Switched-Capacitor RF Phase Shifters With Shared Filter Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase shift circuits in RF and microwave applications are large and suffer from excessive losses due to the use of separate and distinct filter components, which are not suitable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A phase shift circuit design utilizing a first and second switch with reference and shift state circuits, each comprising switch filter circuits and switch capacitor circuits, allowing for reduced component count and improved phase shifting capabilities through controlled capacitance and inductance adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate and distinct filter components are used for each phase shift bit, then phase shifting functionality is achieved, but circuit size and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter components into a shared filter structure that serves multiple phase shift bits simultaneously. Instead of having separate filter components for each bit, a single filter is designed with multiple tap points that can be selectively connected to the output, reducing the total number of filter components and associated energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared filter structure is designed to provide multiple functions by serving all phase shift bits with a single filter component. The filter is configured with multiple output taps that can be selectively activated, allowing one filter to perform the filtering function for multiple different phase shift states, thereby reducing overall circuit losses.
2Ease of operation
If separate and distinct filter components are used for each phase shift bit, then phase shifting functionality is achieved, but circuit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple filter components into a single shared filter structure that accommodates multiple phase shift bits. This consolidation significantly reduces the physical area required for the circuit by eliminating redundant filter components while maintaining the necessary phase shifting functionality through selective tap connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared filter structure is designed to be multi-functional, serving all phase shift bits with a single filter component. This universal filter design reduces circuit size by allowing one filter to perform filtering operations for multiple different phase shift states, eliminating the need for separate filter sections for each bit.
3Reliability
If conventional phase shift circuit design is used, then phase shifting is achieved, but component count results in excessive losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple filter components into a shared filter structure that serves all phase shift bits. This reduction in component count directly decreases the number of connections and interfaces where signal losses occur, thereby improving overall signal integrity and reducing energy losses while maintaining reliable phase shifting performance.
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 proposed design reduces losses and size, enabling more compact RF and microwave phase shifters with enhanced phase shifting resolution and flexibility, suitable for various applications including phased array antennas.
Implementation Method 1
The first plurality of switch capacitor circuits may be controlled by a second control signal to adjust a capacitance of the phase shift circuit
Implementation Method 2
The shift state circuit may comprise a second switch filter circuit and a second plurality of switch capacitor circuits
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for RF and microwave phase shifter are provided. For example, a phase shift circuit may include: a first switch configured to switch between providing an input signal from the first switch input to either the first switch first output or the first switch second output based on a first control signal; a second switch is configured to switch between the second switch first input and the second switch second input to provide the second switch output; a reference state circuit electrically connected to the first switch first output and the second switch first input and comprising a first switch filter circuit and a first plurality of switch capacitor circuits; and a shift state circuit electrically connected to the first switch second output and the second switch second input and comprising a second switch filter circuit and a second plurality of switch capacitor circuits.