Switchable Shield Transmission Line for Tunable Impedance and Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission lines have fixed characteristic impedance and phase shift characteristics that cannot be readily adjusted, limiting their adaptability to varying applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic component with a transmission structure and a shield structure below it, featuring shunt and series switches that allow for dynamic adjustment of characteristic impedance and phase shift by selectively connecting shield elements to lateral traces, enabling a wide range of adjustable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-geometry transmission lines are used, then manufacturing is simple and reliable, but adaptability to varying impedance and phase requirements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by incorporating switches (such as PIN diodes or FETs) that can change the electrical connection state of shield elements and cross-ties. This allows the transmission line's characteristic impedance and phase shift to be dynamically reconfigured between different states (e.g., connected/disconnected to ground), enabling adaptation to varying applications without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line is segmented into multiple independent controllable sections with discrete shield elements and cross-ties that can be individually switched. Each segment can be independently controlled to achieve different impedance and phase characteristics, providing fine-grained adaptability while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shield elements and switches are added to achieve adjustable impedance and phase shift, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switches in the patent serve multiple functions simultaneously: they control both the characteristic impedance and the phase shift of the transmission line. By using the same switch infrastructure to achieve both impedance matching and phase adjustment, the patent reduces the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the impedance control and phase shift control into a unified structure where shield elements and cross-ties are integrated with the transmission line geometry. The switches control both functions through a single architectural framework, merging what could have been separate systems into one cohesive adjustable transmission line structure.
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 component achieves a large design space for characteristic impedance and phase shift variations, allowing real-time adaptability and optimization of circuit behavior.
Implementation Method 1
The ground plane increases the capacitance and decreases the inductance of the transmission line, thus altering its characteristic impedance and phase shift
Implementation Method 2
The ground plane increases the capacitance and decreases the inductance of the transmission line
Implementation Method 3
Different configurations of the shunt and series switches result in different characteristic impedances and phase shifts
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic component includes a transmission structure and a shield structure below the transmission structure. The transmission structure includes a central trace and a pair of lateral traces. The shield structure includes multiple switchable shield elements that extend below the central trace. At least one of the shield elements is selectively electrically connectable to a lateral shield trace, causing the component to assume multiple values of characteristic impedance and phase shift. An associated device and a method of operation are further disclosed.