CN1390368A

CN1390368A - Variable phase shifter

Info

Publication number: CN1390368A
Application number: CN 00815637
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·F·迪托伊特; M·M·E·埃列恩; B·C·坦; J·H·汤姆森
Original assignee: Andrew LLC
Current assignee: Kang Pu Science And Technology Ltd Co
Priority date: 1999-05-20
Filing date: 2000-05-22
Publication date: 2003-01-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-05-22
Also published as: EP1181736A4; WO2001003233A1; CN1274054C; AU4605700A; AU764221B2; EP1181736A1; BR0011281A

Abstract

A variable phase shifter comprising first and second coupled signal conductors (6, 7, 17) providing a transmission path through the phase shifter. The signal conductors are relatively movable to vary the physical length of the transmission path. The first signal conductor comprises a pair of electrically parallel arms (6, 7), and the second signal conductor (17) is arranged between the arms of the first signal conductor. A ground plane (1) is arranged on one side of the signal conductors.

Description

Variable phase shifter

Invention field

The present invention relates to a kind of variable phase shifter, and relate to a kind of manufacture method of variable phase shifter.

Background of invention

Phase shifter is the necessary element of phased array.Need a kind of cost phase shifter low, that reliability is high and complexity is low to be encased in the phased array.

Adopted the multiple method that is used for signal phase shift so far.Used the semiconductor device such as PIN diode.Exist to be used to make the RF circuit variation so that realize required phase shift but do not allow the electric-controlled switch of continuous phase shift, these switches can cause the phase inter-modulation, and their power is limited and need complicated control circuit.The phase shifter that changes the dielectric constant of being located at the material between conductor and the ground plane also is used.

The first and second coupled signal conductors that provide by the transfer path of phase shifter are provided another kind of traditional method, and this signal conductor can relatively move to change the physical length of transfer path.A kind of example of this type of phase shifter has been described among the US-A-5801600.This method is difficult to guarantee to make the good signal that is modulated to mutually between the minimum conductor at the boundary between the conductor to be coupled.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, a kind of variable phase shifter is provided, the first and second coupled signal conductors that provide by the transfer path of this phase shifter are provided for it, signal conductor can relatively move to change the physical length of transfer path, wherein, first signal conductor comprises a pair of electrically parallel arm, and the secondary signal conductor then places between the arm of first signal conductor.

This configuration has a plurality of advantages.At first, place between the arm of first signal conductor, can make the electric coupling maximization between first and second conductor by making the secondary signal conductor.The length of transfer path is changed on a large scale.The second, this conductor arrangement has formed the highly fork transfer path of symmetry.The 3rd, if necessary, can accurately control and regulate the spacing between the arm of first signal conductor.

Preferably, on the opposite side of first signal conductor, supporting arrangement is set, so that keep the maximum spacing between the arm of first signal conductor.So just can make first and second signal conductors keep very approaching, so that the electric coupling maximum between the conductor, and accurately control line impedance.First signal conductor can be contained in the hole of supporting in the rib, and wherein the opposite side in this hole provides supporting arrangement.Perhaps, can provide a pair of rib, one of them has the recess that is used to hold conductor, and wherein supporting arrangement is provided by the substrate of this recess and the edge of another rib.

According to a second aspect of the invention, provide a kind of variable phase shifter, having comprised: the first and second coupled signal conductors by the transfer path of this phase shifter are provided, and signal conductor can relatively move to change the physical length of transfer path; And be arranged on conductive earthing plane at least one side of signal conductor.

Being provided with of ground plane can make signal propagate with TEM or accurate TEM pattern.Ground plane can be connected with the floating voltage benchmark, but preferably electrical ground.Preferably, this ground plane is connected with voltage reference (or ground) on more than one point.So just can guarantee in use, cross the voltage constant of whole ground plane.

A ground plane (being referred to as microstrip configurations) can only be set.Perhaps, second ground plane (strip line configuration) can be set on the opposite side of signal conductor.In another kind of " mixing " configuration, narrower earthing strip can be set on the opposite side of signal conductor.

Those those of skill in the art in the art should be understood that this ground plane can be fully or not exclusively is plane.Yet preferably, this or each ground plane have the one or more general plane shape surface portions towards first and second signal conductors.

Preferably, the width of ground plane is significantly greater than the width (transverse to signal propagation direction) of (for example more than three times) each signal conductor.

In a kind of advantageous configurations, one or two ground plane has near the first of first conductor, near the second portion and the stage portion between first and second parts of second conductor.So just can control (that is, by changing the distance between ground plane and the signal conductor) to the line impedence that is presented by first and second conductors.

Usually, signal conductor has the general plane shape surface towards this or each ground plane.So just can make signal conductor be easy to make the processing of pressing sheet material (for example by), and increase the field uniformity between signal conductor and the ground plane.

Usually, first and second signal conductors have relative general plane shape coupled surface.So also can make signal conductor be easy to make the processing of pressing sheet material (for example by), and make the coupling maximum between the conductor.

Preferably, the arm of first signal conductor has on the opposite side that is arranged on the secondary signal conductor respectively and the general plane shape coupled surface that is provided with of almost parallel each other.

Signal conductor can c-shaped or L shaped (as carrying out seeing in the side cross sectional view along signal propagation direction), perhaps can have interlocking groove or stage portion.Yet in a kind of preferred embodiment, signal conductor is by the made bar of the sheet material of cross section essentially rectangular.

The electric conducting material of making signal conductor is generally the metal such as red copper, brass or aluminium alloy.

In a kind of advantageous configurations, phase shifter also comprises the 3rd signal conductor, wherein the secondary signal conductor has the first arm that is coupled with first signal conductor and second arm that is coupled with the 3rd signal conductor, the secondary signal conductor provides transfer path between the first and the 3rd signal conductor by this, and secondary signal conductor and the first and the 3rd signal conductor can relatively move, to change the physical length of transfer path.

The setting (that is, the secondary signal conductor can be V-shaped) that can incline towards each other of the arm of secondary signal conductor.Yet preferably, first and second arms of secondary signal conductor extend along the direction of almost parallel.

The first and the 3rd conductor is removable, but preferably fixing, and the secondary signal conductor can (in the mode of trombone (trombone) sliding part) move.

Second aspect of the present invention also provides a kind of manufacture method of variable phase shifter, and this method comprises the following steps:

I) the first and second coupled signal conductors are set, so that the transfer path by phase shifter is provided, signal conductor can relatively move, to change the physical length of transfer path;

Ii) make the conductive earthing plane with the plate of conductive material of general plane shape; And

Iii) ground plane is arranged on the side of signal conductor.

In the preferred methods of making above-mentioned phase shifter, ground plane is made by the plate of conductive material of general plane shape.Compare with arranged coaxial (making by extrusion process traditionally), ground plane can be by board-like material, for example form by punching press or cutting.So just can make manufacture process cheap and simpler.

In its finished product form, ground plane can not exclusively be plane.For example, sheet material can be bent, bend or otherwise be formed with wall, groove, spine etc.In a kind of preferred embodiment, ground plane is formed with a pair of sidewalls and a stage portion.

Following explanation is used for to first and second aspects of the present invention.

Conductor can have the sliding conduction contact, and conductor resistance (ohmically) is coupled by this, but preferably, the secondary signal conductor separates by the insulator and first signal conductor, by this first and second signal conductor capacitive coupling.Can be used for to reduce to by the phase inter-modulation that metal-Metal Contact causes minimum like this.

Insulator can comprise a layer of air, but preferably, this insulator comprises solid-state or liquid insulating material.

Solid insulator can be used as a separating layer or coating (for example, the lubricant coating such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or polyester) be arranged on first and/or the secondary signal conductor on.Under the situation of the present invention aspect first, insulating coating is arranged on the relative coupled surface of second conductor that is coupled with the arm of first conductor usually.

Adopt the problem of PTFE to be, it can cause directly contact between the signal conductor in long-term use back wearing and tearing.Will cause the phase inter-modulation like this.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a kind of variable phase shifter is provided, the first and second coupled signal conductors that provide by the transfer path of phase shifter are provided for it, signal conductor can relatively move to change the physical length of transfer path, wherein, signal conductor one of them has towards another signal conductor and is provided with the coupled surface of oxide coating at least.

Directly contact-prevent the phase inter-modulation between the conductive surface that oxide coating is used to prevent to relatively move thus.

Usually, coating has been passed through anodization, preferably the hard anodizing processing forms.Hard anodic oxide coating has high hardness value and good antiwear characteristic.

Preferably, it is made by aluminium or its alloy to have a signal conductor of oxide coating.Self is easy to anodization aluminium.

Usually, anodization is to carry out being lower than on 5 ℃ the temperature.

Usually, anodization comprises conductor is immersed in the electrolyte, and makes its current density flow through this conductor greater than 2 amperes/decimeter 2 electric current.

Usually, the thickness of oxide skin(coating) is greater than 25 microns.

One of them of conductor (preferably scribbling the conductor of oxide) can have the lubricant coating (for example PTFE) on the surface thereof of being formed on.

The 3rd aspect of the present invention also provides a kind of manufacture method of variable phase shifter, and this method comprises the following steps:

I) the first and second coupled signal conductors are set, so that the transfer path by phase shifter is provided, signal conductor can relatively move, to change the physical length of transfer path; And

Ii) one of at least one signal conductor surface is gone up and is formed oxide coating therein.

In a kind of preferred embodiment, phase shifter has the connecting terminal that is welded direct on the coaxial cable.Yet coaxial cable is expensive and is difficult to connect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, provide a kind of variable phase shifter, having comprised: the circuit board that is formed with at least two conductive paths on it; With first Signal Terminal that conductive path is connected wherein; The secondary signal terminal that is connected with another conductive path; And the device that is used between first and second connecting terminals, providing variable phase shift.

To be connected with the phase shifter quantity of required coaxial cable of the 4th aspect of the present invention reduces to minimum.In addition, all terminals can be easily and are connected to conductive path on the circuit board securely.

Preferably, be formed with at least two connecting holes in circuit board, each Signal Terminal passes a corresponding hole respectively.

A plurality of phase shifters can be installed on the circuit board, and are connected by conductive path.In this case, can only need a coaxial cable to connect.

Following explanation is used for the phase shifter according to all aspects of the present invention.

Variable phase shifter can be installed in the power splitter/combiner, and this power splitter/combiner comprises three or more signal connecting terminal, and wherein variable phase shifter is coupling in wherein between two Signal Terminals.

For signal reflex is minimized, also can be therein coupling one impedance matching box between two Signal Terminals.

Phase shifter preferably uses in the supply network of phased array, uses in the communication network such as honeycomb mobile telephone network usually.

Usually, the size of phase shifter is made into can be and is in its lower limit and provides variable phase shift more than or equal to the 400MHz and the upper limit smaller or equal to the signal in the wavelength band of 3GHz.Under a kind of preferable situation, the size of phase shifter is made into can be and is in its lower limit and provides variable phase shift more than or equal to the 800MHz and the upper limit smaller or equal to the signal in the wavelength band of 2.5GHz.

Brief description

Now will by way of example a plurality of embodiment of the present invention be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in these accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a kind of schematic perspective view of variable phase shifter;

Fig. 2 is a kind of plane graph of paired variable phase shifter, wherein shows all hidden parts, and has omitted coaxial cable;

Fig. 3 is the line AA side cross sectional view in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is the line BB side cross sectional view in Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is the end view of the phase shifter seen from the left side of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a kind of plane graph of dual phase shifter, wherein shows all hidden parts, and has omitted coaxial cable;

Fig. 7 is a kind of stereogram of upside of paired variable phase shifter test suite, and wherein sliding part is in it and is fully retracted in the position;

Fig. 8 is the end view of seeing from the left side of Fig. 7, and wherein all vertical dimensions all have been exaggerated 100%.

Fig. 8 a is transverse to passing through the wherein signal propagation direction side cross sectional view of a supporting rib;

Fig. 9 is the stereogram of the downside of this assembly;

Figure 10 shows the local amplification stereogram of downside of the assembly of cable connectors;

Figure 10 a shows the cutaway view of the connector shown in Figure 10 that is connected with coaxial cable;

Figure 11 is the stereogram of the bottom side of this assembly, has wherein removed some part, and sliding part is in its complete extended position;

Figure 12 is the end-view of seeing from the left side of Fig. 7;

Figure 13 is the local amplification stereogram of this assembly;

Figure 14 is the partial end view of this assembly of seeing from the right side of Fig. 7;

Figure 15 is a kind of circuit diagram of dual polarization phased array; And

Figure 16 is the end view of antenna array shown in Figure 15.

The detailed description of preferred embodiment

See also Fig. 1, variable phase shifter comprises the metallic plate shell 1 that ground plane is provided and is connected with the outer conductor electrical ground of coaxial cable 2-4.This housing 1 has a plane substrate (as shown in Figure 1) and a plane cover cap (not shown).Variable delay output signal conductor 5 comprises pair of conductive material (such as red copper or the brass) bar 6,7 that is connected by end wall 8.The inner wire 9 of coaxial cable 2 is connected with end wall 8.Input signal conductor 10 comprises a pair of red copper or the brass rod 11,12 that is connected by end wall 13.The inner wire 14 of coaxial cable 3 is connected with end wall 13.Lower electrode strip 12 has the arm 23 that the fixed delay outlet terminal is provided and is connected with the inner wire 15 of triaxial cable 4.Therefore, the input signal on the conductor 14 splits in end wall 13 punishment, and transmits along the bar 11,12 of electric parallel (that is, being electrically connected, so that link together at common contact place and conductor 14).

U-shaped sliding part 16 provides an adjustable length signal conductor.This sliding part 16 has and is folded in the output arm 17 between the bar 6,7 and is folded in input arm 18 between the bar 11,12.The top and bottom of this red copper or brass sliding part 16 all scribble such as polyester or Teflon ^TM(PTFE) and so on low friction insulating material.This sliding part 16 and signal conductor 5,10 capacitive coupling, and change the physical length (that is, changing the length of the conductor between cable 3,4 and cable 2) of transfer path by sliding into and skid off (shown in 22).

Capacitive coupling between sliding part 16 and the signal conductor 5,10 is enough to provide broadband to lead to and connects in its whole adjustable range.

Input signal 19 division on the coaxial cable 3 and be output into fixed delay output signal 20 on the coaxial cable 4 and the variable delay output signal 21 on the coaxial cable 2.By regulating sliding electrode 16, can constantly change the phase shift of output signal 21 with respect to input signal 19 and fixed delay output signal 20.

Show in detail a kind of paired variable phase shifter package body of the phase shifter that two types shown in Figure 1 are housed among Fig. 2-5.Signal conductor is contained in brass or the red copper housing, and this housing comprises a general plane shape substrate 30, end wall 35, pair of

sidewalls

36,37 and a cover cap 31.This cover cap 31 has general plane shape bottom 32, general plane shape top 33 and stage portion 34.This cover cap 31 also has and is soldered among the wall 35-37 so that provide firm six lugs 120,121, the 123-126 that is electrically connected between substrate 30 and cover cap 31.

See also Fig. 2, housing 30-37 is holding a pair of variable phase shifter 38,39.This variable phase shifter the 38, the 39th, identical, so following will only being described in detail to phase shifter 38.

Phase shifter 38 comprises an input signal conductor 40, output signal conductor 41 and sliding part 42.Output signal conductor 41 shown in Figure 3 comprises that bending at one end is so that form the following brass or the red copper bar 48 of end wall 49 (being illustrated in the partial enlarged drawing of Fig. 3).Last brass or red copper bar 47 are welded on the end wall 49, so that parallel with following bar 48.Input signal conductor shown in Figure 4 comprises brass or the

red copper bar

44,45 and the end wall 46 (Fig. 2) of pair of parallel.U-shaped sliding part 42 has and is folded in the input arm 43 between the

bar

44,45 and is folded in output arm 50 between the bar 47,48.Be shown specifically in the partial enlarged drawing as Fig. 4, the top and bottom of sliding electrode 42 all

scribble PTFE layer

51,52.

Input and output conductor 40,41 is by 53,54 supportings of a pair of bearing assembly shown in Figure 3.The structure of this

assembly

53,54 is identical, and one of them assembly 54 has been shown among Fig. 4.This assembly 54 is included between the

sidewall

36,37 and extends and with a pair of

plastic insulation rib

55,56 of bolted on substrate 30 and cover cap 31.Rib 55 has four recesses admitting the phase shifter conductor.The low frictional behavior of

PTFE layer

51,52 is guaranteed this sliding part 42 conveniently movings, and reduces wear and inter-modulation mutually.

Rib

55,56 as far as possible narrow so that they are reduced to minimum to the influence of the wave impedance of the line of departure.In another kind of embodiment, the profile of

rib

55,56 can be constituted as shown in the dotted line 54 ' among Fig. 2, so that they are more narrow.If rib causes transition in wave impedance, then can be when being shelved on the signal conductor on residing all points, in cover cap 31 and/or substrate 30, form hole (not shown) this transition is reduced to minimum at rib.

This is connected with the common insulation actuator 60 that is supported by a pair of sliding

bearing

61,62 to sliding part.

In use, six roots of sensation coaxial cable 110-115 (Fig. 5) is connected on the phase shifter shown in Figure 3 of relative input cable 111.The outer conductor 63 of this cable 111 is inserted in the hole 66 in the end wall 35, so that the end of this conductor 63 flushes with the inner surface of wall 35.This outer conductor is fixed on the end wall 35 by scolder 64.Inner wire 65 passes the hole (not indicating) in the end wall 49, and fixing by scolder 67.End wall 49 separates by insulating washer 68 and housing.

See also Fig. 2,

input signal conductor

40,72 has the widened section of the big width 101 of band respectively, and this width can reduce the impedance of this part with respect to sliding part, output signal conductor and fixed delay outlet terminal.This widened section also has quarter-wave length.So just can provide impedance matching, so that the reflection of transfer path input signal on the residing point when the punishment of fixed delay outlet terminal is split is reduced to minimum.

From Fig. 3, can be clear that, be similar between the bottom 32 of cover cap and the distance 151 between the sliding part 42 between the top 33 of cover cap and last distance 150 between 47.As a result, the wave impedance of sliding part 42 just is similar to the wave impedance of signal conductor 40,41.Replacement is can increase by a conductor plate by the downside to cover cap 31 and form stage portion 34 by what form stage portion 34.

A kind of dual variable phase shifter has been shown among Fig. 6.This phase shifter is similar to the paired phase shifter shown in Fig. 2-5, and its main distinction is that conductor 41 is connected with the conductor 69 of second phase shifter 39.So just between input signal 70 and output signal 71, produce dual phase shift.Conductor 72 has narrow profile (being similar to output conductor 41), and only has single fixed delay outlet terminal arm 23.

A kind of paired phase shifter test suite has been shown among Fig. 7-14.Two phase shifters the 200, the 201st in this assembly, identical, so following will only being described to phase shifter 200.Signal conductor is installed on the general plane shape aluminium sheet 202.This plate 202 provides first ground plane (being similar to the substrate 30 in Fig. 2-6 illustrated embodiment).Yet, be not provided with the ground level that connects among the embodiment shown in Fig. 7-14.The substitute is, collect the line of flux of dissipation by the brass earthing strip of bending with general plane shape bottom 203, general plane shape top 204 and tilt stage portion 205.We have found that the narrower width of bar 204 (comparing with the width of cover cap 31 in Fig. 2-6 illustrated embodiment) can significantly not reduce the performance of phase shifter.In fact, this 204 can be narrower, and still can be used as effective matching plate (shield).

Printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) 208 is connected on the relative interarea of plate 202 by two-sided tape (not shown).This PCB 208 comprises one deck red copper 301 (shown in the cutaway view of Figure 10 a) that has on the surface thereof of being coated in and is formed on the insulation board 300 of (referring to Fig. 9) such as its another lip-deep many red copper wires 210,211.

Last bar 214 and following parallel strip 206 form the input pin of phase shifter.Article two, pin is identical, so following will only being described input pin.Last bar 228 and following bar 229 form the output pin of phase shifter.Last bar 214,228 and earthing strip 204 etc. have been omitted among Figure 11, so that bar is shown down.

As shown in Figure 8, following brass or red copper bar 206 bend downwards at one end place, and have the connecting terminal 207 in the hole of passing among the PCB 208 351 (can be clear that from Figure 13).As shown in figure 13, last brass or red copper bar 214 also bend downwards at one end place, and have the connecting terminal 215 that passes hole 351.Red copper layer 301 on the PCB is etched, so that form the window 209 of wound hole 351 as shown in figure 13, in order to guarantee that conductor 206,214 can be not electrical ground.Be printed on the red copper bar 210,211 that has around the widened end join domain 212,213 of terminal 215,207 on another surface (as shown in Figure 9) of PCB 208.As shown in Figure 8, terminal 215,207 is passed PCB 208.In treatment step subsequently, teat 215,207 is soldered on the red copper join domain 212, so that guarantee good connection.

Brass rod 204 (Fig. 8,13) bends at one end place, and has the terminal 250 in the hole of passing among the PCB 208 252 as shown in figure 13.In treatment step subsequently, teat 250 is welded facing to the red copper layer on the PCB 301, so that provide firm ground connection to connect.

When using, one group of metal clip 216,217 etc. is connected with coaxial cable.Not shown coaxial cable among Fig. 9 connects but show in detail single exemplary cable in Figure 10 a.Clip 216 shown in Fig. 7 and 10 has a pair of lug plate 218,219 that this clip is fixed facing to the lip-deep red copper layer 301 of PCB.In treatment step subsequently, this lug plate 218,219 is soldered, so that guarantee firm connection.This clip 216 also has four arm 220-223 (as shown in figure 10) in the hole of passing among the PCB 208 224.Coaxial cable shown in Figure 10 a has outer conductor 225 that engages with arm 220-223 and the inner wire 226 that engages with red copper wire 210.In treatment step subsequently, this arm 220-223 bends inwards and welds, so that clamp outer conductor firmly, and inner wire 226 is welded on the red copper bar 210.The connection of Figure 10 a is actually firm.Also can accurately control between the end of lead 210 and the width in the key gap 227 between the hole 224.

U-shaped sliding part 230 (can be clear that from Figure 11) has and is folded in the first arm 231 between the bar 206,214 and is folded in second arm 232 between the bar 228,229.This sliding part 230 is connected with the common insulation actuator 238 that is supported by three sliding bearing 239-241.This actuator 238 by with central core 242, back-up coat 243,244 and be contained in projection (boss) 236,237 moulds in the hole in the sliding part 230 (indicating) and annotate and form a single-piece together up and down.In treatment step subsequently, these projection 236,237 slide relative parts are flattened, so that sliding part is fixed on the actuator 238.

Signal conductor is by 233,234 supportings of a pair of supporting member.The structure of this supporting member 233,234 is identical, so following will only being described one of them.Supporting member 233 is formed the single ambroin sheet that is press-fitted folder 234,235 that has the rectangular opening of admitting signal conductor and be used for fixing earthing conductor bar 204 (as shown in Figure 7).This supporting member 233 is fixed on the remainder of assembly by the lug plate 251-253 that passes hole among plate 202 and the PCB 208 (for indicating) and be press-fitted facing to the opposite side of PCB 208 as shown in Figure 9.

In use, 50 ohm coaxial cable is connected on the clip 216,217.The size of red copper bar 210,211 and phase shifter signal conductor is made the wave impedance that presents near 50 ohm respectively, and thus signal reflex is reduced to minimum.

As shown in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2-6, the wave impedance of sliding part 230 is controlled by the stage portion 205 that is provided in the earthing strip.

Sliding part 230 is made by the course of processing described below.

The sliding part manufacture process

Bathe	Describe	Chemicals
Bathe	Describe	Chemicals
????1	Prerinse	????Al?Probright ^TM
????1	Prerinse	????Al?Probright ^TM	????2	The prerinse rinsing	Overflow H ₂O
????3	Corrosive attack	Sodium hydroxide solution	????2	The prerinse rinsing	Overflow H ₂O
????3	Corrosive attack	Sodium hydroxide solution	????4	The corrosivity rinsing	Overflow H ₂O
????5	Remove residue (desmut)	Salpeter solution	????4	The corrosivity rinsing	Overflow H ₂O
????5	Remove residue (desmut)	Salpeter solution	????6	Go the residue rinsing	Overflow H ₂O
????7	Hard anodizing (hard anodising)	Sulfuric acid solution	????6	Go the residue rinsing	Overflow H ₂O
????7	Hard anodizing (hard anodising)	Sulfuric acid solution	????8	The hard anodizing rinsing	Overflow H ₂O
????9	The hot water rinsing	Hot overflow H ₂O	????8	The hard anodizing rinsing	Overflow H ₂O

Bathe prerinse No. 1

Chemicals: Al PROBRIGHT ^TM

Al Probright is a kind of aluminium that is designed to remove

And the alkali of the dirt on the alloy and most of antiscuffing paste

Property solution.

Groove volume: 14.4 liters

Bathe and form: 10% AlProbright

90% deionized water

Temperature: ambient temperature

Time: 3 minutes or longer time (depending on pollution condition)

Bathe the prerinse rinsing No. 2

Chemicals: overflow H ₂O

Groove volume: 18 liters

Test chemical: 1.pH8-10

2. keep specification (specs) by the control overflow

Bathe corrosive attack No. 3

Chemicals: NaOH

NaOH is a kind of highly basic aggressive agent, and it will form

Particulate tarnish (matt) surface layer (finish), and will

Prevent that the aluminum hydroxide precipitation that can't dissolve from corroding bath

In.

Groove volume: 14.4 liters

Bathe and form: the NaOH of 40 grams per liters

14.4 the deionized water that rises

Temperature: ambient temperature

Time: 3 minutes

Bathe the corrosivity rinsing No. 4

Chemicals: overflow H ₂O

Groove volume: 18 liters

Test chemical: 1.pH10-11

2. keep specification by the control overflow

Bathe for No. 5 and remove residue

Chemicals: nitric acid

The nitric acid design is used for removing aluminium and closes after alkaline attack

Residue on the gold, and make its surface-brightening.

Groove volume: 14.4 liters

Bathe and form: 30% nitric acid

70% deionized water

Temperature: ambient temperature

Time: 3 minutes

Bathe for No. 6 and go the residue rinsing

Chemicals: overflow H ₂O

Groove volume: 18 liters

Test chemical: 1.pH2-3

2. keep specification by the control overflow

Bathe hard anodizing No. 7

Chemicals: sulfuric acid

Groove volume: 14.4 liters

Bathe and form: 10% sulfuric acid (98%)

Operating parameter: 175-225 grams per liter

Temperature: 0 ℃ ± 1 ℃

Time: 60 minutes (thickness almost is the function of time)

Current density: 3 amperes/decimeter ²-5 amperes/decimeter ²

The aluminium alloy trade mark: 5005

Bathe the hard anodizing rinsing No. 8

Chemicals: overflow H ₂O

Groove volume: 18 liters

Parameter: pH2-3

Immerse the time: maximum 2 minutes

Bathe control: immersing for a long time and have can greater than 3 pH value

Cause inhomogeneous variable color.Keep by increasing sulfuric acid

The pH value.

Bathe the hot water rinsing No. 9

Chemicals: overflow water

Groove volume: 14.4 liters

Temperature: 50-60 ℃

Test chemical: pH6-7

Keep the pH specification by regulating weir loading

Be noted that this process does not comprise the sealing step.This step is foreclosed, in order to guarantee wear-resisting oxide coating.

Sliding part is by made so that form the aluminium alloy of the oxide layer shown in Fig. 8 a by hard anodizing (bathing referring to above-mentioned No. 7).Fig. 8 a carries out side cross sectional view from the part of supporting rib 233.Fig. 8 a is a not to scale (NTS).This supporting rib has the hole 310 that its size is suitable for holding loosely signal conductor.In a kind of example, this hole 310 is 2.4 millimeters high, and signal conductor 206,214,231 then is 0.7 millimeters thick-give, 0.3 mm clearance (play) altogether.Hole 310 can be accurately positioned and definite size, so that accurately control the wave impedance of conductor.

That travelling arm 231 shown in Fig. 8 a has is formed in the hard anodizing process, by 312 of the oxide layers of 50 micron thickness around aluminium alloy core 311.The top and bottom of sliding part are coated with PTFE thin layer 313,314.

In use, the low frictional behavior of PTFE can reduce the wearing and tearing between the moving-member.If PTFE layer 313,314 weares and teares gradually, then oxide layer 312 (being electrical insulator) can prevent any metal-Metal Contact between the electrode, prevents the phase inter-modulation thus.Oxide layer 312 is also more wear-resisting, and we have found that, PTFE tends to be filled in the crack in the oxide, improves wearing character thus.

If necessary, then PTFE layer 313,314 can omit.Signal conductor 206,214 also can be made by the hard anodizing aluminium alloy with PTFE coating.

Assembly shown in Fig. 7-14 is a kind of test suite that is used to test the phase shifter performance.In the time of in being installed in Phased Array System (will narrate hereinafter), a plurality of phase shifters can being installed on the single PCB, and linking together by the lead on the upper surface of PCB.In this configuration, only need with single coaxial connection of PCB.

Phase shifter shown in Fig. 2-14 can use in circuit arrangement shown in Figure 15.Signal generator 80 generations one are input to the signal of the dual phase shifter 81 of type shown in Figure 6.The auxiliary outlet terminal arm 23 of phase shifter 81 is connected with phase shifter 82, this phase shifter 82 and be connected with a pair of dual polarization (polarised) emitter 83,84.The variable delay output of phase shifter 81 is imported into the phase shifter 85 that then is connected with a pair of dual polarization emitter 86,87.The relative terminal of emitter is replenished drive circuit (shown in the first half of Figure 15) by one group and is driven.

Phase shifter 82,95 can together be contained in the paired phase shifter package body.Similarly,

phase shifter

85,96 can together be contained in the paired phase shifter package body.Perhaps,

phase shifter

95,96 and 82,85 can be contained in together.

Claims

1. the first and second coupled signal conductors that provide by the transfer path of described phase shifter are provided a variable phase shifter, described signal conductor can relatively move to change the physical length of described transfer path, wherein, described first signal conductor comprises a pair of electrically parallel arm, and described secondary signal conductor then places between the arm of described first signal conductor.

2. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the supporting arrangement on the opposite side that is arranged on described first signal conductor, so that keep the maximum spacing between the arm of described first signal conductor.

3. variable phase shifter, comprising: the first and second coupled signal conductors by the transfer path of described phase shifter are provided, and described signal conductor can relatively move to change the physical length of described transfer path; And be arranged on conductive earthing plane at least one side of described signal conductor.

4. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, also comprises second ground plane on the opposite side that is arranged on described signal conductor.

5. as claim 3 or 4 described variable phase shifters, it is characterized in that described one or two ground plane has the first near described first conductor, the second portion and the stage portion between described first and second parts of approaching described second conductor.

6. as the described variable phase shifter of any one claim among the claim 3-5, it is characterized in that described signal conductor has the general plane shape surface towards described or each ground plane respectively.

7. as the described variable phase shifter of any one claim among the claim 3-6, it is characterized in that described or each ground plane has the one or more general plane shape surface portions towards described first and second signal conductors.

8. as the described variable phase shifter of any one claim among the claim 3-7, it is characterized in that, described ground plane and described first and second signal conductors have the respective width transverse to signal propagation direction respectively, and the width of described ground plane is greater than more than three times of width of described each signal conductor.

9. as the described variable phase shifter of any one claim among the claim 3-8, it is characterized in that described ground plane is made by the plate of conductive material of general plane shape.

10. the first and second coupled signal conductors that provide by the transfer path of described phase shifter are provided a variable phase shifter, described signal conductor can relatively move to change the physical length of described transfer path, wherein, described signal conductor one of them has towards another signal conductor and is provided with the coupled surface of oxide coating at least.

11. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, described coating forms by anodization.

12. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 11 is characterized in that, described coating forms by the hard anodizing processing.

13. the described variable phase shifter of any one claim as among the claim 10-12 is characterized in that, the signal conductor with described oxide coating is made by aluminium or its alloy.

14. the described variable phase shifter of any one claim as among the claim 10-13 is characterized in that, described signal conductor one of them has the lubricant coating on the surface thereof of being formed at least.

15. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that, described lubricant coating is formed on the top of described oxide coating.

16. the described variable phase shifter of any one claim as in the above-mentioned claim is characterized in that described first and second signal conductors have relative general plane shape coupled surface.

17. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that, the arm of described first signal conductor has on the opposite side that is arranged on described secondary signal conductor respectively and the general plane shape coupled surface that is provided with of almost parallel each other.

18. as the described variable phase shifter of any one claim in the above-mentioned claim, it is characterized in that, also comprise the 3rd signal conductor, described secondary signal conductor has the first arm that is coupled with described first signal conductor and second arm that is coupled with described the 3rd signal conductor, described by this secondary signal conductor provides transfer path between the described first and the 3rd signal conductor, and described secondary signal conductor and the first and the 3rd signal conductor can relatively move, to change the physical length of described transfer path.

19. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 18 is characterized in that, first and second arms of described secondary signal conductor extend along the direction of almost parallel.

20. the described variable phase shifter of any one claim as in the above-mentioned claim is characterized in that described secondary signal conductor separates by insulator and described first signal conductor, the described by this first and second signal conductor capacitive coupling.

21. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that, described insulator comprises solid-state or liquid insulating material.

22. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that, described insulator comprise be positioned at described first and/or the secondary signal conductor on insulating coating.

23., it is characterized in that described insulating material contacts with two signal conductors as claim 21 or 22 described variable phase shifters, when signal conductor relatively moved, described insulating material provided the sliding bearing surface by this.

24. a variable phase shifter comprises: the circuit board that is formed with at least two conductive paths on it; With first Signal Terminal that conductive path is connected wherein; The secondary signal terminal that is connected with another conductive path; And the device that is used between described first and second connecting terminals, providing variable phase shift.

25. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 24 is characterized in that, also comprises at least two connecting holes that are formed in the general plane shape surface, described Signal Terminal passes a corresponding hole respectively.

26., it is characterized in that as claim 24 or 25 described variable phase shifters, also comprise coaxial cable with inner wire and outer conductor, described inner wire is connected with conductive path wherein.

27. as the described variable phase shifter of any one claim in the above-mentioned claim, it is characterized in that the size of described phase shifter is made into can be and is in its lower limit and provides variable phase shift more than or equal to the 400MHz and the upper limit smaller or equal to the signal in the wavelength band of 3GHz.

28. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 27 is characterized in that, the size of described phase shifter is made into can be and is in its lower limit and provides variable phase shift more than or equal to the 800MHz and the upper limit smaller or equal to the signal in the wavelength band of 2.5GHz.

29. a power splitter/combiner comprise three or more Signal Terminal and as above-mentioned claim in any one claim described, be coupling in wherein the variable phase shifter between two Signal Terminals.

30. power splitter/combiner as claimed in claim 29 is characterized in that, also comprises the impedance matching box that is coupling in wherein between two Signal Terminals.

31. a phased array comprises: at least two emissive element; And the supply network that is used for supplying with the signal of relative phase shift to described emissive element, wherein, described supply network comprises one or more as the described variable phase shifter of any one claim among the claim 1-28 and/or as claim 29 or 30 described power splitter/combiner.

32. a cellular communication system comprises phased array as claimed in claim 31.

33. the manufacture method of a variable phase shifter, described method comprises the following steps:

I) the first and second coupled signal conductors are set, so that the transfer path by described phase shifter is provided, described signal conductor can relatively move, to change the physical length of described transfer path;

Iii) described ground plane is arranged on the side of signal conductor.

34. method as claimed in claim 33, its feature exists, and the described step of making ground plane comprises that a pair of opposite edges that bend described plate are so that form the step of pair of sidewalls.

35. as claim 33 or 34 described methods, it is characterized in that the described step of making ground plane comprises the described plate of bending so that in the first of approaching described first conductor and near the step that forms stage portion between the second portion of described second conductor.

36. the described method of any one claim as among the claim 33-35 is characterized in that, the described step of first and second signal conductors that provides comprises the step of making each conductor with the plate of conductive material of general plane shape.

37. the manufacture method of a variable phase shifter, described method comprises the following steps:

I) the first and second coupled signal conductors are set, so that the transfer path by described phase shifter is provided, described signal conductor can relatively move, to change the physical length of described transfer path; And

38. method as claimed in claim 37 is characterized in that, step I) comprise by anodization formation oxide.

39. method as claimed in claim 38 is characterized in that, step I) comprise by hard anodizing and handle the formation oxide.

40. method as claimed in claim 39 is characterized in that, described anodization is to carry out being lower than on 5 ℃ the temperature.

41. the described method of any one claim as among the claim 38-40 is characterized in that, described anodization comprises conductor is immersed in the electrolyte, and makes its current density greater than 2 amperes/decimeter ²Electric current flow through described conductor.

42. the described method of any one claim as among the claim 37-41 is characterized in that, also is included in a wherein surperficial step that forms lubricant coating that goes up of at least one signal conductor.

43. method as claimed in claim 42 is characterized in that, described lubricant coating is formed on the top of described oxide coating.

44. one kind by the variable phase shifter as the described method manufacturing of any one claim among the claim 33-43.

45. variable phase shifter as claimed in claim 3, it is characterized in that, also comprise the conductive earthing bar on the opposite side that is arranged on described signal conductor, described earthing strip has the width transverse to signal propagation direction, and described width is less than the width of described ground plane.