Quadrature Hybrid RF Phase Shifting for Fine Phase Steps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifting devices are limited by high power consumption, significant amplitude variation over phase steps, and the inability to provide small phase steps, which hampers their efficiency in applications like phased array systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact phase shifting device is designed with an input amplifier, biasing circuit, and variable-gain output amplifiers, utilizing a differential quadrature hybrid coupler to achieve reduced power consumption and precise phase control through multilevel modulation of in-phase and coupled signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional phase shifting devices are used, then phase shifting functionality is provided, but power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifting device is segmented into multiple independent variable-gain amplifier channels (through port channel and coupled port channel), each processing signal components separately. This segmentation allows for more efficient power management where each channel can be independently controlled, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining phase shifting functionality through the combination of processed signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable-gain amplifiers with dynamically adjustable gain values in each channel. By dynamically adjusting the gain of each channel based on the desired phase shift amount, the system achieves continuous phase control with high efficiency. The dynamic gain adjustment allows the device to adapt to different operating conditions, optimizing power consumption while maintaining reliable phase shifting performance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional phase shifting devices are used, then phase shifting is achieved, but amplitude variation over phase steps is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the gain parameter of variable-gain amplifiers in each channel to achieve different phase shifts. By adjusting the gain values of the through port and coupled port channels independently, the system synthesizes the desired phase shift while maintaining consistent output amplitude. This parameter-based control approach enables precise phase steps with minimal amplitude variation across different phase positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable-gain amplifiers serve multiple functions: they provide signal amplification, phase control, and amplitude normalization. Each channel's variable-gain amplifier can independently adjust its gain to compensate for amplitude variations that occur during phase shifting, ensuring that the combined output maintains consistent amplitude across all phase steps while achieving precise phase control.
3Measurement precision
If conventional phase shifting devices are used, then basic phase shifting is provided, but small phase steps cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically controllable variable-gain amplifiers that can adjust their gain in fine increments. This dynamic control capability enables the system to achieve small phase steps by making incremental adjustments to the gain values in each channel. The continuous adjustability of the gain parameters provides high phase resolution without requiring a complex mechanical structure with many discrete phase shift elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical phase shifting mechanisms (such as switched capacitor networks or mechanical attenuators) with electronic variable-gain amplifiers controlled by digital or analog signals. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical structures while achieving precise phase control with small phase steps through electronic gain adjustment, thereby reducing device complexity while improving phase resolution.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for phase shifting is disclosed, comprising an input amplifier, a biasing circuit, a first output amplifier and a second output amplifier being variable-gain amplifiers, and a quadrature hybrid coupler. The input amplifier is connected to an input port of the coupler, the first output amplifier is connected to a through port of the coupler, the second output amplifier is connected to a coupled port of the coupler, and the biasing circuit is connected to an isolated port of the coupler. The device also includes, the quadrature hybrid coupler configured to receive, at the input port, an input signal from the input amplifier, output, at the through port, a through signal, receive, at the isolated port, a bias signal from the biasing circuit, and output, at the coupled port, a coupled signal having a phase differing from a phase of the through signal.