Voltage-Divider Phase Shifter for Precise Low-Power Radar Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar phase shifters in vehicle radar systems rely on I/Q modulator structures with active analog components, which consume power and can introduce phase precision inaccuracies, requiring complex calibration and occupying significant space on semiconductor chips.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phase shifter using voltage-divider circuits within signal paths to adjust amplitudes and achieve precise phase shifts, eliminating the need for digital-to-analog converters and reducing power consumption, while allowing for a compact and stable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional I/Q modulator structures with active analog components are used, then phase shifting functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases and phase precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes active analog components (digital-to-analog converters, multipliers) from the phase shifter structure, extracting only the essential passive voltage-divider circuits. This extraction eliminates the sources of power consumption and phase precision errors while retaining the core phase shifting functionality through digital control of passive elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes active analog electronic components with passive voltage-divider circuits controlled by digital signals. This replacement transitions from an analog-based system prone to drift and power consumption to a digital-controlled passive system that offers stability and low power consumption while maintaining phase shifting capability.
2Reliability
If conventional I/Q modulator structures are used, then phase shifting is achieved, but device complexity increases due to required calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-calibrating system where the voltage-divider circuits automatically maintain accurate phase relationships through their inherent passive characteristics. The digital control signals directly adjust the voltage division ratios without requiring external calibration procedures, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex calibration steps.
3Ease of operation
If active analog components are used for amplitude adjustment, then signal control is achieved, but area occupied on semiconductor chip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple voltage-divider circuits that can be replicated multiple times on the chip without significant area increase. These passive circuits serve as compact copies of the amplitude control function, replacing bulky active components while maintaining the required adjustment capability through digital control signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A phase shifter for adjusting a phase shift between an input signal and output signal of the phase shifter includes: a first signal path between the input and the output; a second signal path between the input and the output; and a phase-shifter circuit configured to shift a phase of a first signal of the first signal path and a phase of a second signal of the second signal path by a constant phase angle relative to each other. The first and second signal paths each comprise a voltage-divider circuit connected to its respective signal path and configured to adjust an amplitude of a signal of the respective signal path. The output signal is based on a combination of the first signal and the second signal.