Programmable Quadrature Phase Shifter With Passive Low-Loss Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Next-generation communication systems face challenges with high power consumption and noise generation at millimeter wave frequencies, particularly in quadrature phase shifters used in MIMO transceivers, which affect the performance and efficiency of wideband communication systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of low-loss quadrature phase shifters with digitally programmable phase shifter networks that utilize passive components to induce phase shifts without active power consumption, combined with current steering elements for accurate output signal generation, enabling low-power and low-noise operation in millimeter wavelength communication systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active components are used to generate phase shifts in quadrature phase shifters, then phase shifting functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases and noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces active electronic components (which consume power and generate noise) with passive mechanical or electromagnetic components. Specifically, it uses passive phase shifter networks consisting of inductors, capacitors, and transmission lines that achieve phase shifts through reactive impedance rather than active amplification, thereby eliminating the need for continuous power consumption and reducing noise generation while maintaining phase shifting functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the active power-consuming elements from the phase shifter design. By separating the phase shifting function from amplification functions and using purely passive components for phase manipulation, the design eliminates the harmful side effects of active components (power consumption and noise) while preserving the essential phase shifting capability through alternative passive mechanisms
2Use of energy by moving object
If passive components are used for phase shifting, then power consumption is reduced, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of passive components (inductance values, capacitance values, transmission line lengths and impedances) to minimize signal loss while maintaining effective phase shifting. By carefully selecting and tuning these parameters, the design achieves low insertion loss in the passive phase shifter networks, reconciling the trade-off between using passive components for power savings and maintaining signal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structures combining different passive components (inductors, capacitors, transmission lines) in strategic configurations. These composite passive networks achieve superior performance by leveraging the complementary strengths of different components to reduce overall signal loss while maintaining the phase shifting function, thus mitigating the inherent losses of passive components
3Measurement precision
If digitally programmable phase shifter networks are implemented, then phase accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase shifter into multiple discrete, independently controllable segments or stages. Each segment provides a fixed phase shift increment, and by selectively enabling or disabling specific segments through digital control, the desired phase accuracy is achieved. This segmentation allows precise phase control through simple binary switching rather than complex continuous adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements digitally programmable control that dynamically configures the passive phase shifter networks based on required phase settings. Digital control signals selectively activate or deactivate specific passive component combinations, enabling accurate and flexible phase adjustment without requiring complex analog control circuits, thus achieving high phase accuracy with relatively simple digital logic
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
These phase shifters provide efficient, low-noise solutions for MIMO transceivers, enhancing the performance of millimeter wave communication systems by reducing power consumption and signal loss, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratios and enabling scalable, cost-effective designs for applications like 5G services.
Implementation Method 1
The phase shifter networks include passive components for reactively inducing phase shifts, which need not consume active power
Data Source
AI summary
In described examples, a quadrature phase shifter includes digitally programmable phase shifter networks for generating leading and lagging output signals in quadrature. The phase shifter networks include passive components for reactively inducing phase shifts, which need not consume active power. Output currents from the transistors coupled to the phase shifter networks are substantially in quadrature and can be made further accurate by adjusted by a weight function implemented using current steering elements. Example low-loss quadrature phase shifters described herein can be functionally integrated to provide low-power, low-noise up/down mixers, vector modulators and transceiver front-ends for millimeter wavelength (mmwave) communication systems.