Variable Phase Shifter With Movable Coupling Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters in RF transmitters lack the ability to continuously shift the phase of a signal over a required range, such as from 0 to 360 degrees, efficiently and accurately, which is necessary for applications like antenna arrays in cellular networks.
Innovation Solution
A variable phase shifter using a coupler and two conducting finite strips, where the conducting strips are movably coupled with the coupler to change the phase of the output signal relative to the input signal, with the length of the strips determining the phase shift range, allowing for continuous phase shifting from 0 to 360 degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional phase shifters are used, then the phase can be shifted, but the phase shifting is not continuous over the required range (0 to 360 degrees)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable conducting strips that can be dynamically positioned along the coupler to achieve continuous phase shifting. The strips are coupled to the coupler in a manner that allows them to move to different positions, thereby continuously adjusting the phase of the output signal relative to the input signal over the required 0 to 360 degree range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the conducting strips (their position and length) to achieve different phase shifts. By varying the displacement of the conducting strips along the coupler, the effective electrical length is modified, which directly changes the phase difference between input and output signals, enabling continuous phase control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conducting strips are made longer to increase phase shift range, then the phase shift range increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the phase shifting function into segments by using multiple conducting strips of finite length that are positioned at different locations along the coupler. Each strip contributes to the overall phase shift, and by moving these segmented strips to different positions, the full 0 to 360 degree phase range is achieved without requiring a single extremely long strip, thus reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the length of conducting strips in one dimension to achieve greater phase shift range, the patent utilizes the spatial dimension along the coupler by positioning and moving the strips at different locations. This transforms the problem from extending length to utilizing positional variation, thereby achieving the required phase range without proportionally increasing device 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 solution enables continuous and precise phase shifting of RF signals, improving the directional control of electromagnetic waves in antenna arrays by varying the displacement of conducting strips, which linearly changes the phase difference between input and output signals, enhancing beam directionality and reducing passive intermodulation.
Implementation Method 1
Displacing the conducting strips relative to the coupler, changes the phase of an output signal from the coupler, relative to the phase of a corresponding input signal into the coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A variable phase shifter comprising a coupler including an input port, an output port, a through port and a coupled port and two conducting finite strips exhibiting equal lengths, the first conducting strip being movably coupled with the section of the coupler connecting the input port with the through port and the second conducting strip being movably coupled with the section of the coupler connecting the output port and with the coupled port, wherein displacing the conducting strip relative to the coupler, changes the phase of an output signal from the coupler, relative to the phase of a corresponding input signal into the coupler.