Tunable Phase Shifter Layout Using Overlapping Branched Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phase shifters based on microstrip line structures have limitations such as low phase-shift amount and inefficient utilization of peripheral space, affecting antenna performance.
Innovation Solution
A tunable phase shifter design featuring a first and second substrate with a regulatable dielectric layer and electrode layers, including transmission lines with branches and a reference electrode, allowing for overlapping electric fields to control dielectric deflection and change effective dielectric constant for phase shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If phase shifters based on microstrip line structures are used, then the structure is simple and easy to process, but the phase-shift amount is low and peripheral space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar microstrip line structure to a three-dimensional configuration by introducing a substrate with vertically extending transmission lines and laterally extending branches. This dimensional change allows the transmission lines to overlap with the reference electrode in both vertical and lateral directions, significantly increasing the phase-shift amount while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard PCB fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission lines are divided into multiple branches that extend laterally from the vertical segments. This segmentation increases the interaction area between the transmission lines and the reference electrode, enabling greater phase shifting capability. The branched structure also improves peripheral space utilization by distributing the electrical paths across available space rather than concentrating them in a single linear path.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional microstrip line phase shifters are used, then processing is easy, but peripheral space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing vertical extension of transmission lines from the substrate surface and lateral branching, the design utilizes three-dimensional space rather than confined to a two-dimensional plane. This allows the transmission lines to overlap with the reference electrode in multiple spatial dimensions, significantly improving peripheral space utilization while maintaining compatibility with standard PCB fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The branched transmission lines are positioned to overlap and nest within the spatial envelope defined by the reference electrode structure. The vertical segments provide a base framework, while lateral branches extend into available space, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes the use of peripheral areas without interfering with other components or requiring additional manufacturing complexity.
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 design achieves a phase shift greater than 140° within a frequency band of 0-20 GHz, enhancing phase-shifting capability and antenna performance.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for overlapping electric fields to control dielectric deflection and change effective dielectric constant for phase shifting
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a tunable phase shifter and an electronic device, which relates to the technical field of microwave radio frequency. The tunable phase shifter includes: a first substrate and a second substrate; and a regulatable dielectric layer. The first electrode layer includes a reference electrode. The second electrode layer includes a first transmission line and a second transmission line, the first transmission line is provided with a first branch, the second transmission line is provided with a second branch, and the orthographic projections on the first substrate of the first branch and the second branch and the orthographic projection of the reference electrode on the first substrate at least partially overlap. The tunable phase shifter according to the present application forms an electric field by using the first branch, the second branch and the reference electrode, which can realize the function of phase shifting.