Phase Shifter Tuning Accessory for Faster Standing Wave Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase shifters in multi-band antennas require lengthy standing wave tuning processes, often necessitating manual adjustments and subsequent passive inter modulation (PIM) testing, which increases tuning time and can be affected by surface defects.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design incorporating a cavity, metal strip line, and a tuning accessory with a movable tuning portion that adjusts input impedance by changing capacitance or inductance, allowing for precise tuning without retesting PIM, reducing tuning time and minimizing surface defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual solder amount adjustment is used to tune port standing wave, then tuning flexibility is improved, but tuning time increases geometrically and PIM retesting is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the tuning parameter from manual solder amount adjustment to mechanical position adjustment of the tuning portion. The tuning portion can be moved along the metal strip line to different positions, and its projection area relative to the strip line is adjusted to change capacitance values, thereby tuning the port standing wave without requiring PIM retesting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual soldering mechanical process with a mechanical sliding/positioning system. The tuning portion slides along the metal strip line within the cavity, and its position and projection area are mechanically adjusted to achieve tuning, eliminating the need for repeated soldering and PIM testing
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual solder amount adjustment is used to tune port standing wave, then tuning adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision decreases due to surface defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from adjusting solder amount (which creates surface defects) to adjusting the position and projection area of a molded tuning portion. The tuning portion is a precision-molded component with controlled dimensions, and its position along the strip line and its projected area are the adjustable parameters, maintaining high surface precision while providing tuning adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable/adjustable tuning portion that can be positioned and fixed at different locations. Instead of repeatedly modifying solder joints (which degrade the surface), a new tuning portion configuration can be established by moving and repositioning the tuning element, preserving the original high-precision surface
3Measurement precision
If multiple PIM tests are performed during tuning, then tuning accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to repetitive testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning of the tuning portion to achieve the desired capacitance value and standing wave condition. Once the tuning portion is positioned at the correct location with the correct projection area, the standing wave is tuned accurately without requiring multiple PIM tests, as the position can be precisely controlled during the tuning process
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 solution enables faster and more precise tuning of standing waves in phase shifters, reducing the need for repetitive PIM testing and maintaining high surface precision, thus enhancing the efficiency of multi-band antenna operations.
Implementation Method 1
one additional capacitance or inductance can be added to the phase shifter by using the tuning portion
Implementation Method 2
one additional capacitance or inductance can be added to the phase shifter by using the tuning portion
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a phase shifter and an electrically tunable antenna including the phase shifter, where the phase shifter includes a tuning accessory, and the tuning accessory includes a tuning portion for tuning input impedance of the phase shifter. One additional capacitance or inductance parameter is added in the phase shifter by using the tuning portion, to affect input impedance of a port, to further affect a port standing wave, thereby tuning the port standing wave by using the tuning accessory. In addition, the tuning accessory in this application is a molded part with a fixed structure.