Phase Shifter With Integrated Transformer Unit for Low Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase shifters require additional transformers to connect broadband 2-divider distribution circuits, leading to increased size and impedance mismatch issues, necessitating a solution for a compact phase shifter with low output impedance.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design featuring a dielectric plate with a transformer unit for impedance matching between overlapped and non-overlapped portions, where the signal conductor extends from the non-overlapped to the overlapped portion via the transformer unit, and the output-side signal conductor extends without intervention, allowing for low output impedance without additional transformers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional phase shifter with matched input/output impedance (50Ω) is used, then impedance matching is simplified, but an additional transformer is required to connect to broadband 2-divider distribution circuits, increasing device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the output impedance parameter from the conventional 50Ω to a low output impedance (e.g., 10Ω or lower). This parameter change allows direct connection to broadband 2-divider distribution circuits without requiring an additional transformer, thereby reducing device size while maintaining impedance matching through the transformer unit integrated within the phase shifter structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the transformer function into the phase shifter structure itself. The transformer unit is integrated within the phase shifter to provide impedance matching between the low output impedance and the broadband 2-divider distribution circuit, eliminating the need for a separate external transformer and reducing overall device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If the output impedance of the phase shifter is set to be the same as the transmission line impedance, then impedance matching is easier, but it requires additional transformers to connect broadband distribution circuits, leading to upsizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately changes the output impedance parameter to a low value (e.g., 10Ω or lower) rather than matching it to the standard 50Ω transmission line impedance. This parameter change, combined with the integrated transformer unit, simplifies the overall system by eliminating external transformers while maintaining ease of manufacture through the unified structure
3Reliability
If additional transformers are added to connect phase shifters to broadband distribution circuits, then impedance matching is achieved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transformer function with the phase shifter structure by integrating a transformer unit within the phase shifter. This merger maintains reliable impedance matching between the low output impedance and the broadband 2-divider distribution circuit while eliminating the need for separate external transformers, thereby preventing device size increase
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer unit within the phase shifter serves multiple functions: it provides impedance matching between the low output impedance and the distribution circuit, and it is integrated into the phase shifting mechanism itself. This multi-functionality maintains reliability while reducing the need for additional components and reducing overall device size
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 enables a compact phase shifter with low output impedance, eliminating the need for additional transformers and reducing size, while maintaining impedance matching and minimizing reflections.
Implementation Method 1
an effective dielectric constant in the triplate line changes in accordance with the change in this overlap area, and an electrical line length changes in accordance with this change in the effective dielectric constant, so that the phase of the signals propagating through the inner conductor changes
Implementation Method 2
the dielectric plate includes a transformer unit for impedance matching between an overlapped portion in which the signal conductor faces to the dielectric plate and a non-overlapped portion in which the signal conductor does not face to the dielectric plate
Data Source
AI summary
A phase shifter includes a signal conductor constituting a transmission line for a signal transmitted through an antenna element, a dielectric plate including a dielectric material disposed to face to the signal conductor, and a mobile mechanism for moving the dielectric plate. A facing area between the signal conductor and the dielectric plate is changed by a movement of the dielectric plate, to change a phase of the signal transmitted through the signal conductor. The dielectric plate includes a transformer unit for impedance matching between an overlapped portion in which the signal conductor faces to the dielectric plate and a non-overlapped portion in which the signal conductor does not face to the dielectric plate. The signal conductor includes an input-side signal conductor which extends from the non-overlapped portion to the overlapped portion via the transformer unit, and an output-side signal conductor which is electrically connected to an end of the input-side signal conductor on a side of the overlapped portion and extends from the overlapped portion to the non-overlapped portion without any intervention of the transformer unit.