Reciprocating Dielectric Phase-Shift Circuit for Compact Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase-shift circuits for base-station antenna devices are large in size due to the limited movable distance of dielectric plates, which restricts the achievable phase difference between input and output signals, leading to increased circuit and antenna device sizes.
Innovation Solution
A phase-shift circuit with a dielectric member that can reciprocate in a direction intersecting the signal line, comprising a frame body with lower permittivity and dielectric plates with higher permittivity, allowing for increased or decreased overlapping areas to achieve a larger phase difference without increasing the circuit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the area of the dielectric plate is increased to ensure the overlapping area difference required for a predetermined phase difference under the limit of the maximum movable distance, then the phase difference between input and output signals is maintained, but the size of the phase-shift circuit and antenna device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform overlapping area between the dielectric plate and signal line through selective positioning. The dielectric plate is positioned to overlap only specific portions of the signal line (e.g., central portions or specific segments) rather than uniformly covering the entire signal line. This localized overlapping creates variations in capacitance at different positions, enabling phase shifting without requiring a large overall dielectric plate area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the overlapping area between the dielectric plate and signal line to control the phase difference. By adjusting the position, size, or shape of the overlapping region, the capacitance value changes, which directly controls the phase shift amount. This allows for dynamic phase control without increasing the overall circuit size.
2Device complexity
If the movable distance of the dielectric plate is limited, then the structure is simplified, but the achievable phase difference between input and output signals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves high phase difference with limited movement by concentrating the dielectric effect in specific local regions. Instead of requiring the entire dielectric plate to move a large distance, the design focuses the overlapping area in specific zones along the signal line. This localized approach maximizes the phase shift effect within a limited movable distance while keeping the structure simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional phase control (only movement distance) to two-dimensional control by considering both the position and the overlapping area configuration. By optimizing the spatial arrangement and overlapping pattern in multiple dimensions, the patent achieves greater phase control flexibility within limited movement constraints.
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 a phase-shift circuit that is smaller in size while maintaining or exceeding the phase difference of conventional circuits, resulting in a more compact antenna device with improved directivity.
Implementation Method 1
the frame body has a permittivity lower than a permittivity of the dielectric plate... changes a phase of a signal propagating through the signal line
Data Source
AI summary
A phase-shift circuit being smaller in size than a conventional phase-shift circuit and being capable of causing a phase difference equivalent to or larger than that in the conventional phase-shift circuit between an input signal and an output signal is achieved. A phase-shift circuit includes: a signal line; and a dielectric member overlapping the signal line and being capable of reciprocating in a direction intersecting the signal line, and changes a phase of a signal propagating through the signal line. The dielectric member is configured of a frame body and a dielectric plate provided inside the frame body and having an overlapping area with the signal line increased or decreased by the reciprocation, and the frame body has a permittivity lower than a permittivity of the dielectric plate.