Post-Resonance Phase Shifter Circuit for Low-Loss Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave phase shifters are lossy and incompatible with high-channel-capacity beamforming due to complex passive electromagnetic structures that operate near resonances, limiting transmission bandwidth and distorting signals.
Innovation Solution
A tunable resonant structure with segmented waveguides and programmable capacitances forms hybrid resonances, operating above the cutoff frequency to achieve precise phase shifts with minimal loss, using a sub-wavelength footprint and digital tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If passive electromagnetic structures operate near resonances to achieve phase shifting, then phase control is achieved, but signal loss and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from within the resonant band to above the resonant band (post-resonance operation). By tuning the resonant structure so that its resonant frequency is below the signal frequency, the system achieves precise phase control without the signal loss and distortion that occur when operating near resonance. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by decoupling phase control capability from resonant operation losses.
2Measurement precision
If complex passive electromagnetic structures are used for phase shifting, then phase control capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic tuning capability to the resonant structure, allowing the resonant frequency to be adjusted electronically. This dynamic element enables a single simplified structure to replace multiple fixed passive components, achieving the same phase control capability with reduced complexity. The tunable resonant frequency allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring complex fixed structures.
3Measurement precision
If resonant structures are used for phase shifting, then phase control is achieved, but transmission bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational regime from resonant frequency operation to post-resonance operation, where the signal frequency is above the resonant frequency. This parameter change broadens the transmission bandwidth because the system operates in a region where the resonant structure provides phase control without the bandwidth limitations imposed by resonant peaks and valleys. The post-resonance operating regime allows for wider frequency ranges to be transmitted with consistent phase control.
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 ultra-fine phase tuning with less than 0.2° resolution and minimal loss, suitable for high-channel-capacity beamforming and applications like radio astronomy and millimeter-wave qubits, breaking the historical tradeoff between loss and precision.
Implementation Method 1
The first resonant structure has one or more primary resonances that interact to form one or more hybrid resonances
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative embodiments of high-resolution, low-loss phase shifting circuits, devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, a circuit may include a signal reflector that has a signal port configured to receive a signal in a signal frequency range and a resonant structure coupled between the signal port and ground. The resonant structure has one or more primary resonant frequencies and a cutoff frequency above the one or more primary resonant frequencies. The cutoff frequency is below the signal frequency range of the signal applied to the signal port.