Switched Transformer 180° Phase Shifter for Low-Loss Wideband Flatness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a 180-degree phase shifter that achieves low insertion loss and phase flatness across a wide bandwidth is challenging, particularly in high-frequency applications like millimeter wave systems, as existing switched filter topologies compromise between insertion loss and phase flatness, and often result in larger die sizes.
Innovation Solution
A switched transformer-based phase shifter topology that switches between positively and negatively coupled transformer paths, providing a 180-degree phase difference without filter response limitations, thus maintaining low insertion loss and phase flatness across a wide bandwidth while minimizing die size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If switched filter topology is used for 180-degree phase shifter, then phase flatness can be achieved, but insertion loss increases and die size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase shifter is divided into multiple independent signal paths (first path with first transformer, second path with second transformer) that can be selectively switched. Each path contains transformers with specific coupling characteristics, allowing the system to segment the phase shifting function across multiple parallel routes to achieve both low insertion loss and phase flatness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching between different signal paths based on operational requirements. Switches control which transformer path is active, enabling the system to adaptively select the optimal path for achieving either low insertion loss or phase flatness depending on the operating conditions and desired performance characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If switched filter topology is used for 180-degree phase shifter, then phase flatness can be achieved, but die size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design segments the phase shifter into modular transformer paths that can be independently optimized. By dividing the function across multiple switched paths with fewer components per path, the overall die size is reduced while maintaining phase flatness through the switching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple transformer paths that are essentially copies of each other with different coupling characteristics. Instead of using a single complex filter structure, multiple simplified transformer paths are created and switched between, reducing the total component count and die size while achieving the desired phase flatness.
3Loss of energy
If traditional phase shifter design is used, then insertion loss can be reduced, but phase flatness across wide bandwidth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between transformer paths with different characteristics to maintain both low insertion loss and phase flatness across wide bandwidth. The switching mechanism allows the phase shifter to adapt to different frequency ranges and operational requirements, preserving phase flatness without sacrificing insertion loss performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling parameters of the transformers (positive coupling for one path, negative coupling for another) to optimize performance. By varying the coupling characteristics and switching between paths with different parameters, the system achieves both low insertion loss and phase flatness across a wide bandwidth that would be impossible with a single fixed design.
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 switched transformer-based phase shifter achieves low insertion loss and phase accuracy with minimal die size, operating over a broad bandwidth and being less susceptible to process variations, thereby enhancing beamforming performance in high-frequency communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first signal path coupled between the first node and the second node, the first signal path including a positively coupled transformer; a second signal path between the first node and the second node, the second signal path including a negatively coupled transformer
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods related to phase shifters are provided. An example apparatus includes a first node to receive an input signal, a second node, a first signal path coupled between the first node and the second node, and a second signal path coupled between the first node and the second node. The first signal path includes a positively coupled transformer. The second signal path includes a negatively coupled transformer. The second signal path is out-of-phase with the first signal path at the second node. The apparatus further includes a plurality of switches to select the first signal path or the second signal path. The apparatus may further include tuning capacitors to improve phase-shifting performance of the apparatus.