Segmented Electrode RF Phase Shifter for Radiation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifting devices are affected by unwanted radiation, leading to increased manufacturing costs and space requirements, and they often have limited flexibility in achieving a large phase difference between input and output signals.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency phase shifting device with a transmission line featuring segmented electrodes and tunable dielectric material, where serial and parallel capacitors are arranged along the line to control the phase shift, allowing for adjustable phase differences without significant interference from applied electric fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If additional features are added to reduce unwanted radiation, then radiation reduction is improved, but manufacturing costs and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful radiation effect into a beneficial phase shifting mechanism by utilizing the inherent electromagnetic field interaction between adjacent electrode segments. The alternating polarity segments create controlled field interactions that produce the desired phase difference while naturally suppressing unwanted radiation through the segmented structure itself, eliminating the need for additional radiation-reducing features.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are divided into multiple segments with alternating polarities along the transmission line. This segmentation creates localized field interactions that achieve phase shifting through the series connection of multiple capacitor-like segments, while the segmented structure inherently reduces radiation by confining electromagnetic fields between segments and preventing omnidirectional wave propagation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large phase difference is achieved between input and output signals, then phase shifting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves variable phase shifting by changing the electrical parameters of the segmented electrode structure. By adjusting the voltage applied to different segments or modifying the physical dimensions (spacing, overlap area) of the segments, the capacitance values change, which directly controls the phase difference. This allows continuous adjustment of phase shift from 0 to nearly 360 degrees without complex additional circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifting device is made dynamic by enabling real-time adjustment of the phase difference through voltage control of the dielectric material or electrode segment configuration. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to different operating conditions and achieve any desired phase difference within its range, transforming a static component into a versatile, controllable element.
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 device achieves efficient phase shifting with reduced electromagnetic wave emission, enabling flexible directionality in phased array antennas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a tunable dielectric material affects a phase shift of the electromagnetic signal that is propagated along the transmission line
Implementation Method 2
a bias voltage source to which a direct current voltage or a low frequency alternating current voltage is supplied
Implementation Method 3
adjacent lower segments and upper segments comprise serially overlapping areas that are filled with the tunable dielectric material, thereby each forming a tunable series capacitor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A radio frequency phase shifting device with a transmission line (1) comprises a first electrode (2) and a second electrode (7) that are spaced at a distance to each other and that are suitable and used for propagation of a radio frequency electromagnetic signal along the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (7) with a phase difference of 180° between the respective electromagnetic signals. Each of the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (7) is divided into several upper segments (4) and lower segments (3) that are spaced apart in a first direction perpendicular to the transmission line (1) and that are serially arranged along the transmission line (1), thereby each forming a tunable series capacitor (14)) that affects the phase of a radio frequency electromagnetic signal that propagates along the parallel overlapping section of the transmission line (1). The first electrode (2) and the second electrode (7) are spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, whereby the transmission line (1) comprises parallel overlapping sections providing for a tunable parallel capacitor (15) within the parallel overlapping section of the transmission line (1) that affects the phase of a radio frequency electromagnetic signal that propagates along the parallel overlapping section of the transmission line (1).