Standing Wave Phase Shifter for High Frequency DUT Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vector network analyzers for measuring high-frequency signals are expensive, bulky, and prone to measurement inaccuracies due to the need for directional coupling devices and heterodyne/tuned receivers, which complicates the characterization of devices under test.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate and manipulate the phase of a standing wave on a transmission line coupled to a device under test, using a phase shifter and detector probe to sample the magnitude of the standing wave at various phase shifts, eliminating the need for expensive heterodyne/tuned receivers and directional coupling devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vector network analyzers use phased-locked input sources and heterodyne detection processes to measure high frequency signals, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex vector network analyzer system by removing the phased-locked input sources and heterodyne detection processes. It retains only the core capability to measure magnitude and phase of reflected and transmitted signals, achieving accurate measurements without the bulky and expensive auxiliary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex vector network analyzer components with simpler, more affordable measurement devices. By using basic signal generation and detection capabilities instead of sophisticated heterodyne receivers, the system achieves comparable measurement accuracy at significantly reduced cost and size.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If directional coupling devices are used to separate incident signals from reflected and transmitted signals, then signal measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes directional coupling devices from the measurement system while preserving the ability to separately measure incident, reflected, and transmitted signals. It achieves this by using simple signal injection and detection methods that inherently provide signal separation without requiring complex coupling hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a measurement system that can perform multiple measurement functions (measuring incident, reflected, and transmitted signals) using a single, simple device configuration. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized components like directional couplers, phase shifters, and complex receivers.
3Measurement precision
If heterodyne/tuned receivers are used for signal detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device portability and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive heterodyne/tuned receivers with simple, portable detection devices. By using basic signal detection capabilities instead of sophisticated receiver systems, the invention achieves adequate measurement precision while enabling handheld and field-deployable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and electronic systems of heterodyne receivers with simpler electronic detection methods. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky tuning mechanisms and complex signal processing hardware, resulting in a compact, portable device that maintains measurement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Analyzing a device under test (“DUT”) at higher frequencies. A phase shifter varies the phase of a standing wave on a transmission line coupled to the DUT. The standing wave magnitude is sampled at each of the phase shifts and one or more DUT characteristics are determined as a function of the sampled magnitudes and phase shifts. Further aspects include a related phase shifter comprising a waveguide having a plurality of sub-resonant slots formed therein and having active elements for loading the slots to control the phase shift applied to the signal.