RF Phase Shifter Using Frequency-Driven Phase Gradient
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and high cost of large-scale antenna arrays in 5G communication systems due to the need for multiple phase shifters to control the phase of each antenna unit, making it difficult to manage and control the entire antenna system effectively.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency phase shifter with a simple structure, utilizing multiple sections of transmission lines, mixers, and couplers connected in a specific configuration to achieve phase control, allowing for phase gradient generation and scanning by adjusting input frequencies, thereby reducing the need for individual phase shifters at each antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If analog phase shifters are added to each antenna unit to control phase, then phase control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase control function from individual antenna-level components to a centralized frequency control mechanism. Instead of each antenna having its own phase shifter, a single frequency control unit adjusts the input frequency to a phase gradient generator, which then distributes phase-shifted signals to all antennas. This consolidation dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining full phase control capability across the antenna array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from direct phase adjustment (requiring one phase shifter per antenna) to frequency adjustment (requiring only one frequency controller). By varying the input frequency, the system generates different phase gradients across the transmission lines, enabling beam steering without individual phase shifters. This parameter transformation simplifies the system architecture while preserving operational flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If analog phase shifters are added to each antenna unit to control phase, then phase control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase control function from individual antenna-level components to a centralized frequency control mechanism. Instead of each antenna having its own phase shifter, a single frequency control unit adjusts the input frequency to a phase gradient generator, which then distributes phase-shifted signals to all antennas. This consolidation dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining full phase control capability across the antenna array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single frequency-controlled phase gradient generator to create phase-shifted signal copies for multiple antennas. Rather than manufacturing identical phase shifter circuits for each antenna, the system generates one set of phase gradients and distributes them across the antenna array, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining phase control functionality.
3Measurement precision
If individual phase shifters are used for each antenna, then phase control precision is improved, but system scalability becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal phase control architecture where a single frequency control unit and phase gradient generator can serve antenna arrays of any size. The system is not tied to a specific number of antennas, allowing easy scalability from small to large arrays. The same core circuitry generates phase gradients that can be distributed to any number of antenna elements, providing both precision control and excellent scalability.
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 simplifies the structure of phased arrays, reduces costs, and enables efficient phase control across large-scale arrays by using frequency adjustments to achieve phase scanning, improving reliability and scalability while minimizing circuit complexity.
Implementation Method 1
In the case where two input signals with different frequencies are transmitted on the two bus transmission lines respectively, the multiple mixers output a group of signals with a phase gradient
Implementation Method 2
the frequency of the output signal of each mixer is a difference frequency component... νp denotes the phase velocity of two input signals in the transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a radio frequency phase shifter. The radio frequency phase shifter includes multiple sections of first transmission lines, multiple sections of second transmission lines, multiple mixers, and multiple couplers. Multiple sections of first transmission lines are sequentially connected to form a bus transmission line. Multiple sections of second transmission lines are sequentially connected to form another bus transmission line. Moreover, multiple sections of first transmission lines have a one-to-one correspondence with multiple sections of second transmission lines. One coupler is connected between two adjacent sections of first transmission lines. One coupler is connected between two adjacent sections of second transmission lines. One mixer is connected between the two corresponding couplers. In the case where two input signals with different frequencies are transmitted on two bus transmission lines respectively, the multiple mixers arranged in sequence output a group of signals with a phase gradient.