-generating approach reduces power consumption by eliminating the overhead of storage device operation while maintaining full phase control functionality.
3Reliability
If gains and bias voltages are stored from a storage device and signals are processed based on these stored values, then phase control is achieved, but processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device and associated read operations are eliminated. The patent implements direct voltage generation through voltage source circuits that produce control voltages and bias voltages instantaneously based on input signals, removing the time delay inherent in reading from storage devices.
4Area of stationary object
If a compact circuit design is implemented, then circuit size is reduced, but tolerance to PVT variations may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into functionally independent segments: a first voltage source circuit for generating control voltages corresponding to different gain values, and a second voltage source circuit for generating bias voltages. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized independently for both compactness and PVT tolerance, with the differential amplifier structure providing inherent immunity to process, voltage, and temperature variations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control voltage source circuit (11) generates a control voltage (Vc) having one of a plurality of predetermined voltage values, in accordance with an inputted control signal (k). A reference voltage source circuit (12) generates a plurality of predetermined reference voltages (Vr). Folding circuits (13, 14) generate an output signal based on differences between the control voltage (Vc) and the plurality of reference voltages (Vr), the output signal having a signal level corresponding to a predetermined phase of a sine wave or a cosine wave. The control voltage source circuit (11) is provided with a parallel circuit of a plurality of constant current sources (62), each of the constant current sources being turned on or off in accordance with the control signal (k).