High-Frequency Phase Shifter Circuit With Low-Loss Delay Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high frequency phase shifters in beamforming systems suffer from high insertion loss, leading to increased power consumption and required amplifier gain, as well as a complex structure with significant switch-related losses.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a phase shifter circuit structure that minimizes insertion loss by using a first switch to control a first path, a first path resonator for parallel resonance, and inductors on a second path to create an impedance generating a phase delay, while also reducing the number of switches in series on the delay path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional phase shifter structure with multiple switches is used, then phase shifting function is achieved, but insertion loss increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary switches from the conventional phase shifter structure. By eliminating redundant switching elements, the design reduces insertion loss and power consumption while maintaining the essential phase shifting functionality through a more streamlined circuit configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter is segmented into distinct functional blocks including phase delay unit elements, each with specific inductors and switches. This segmentation allows optimization of each segment independently, reducing overall insertion loss by ensuring switches are only placed where absolutely necessary for phase control.
2Measurement precision
If more switches are added to achieve precise phase control, then phase shifting precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter approach by using inductor values and resonator frequencies as primary phase control parameters rather than relying solely on switch configurations. This allows precise phase control through passive component parameters, reducing the need for multiple active switches and thereby lowering power consumption.
3Device complexity
If conventional delay line and switch structure is used, then phase shifting is achieved, but the number of switches in series on delay path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts unnecessary switches from the delay path by reconfiguring the circuit topology. Essential phase control functionality is maintained through strategically placed switches and passive resonator elements, while redundant switches that contribute to series switching losses are removed from the critical signal path.
4Loss of energy
If insertion loss is reduced, then power consumption decreases, but amplifier gain requirement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditionally harmful insertion loss into a beneficial design constraint that drives overall system optimization. By designing the phase shifter to have inherently low insertion loss through minimal switching and resonator-based phase control, the system benefits from reduced power consumption without requiring complex compensation mechanisms, as the low loss becomes a fundamental system advantage.
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 approach effectively minimizes the insertion loss of the phase shifter, reducing power consumption and the required amplifier gain, while simplifying the phase shifter structure and stabilizing its performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first path resonator having an impedance capable of realizing a parallel resonance with an impedance seen at both ends of the first switch when the first switch is in a control mode for the deactivation of the first path
Implementation Method 2
a path-based impedance converter positioned on the second path, the path-based impedance converter being configured to convert, according to an external control signal for selecting the first path or the second path, an impedance thereof into an impedance generating a phase delay on the second path
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are an apparatus and a method for a high frequency phase shifter. The apparatus of the phase shifter configured for a beamforming system includes a first path switch controlling an activation and a deactivation of a first path, a first path resonator having an impedance capable of realizing a parallel resonance with an impedance seen at both ends of the first path switch when the first path switch is in a control mode for the deactivation, a first inductor rendering an impedance seen from a connected terminal to exhibit an inductive characteristic, a second inductor rendering an impedance seen from a connected terminal to exhibit an inductive characteristic, and a path-based impedance converter converting an impedance thereof into an impedance generating a phase delay or into an impedance such that an impedance as large as possible is seen at both terminals of a second path.