Variable Phase Shifter With Through Path And Dual Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase shifters are bulky and suffer from high insertion loss due to their complex configurations involving multiple circuit components and filters, making them difficult to miniaturize and optimize for efficient phase shifting across various frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A variable phase shifter design that incorporates a through path and dual switches (SPDT) to select between the phase shifter and the through path, reducing the number of components and signal path length, and optionally includes a lumped-constant LC circuit and reactance circuits for impedance matching across frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing phase shifters use high pass filter and low pass filter configurations, then phase shift functionality is achieved, but the device size increases and insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the phase shifter and through path into a single integrated component structure, eliminating the need for separate high pass and low pass filter circuits. This merging reduces the overall device area while maintaining phase shift functionality through a unified design that shares common circuit elements between the phase shift and through paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit components in the phase shifter are designed to serve multiple functions: the same capacitors and inductors are used both for phase shifting operations and for impedance matching across different frequency bands. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, thereby reducing device size while maintaining reliable phase shift performance.
2Reliability
If existing phase shifters use high pass filter and low pass filter configurations, then phase shift functionality is achieved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the phase shifter and through path into one integrated structure with shared circuit elements, the patent reduces the total number of discrete components and connection points. This reduction minimizes signal reflection and attenuation at interfaces, thereby lowering insertion loss while preserving phase shift functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the electrical parameters (capacitance values, inductance values) of the circuit components to achieve both phase shift functionality and minimal insertion loss. By carefully selecting and tuning these parameters, the design achieves efficient signal transmission with reduced energy loss across the operating frequency range.
3Area of stationary object
If the number of circuit components is reduced, then device size decreases, but phase shift precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the reduced number of components by precisely optimizing the electrical parameters of each component. The capacitance and inductance values are carefully selected to achieve accurate phase shift amounts (e.g., 45°, 90°, 135°) despite the simplified circuit topology. This parameter optimization ensures high phase shift precision is maintained even with fewer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs switchable capacitor configurations that can be dynamically adjusted to achieve different phase shift amounts. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the simplified circuit to maintain precise phase control across multiple settings, compensating for the reduced component count through flexible, programmable parameter adjustment.
4Device complexity
If a single switch configuration is used instead of multiple switches, then device complexity decreases, but control flexibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it can connect the phase shifter to the output for phase shifting operation, connect the through path for direct signal transmission, and enable different capacitor configurations for various phase shift amounts. This multi-functional design reduces switch complexity while maintaining full control flexibility needed for different operating modes and phase settings.
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
This configuration enables a compact, low-insertion-loss phase shifter that can achieve phase shifts in a specific frequency band, reduce size, and maintain impedance matching across multiple frequency bands, thereby enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of phase shifting.
Implementation Method 1
The phase shifter may include a lumped-constant LC circuit
Implementation Method 2
The phase shifter may include a lumped-constant LC circuit
Implementation Method 3
there can be included a reactance circuit connected between the first port of the phase shifter and the ground
Data Source
AI summary
A variable phase shift circuit has a phase shifter including a first port and a second port; a through path including a first port and a second port; a first switch including a first common port and configured to select the first port of the phase shifter or the first port of the through path and to connect the first port or the first port to the first common port; and a second switch including a second common port and configured to select the second port of the phase shifter or the second port of the through path and to connect the second port or the second port to the second common port. Phase shift amounts between the first common port and the second common port are switched in accordance with selections made by the first switch and the second switch.