Center-Tapped Transformer Phase Shifter for Low-Loss mm-Wave 180° Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters, particularly 180-degree phase shifters, exhibit significant phase errors and losses, which are not suitable for precise operations in mm-Wave band communications requiring wideband operation.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design incorporating a center-tapped transformer with a primary inductor, secondary inductor, and center-tapped capacitor, along with switches and matching circuits, allows for precise phase control, enabling both same-phase and 180-degree phase shifts, facilitating wideband operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional 180-degree phase shifter is used, then the phase shift function is achieved, but the phase error and loss are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into multiple independent 180-degree phase shifter units, each handling a portion of the total phase shift requirement. This segmentation reduces the phase error and loss in each individual unit compared to a single large-phase shifter, as the error and loss scale sub-linearly with the phase shift magnitude.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple 180-degree phase shifter units are combined in parallel to achieve the total required phase shift. By merging multiple low-error units, the overall system achieves high phase accuracy while maintaining low loss, as the combined output aggregates the signals from all units with individually minimized errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wideband operation is required for mm-Wave communication, then the frequency range is extended, but the phase error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter employs dynamically adjustable 180-degree phase shifter units that can be selectively activated based on the required phase shift and operating frequency. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain optimal phase accuracy across a wide frequency range by adapting the active units to the current operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical characteristics (impedance, capacitance, inductance) of the phase shifter units are specifically designed and tuned to operate optimally across the mm-Wave frequency range. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the phase shifter maintains accurate phase control despite the wide operating bandwidth requirement.
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 proposed phase shifter design minimizes phase errors and losses, ensuring accurate phase control across a wide frequency range, enhancing the performance of mm-Wave band communications.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary inductor magnetically coupled to the primary inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A phase shifter includes a center-tapped transformer including a primary inductor, a secondary inductor magnetically coupled to the primary inductor, and a center-tapped capacitor connected to the primary inductor. The phase shifter further includes a first switch electrically connected to a first terminal of the primary inductor and connects an input terminal of the phase shifter to the first terminal of the primary inductor in an on state and disconnects the input terminal of the phase shifter from the first terminal of the primary inductor. The phase shifter further includes a second switch electrically connected to a second terminal of the primary inductor and connects the input terminal of the phase shifter to the second terminal of the primary inductor and disconnects the input terminal of the phase shifter from the second terminal of the primary inductor in an off state.