Phase Shifter Layout With Segmented Gate Capacitance Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of integrated circuits (ICs) has led to stricter design and manufacturing specifications for phase shifter circuits, particularly in achieving precise phase shifting at higher frequencies, where existing solutions often lack sufficient resolution and adjustable range.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter circuit design incorporating an active region, multiple sets of gates, and contacts, where the second set of gates extends along opposite edges of the active region to provide additional reliability and functionality, allowing for multiple phase tuning mechanisms, thereby enhancing resolution and adjustable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the phase shifter circuit is miniaturized to reduce area and power consumption, then area and power usage are improved, but phase shifting resolution and adjustable range deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter circuit is divided into multiple independent tuning sections, each with its own gate structure. The first gate structure adjusts capacitance in a first range while the second gate structure adjusts capacitance in a second range, allowing each segment to be optimized for specific phase shifting requirements without compromising overall resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional tuning approach by stacking gate structures at different spatial positions and levels. The first and second gate structures are positioned differently and operate at different capacitance ranges, effectively adding dimensional complexity to the phase tuning mechanism while maintaining compact footprint
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the phase shifter circuit is miniaturized to reduce area and power consumption, then area and power usage are improved, but adjustable range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is segmented into multiple tuning sections with different gate structures, each contributing to different portions of the adjustable range. This segmentation allows the circuit to achieve a wide total adjustable range while each individual section remains compact and power-efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple gate structures serve universal phase tuning functions across different capacitance ranges. Each gate structure can independently adjust capacitance within its specific range, and their combined effect provides wide overall adjustability, making the compact circuit versatile for various phase shifting requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional phase shifter designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but phase shifting resolution and reliability at high frequencies are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter circuit is divided into multiple independent tuning sections, each with its own gate structure. The first gate structure adjusts capacitance in a first range while the second gate structure adjusts capacitance in a second range, allowing each segment to be optimized for specific phase shifting requirements without compromising overall resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional tuning approach by stacking gate structures at different spatial positions and levels. The first and second gate structures are positioned differently and operate at different capacitance ranges, effectively adding dimensional complexity to the phase tuning mechanism while maintaining compact footprint
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
This design improves the phase shifting resolution and range of phase shifter circuits, enabling better performance at higher frequencies while reducing power dissipation and occupying less area compared to traditional approaches.
Implementation Method 1
The second set of gates are part of a first transistor configured to adjust a first capacitance of the phase shifter responsive to a first voltage. The first set of gates are part of a second transistor configured to adjust a second capacitance or a resistance of the phase shifter responsive to a second voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A phase shifter includes an active region, a first and a second set of gates and a set of contacts. The active region extends in a first direction and is located at a first level. The first and second set of gates each extend in a second direction, overlap the active region and are located at a second level. The second set of gates are positioned along opposite edges of the active region, are configured to receive a first voltage, and are part of a first transistor. The first transistor is configured to adjust a first capacitance of the phase shifter responsive to the first voltage. The set of contacts extend in the second direction, are over the active region, are located at a third level, and are positioned between at least the second set of gates.