Transformer-Coupled Switch Phase Shifter for Smaller Chip Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controllable phase shifters require significant semiconductor layer area due to the number of capacitors and inductors used, making them space inefficient, especially in applications like phased array chips where compactness is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A phase shifter design utilizing a combination of switches, capacitors, and a transformer, where the mutual inductance of the transformer emulates capacitors, allowing for a more compact implementation that reduces the chip surface area required, achieving 0 or 180-degree phase shifts depending on switch positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional phase shifter designs using multiple capacitors and inductors are used, then phase shifting functionality is achieved, but chip surface area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inductors into a single transformer component. The transformer's primary and secondary windings replace what would traditionally require separate inductor components, reducing the total component count and chip surface area while maintaining the necessary inductance values for phase shifting operation
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the necessary inductance for phase shifting, acts as a coupling element between signal paths, and enables impedance transformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated inductor components, thereby reducing overall device footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If two cascaded 90 degree switch type phase shifters are used to achieve 180 degree phase shift, then controllable phase shifting is achieved, but the number of inductors increases to two
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inductance requirements of two cascaded phase shifters into a single transformer component. The transformer's coupled windings provide the necessary inductance for both phase shifting stages, reducing the component quantity from two separate inductors to one integrated transformer
3Reliability
If passive phase shifters made of multiple capacitors and inductors are used, then phase shifting capability is provided, but footprint area becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple passive components (capacitors and inductors) into a more compact configuration using a transformer. The transformer's magnetic coupling enables phase shifting functionality that traditionally required separate L and C components, significantly reducing the passive component footprint on the chip
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the design parameters by using a transformer with specific turns ratios and coupling coefficients to achieve the desired phase shifting characteristics. This parameter transformation allows the system to achieve the same electrical function with physically smaller components
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 design achieves a phase shifter that can be implemented in a smaller chip surface area compared to traditional designs, making it suitable for space-efficient applications in communications devices, such as transmitter and receiver arrays.
Implementation Method 1
the mutual inductance of the transformer in at least some embodiments emulates one or more capacitors in a phase shift network
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for implementing a phase shifter in a space, e.g., chip surface area, efficient manner is described. In various embodiments a combination of switches, capacitors and a transformer are used in combination as a controllable phase shifter. In some embodiments the phase shifter supports a phase shift of 0 degrees or 180 degrees depending on the position of one or more switches. The mutual inductance of the transformer in at least some embodiments emulates one or more capacitors in a phase shift network making for an implementation that can be implemented on a semiconductor in an area efficient manner as compared to implementations using more capacitors and independent inductors.