Rotating Board Phase Shifter With Capacitive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable phase shifters are limited by large size and mechanical instability, failing to meet the demands for miniaturization and high-performance RF signal processing in mobile communication systems, particularly in phase array antenna applications.
Innovation Solution
A variable phase shifter design utilizing a housing with a fixed board and a rotating board, featuring a meander line coupling structure, where the rotating board rotates to create a length difference in transmission lines, reducing mechanical abrasion and enabling smaller size and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a variable phase shifter uses a traditional structure with variable length transmission lines, then the phase shift capability is achieved, but the overall size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into a fixed board and a rotating board, each containing separate transmission line structures. The fixed board has a first transfer stripline and arc-shaped output micro striplines, while the rotating board has a second transfer stripline. This segmentation allows the phase shifting function to be distributed across multiple components, reducing the overall size while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Capacitive coupling is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed and rotating boards. The coupling capacitors transmit signals between the boards without requiring direct mechanical contact or physical connection of the transmission lines, enabling phase variation through rotational movement while minimizing mechanical abrasion and improving reliability.
2Device complexity
If the transmission line physical length is varied to achieve phase shift, then the phase shift function is implemented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotating board that can rotate relative to the fixed board to dynamically adjust the phase shift. The rotation angle of the rotating board changes the effective electrical path length through capacitive coupling, providing a simple mechanical means to achieve variable phase shift without complex transmission line configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based phase shifting mechanisms with a capacitive coupling system. Instead of physically connecting and varying transmission line lengths through mechanical means, the system uses electric field coupling between the fixed and rotating boards, reducing mechanical complexity and improving stability.
3Reliability
If mechanical contact between striplines is used for signal transfer, then signal transmission is achieved, but mechanical abrasion increases
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitive coupling serves as a non-contact intermediary for signal transmission between the fixed and rotating boards. The coupling capacitors create an electric field that transfers signals without requiring direct physical contact between the striplines, eliminating mechanical abrasion while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical contact-based signal transmission with electric field-based capacitive coupling. This replacement eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment and contact between striplines, reducing mechanical abrasion and simplifying manufacturing while maintaining signal transmission functionality.
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 design achieves a smaller overall size, reduces mechanical abrasion, and enhances performance by distributing input signals through a capacitive coupling mechanism, allowing for precise phase variation and efficient RF signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
coupling between the striplines is made and thus at least one output signal is provided even when the rotating board rotates
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a variable phase shifter, the variable phase shifter including: a fixed board which is fixedly provided in a housing, and consisting of a dielectric board, and consisting of a dielectric board, having a second transfer stripline having at least one arc-shaped output micro stripline on one surface; a rotating board rotatably provided within the housing while coming in contact with the one surface of the fixed board, and consisting of a dielectric board, having a second transfer stripline coupled to the arc-shaped output micro stripline on a surface where the rotating board comes in contact with the one surface of the fixed board even when the rotating board rotates; wherein both the sides of at least one output micro stripline of the fixed board are connected to an output port, and the other surface of the fixed board includes an input micro stripline, so that the other surface of the fixed board is electrically connected and receives an input signal.