Slidable Plate Phase Shifter for Stable Antenna Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters in antenna units face challenges with flexible control and design complexity due to changes in output impedance or the need for extra space, affecting power distribution and signal propagation.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifting device with a power divider and a slidable plate that adjusts signal transmission path length using parallel microstrip lines and an adjusting member, allowing flexible switching and reducing impedance changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding part is used to change signal propagation path length, then phase shifting function is realized, but output impedance changes causing power distribution change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the sliding plate by configuring it with specific microstrip line structures and impedance values. The sliding plate is designed with a characteristic impedance that compensates for the impedance changes occurring during sliding, thereby maintaining stable power distribution while achieving phase shifting through path length variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding plate acts as an intermediary element between the signal source and the output. By introducing this intermediate component with carefully designed impedance characteristics, the patent mediates the interaction between the sliding mechanism and the signal path, preventing direct impedance mismatch from affecting power distribution.
2Ease of operation
If a dielectric constant changing phase shifter is used, then phase shifting is achieved, but more extra space is needed following the signal propagation path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear arrangement where the sliding mechanism must follow the signal path to a configuration where the sliding plate can be positioned in a different spatial dimension. The sliding plate is arranged to slide perpendicular to the main signal propagation direction, allowing phase shifting without extending the signal path length and reducing the required space along the propagation direction.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding part changes phase by changing path length, then phase shifting is realized, but design becomes limited by the signal propagation path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic sliding mechanism that allows the plate position to be adjusted independently of the signal propagation path constraints. This dynamic configuration enables flexible control of the sliding position to achieve different phase shifts, while the impedance compensation features ensure stable operation throughout the range of motion, greatly enhancing design flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A phase shifting device, an antenna unit and abase station are disclosed. According to an embodiment, the phase shifting device comprises a power divider and a phase shifter. The power divider comprises an input inlet for an input signal, a first output outlet connected with an impedance member having a system impedance, and a second output outlet connected with the phase shifter. The phase shifter comprises a first plate and a second plate slidable relative to the first plate. Two parallel microstrip lines are provided on a first surface of the first plate. An adjusting member is provided on a second surface of the second plate that faces to the first surface of the first plate. The adjusting member is configured to adjust a length of a total signal transmission path that is from one to the other of the two parallel microstrip lines via an intermediate signal transmission path introduced by the adjusting member, or to prohibit the input signal from transmitting to the second output outlet, according to a position of the second plate relative to the first plate when the second plate slides relative to the first plate.