Rotating PCB Phase Shifter for Antenna Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase shifters in variable tilt antennas suffer from high insertion loss, require extensive circuit board space, and are complex and costly due to the need for sliding trombone arrangements, which compromise accuracy and efficiency in controlling phase shifts.
Innovation Solution
A phased array using a primary and secondary printed circuit board (PCB) with arcuate co-centric tracks that rotate relative to each other, forming continuous conductive paths for phase shifting, allowing for precise control of phase shifts with reduced circuit board space and lower insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If sliding trombone arrangements are used for phase shifting, then phase shift control is achieved, but insertion loss increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding trombone arrangement with a rotational mechanism using printed circuit boards with arcuate tracks. The secondary PCB rotates relative to the primary PCB, eliminating the need for sliding contacts and reducing both insertion loss and mechanical complexity while achieving the same phase shifting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs arcuate (curved) conductive tracks on the printed circuit boards instead of straight tracks. The secondary PCB rotates about a center point, and the arcuate tracks are positioned such that their centers coincide with the rotation center, enabling continuous conductive paths to be formed through rotation while minimizing track length and insertion loss.
2Measurement precision
If sliding trombone arrangements are used for phase shifting, then phase shift control is achieved, but circuit board space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate tracks arranged in concentric arcs allow the conductive paths to be compactly organized around a rotation center. This curved layout enables precise phase shift control through rotation while minimizing the overall area required on the circuit board compared to linear sliding arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary PCB with arcuate tracks is nested within the area defined by the primary PCB's tracks. The rotational movement allows the secondary PCB to sweep through different phase positions within a compact circular area, efficiently utilizing the available circuit board space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manually tiltable antennas are used, then radiation pattern tilting is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tilting of the entire antenna structure with electronic phase shifting using rotating PCB assemblies. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy framework components and large mechanical moving parts, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and maintenance complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust the radiation pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable phase shifts through rotational movement of the secondary PCB, allowing the radiation pattern to be electronically tilted without physically moving the antenna structure. This dynamic adjustment mechanism is simpler and more cost-effective than manual mechanical tilting systems.
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 and accurate phase shifting with reduced complexity and cost, improving the performance of variable tilt antennas by minimizing waste and enhancing power utilization while maintaining precision.
Implementation Method 1
The overlapping tracks remain in electrical communication throughout; however, the amount of overlap between the tracks is varied in order to vary the overall operative length of the conductive path
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a phase shifter comprising a primary printed circuit board (PCB) having at least an arcuate co-centric unconnected double track printed thereon, and, a secondary PCB having printed thereon at least an arcuate co-centric double track connected by a radially extending link track located at neighbouring ends of the double track; whereby, the secondary PCB is rotatably mounted on the primary PCB such that the arcuate co-centric double tracks on both PCBs partially overlap one another so as to be in electrical communication with one another. The advantage of providing arcuate co-centric tracks on the secondary PCB and the primary PCB is that rotation of the secondary PCB may be used to increase the length of the completed track circuit rather than a translational movement of the secondary PCB. Therefore, no additional area on the primary PCB has to be reserved to accommodate the movement of the secondary PCB. A variable phase shifter and a differential phase shifter may also be constructed in analogous manners.