Self-Cascadable Phase Shifter for 90 and 180-Degree Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard phase shifters typically require multiple units to achieve larger phase shifts, as they are limited to a fixed phase shift over a given frequency range, necessitating the connection of separate phase shifters to accomplish more significant phase shifts.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design featuring two layers of phase delay circuitry, with a dielectric layer in between, allowing for 90-degree phase delays that can be cascaded to achieve a total 180-degree phase shift, eliminating the need for additional phase shifters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single phase shifter with fixed phase shift is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is limited because it cannot achieve multiple phase shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is designed with two independent phase delay circuits (first and second) that can operate separately or be cascaded together. Each circuit provides a predetermined phase delay (e.g., 90 degrees), and by connecting them in series, the total phase delay becomes the sum (e.g., 180 degrees). This multi-functionality allows a single device to achieve multiple phase shifts without requiring additional phase shifters.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase shifter is divided into two separate phase delay circuits positioned on different layers of the body. Each layer contains one phase delay circuit with its own input and output terminals. This segmentation allows independent operation of each circuit for 90-degree phase shifts, or cascading them for 180-degree phase shifts, providing versatility while maintaining a single integrated device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate phase shifters are connected in series to achieve larger phase shifts, then the required phase shift is achieved, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two phase delay circuits that would traditionally require separate phase shifter components are merged into a single integrated phase shifter device. The first and second phase delay circuits are positioned on different layers within the same body, sharing common ground pads and housing. This merging reduces the component count from multiple separate phase shifters to a single unified device while maintaining the capability to achieve both 90-degree and 180-degree phase shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The two phase delay circuits are positioned on different layers (vertical dimension) of the body rather than requiring separate horizontal components. The dielectric layer separates the two phase delay circuit layers, enabling three-dimensional integration. This dimensional arrangement allows cascading connection between layers, achieving 180-degree phase shift without requiring additional separate phase shifter components on the same plane.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional phase shifters are attached to achieve larger phase shifts, then the phase shift capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single phase shifter device provides multiple phase shift options (90 degrees using one circuit, or 180 degrees by cascading both circuits) within one integrated unit. The body includes ground pads and terminal structures that facilitate both individual and cascaded operation, eliminating the need to physically attach additional phase shifters and simplifying the connection process while maintaining operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cascadable phase shifter having a two corresponding pairs of input and output pins. Each pair of input and output pins are interconnected by phase delay circuitry that is isolated from phase delay circuitry interconnecting the other pair of input and output pins so that each pair of input and output pins produces, for example, a 90 degree phase shift. The resulting phase shifter can be used to produce a 90 degree by using one pair of input and output pins or cascading both pairs of input and output pins to provide a 180 degree delay.