Reflection Phase Shifter With Shared Tx/Rx Paths and Low Insertion Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication devices with phased array systems face challenges in achieving orthogonal beam steering control and sidelobe suppression while minimizing device size, as conventional phase shifters require separate components for transmit and receive paths, consume direct current power, and have high insertion loss.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of bi-directional reflection type phase shifters with integrated magnetic and capacitive coupling, using variable capacitive and inductive elements to create moderate coupling values, allowing for compact and low-loss phase shifting in both transmit and receive paths, thereby reducing device size and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional phase shifters are used for transmit and receive paths, then phase control functionality is achieved, but device size increases due to requiring separate components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase control functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a bi-directional reflection type phase shifter that serves both transmit and receive paths with a single component. The phase shifter can operate in two directions: receiving an input signal from a first port and providing an output signal at a second port, or receiving an input signal from the second port and providing an output signal at the first port. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate phase shifters for Tx and Rx paths, thereby reducing device size while maintaining full phase control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional phase shifters are used, then phase shifting capability is achieved, but power consumption increases due to direct current consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase shifting capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional active phase shifting mechanisms that consume direct current power with a passive reflection type phase shifter. The phase shifting is achieved through reflective coupling and impedance transformation rather than active component control, eliminating DC power consumption while maintaining full phase shifting capability across the desired range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional phase shifters are used, then phase control is achieved, but signal loss increases due to high insertion loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase controlVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a passive reflection type architecture that avoids the high insertion loss associated with conventional active phase shifters. By using reflective coupling through capacitive and inductive elements rather than active switching or modulation, the system achieves phase control with significantly reduced signal loss and improved power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Area of stationary object

If device size is reduced for compactness, then integration is improved, but coupling between elements becomes insufficient for optimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcoupling effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate capacitive and inductive coupling elements that mediate the interaction between phase shifter components. These intermediate elements enable effective magnetic and capacitive coupling even when components are in close proximity, allowing compact integration while maintaining sufficient coupling strength for optimal phase shifting performance. The intermediate coupling structures act as mediators that preserve signal integrity despite reduced physical spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables efficient orthogonal beam steering control, sidelobe suppression, and reduced device size by utilizing bi-directional phase shifters that share components between transmit and receive paths, improving communication performance and reducing insertion loss.

Implementation Method 1

a first variable capacitive element coupled from the first reflection signal terminal to the second reflection signal terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a first inductive element having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first inductive element is coupled to the first reflection signal terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11736150B2Compact low-loss reflection type phase shifter

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

Aspects of the present relate to reflection type phase shifters for radio frequency (RF) wireless devices. Reflection type phase structures in accordance with aspects described herein can improve device performance with compact configurations, such as where magnetic and capacitive coupling is integrated into a device design to integrate interactions between elements for improved phase shifting performance in a compact design with wideband performance.