WO2001003233A1 - Variable phase shifter - Google Patents
Variable phase shifter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001003233A1 WO2001003233A1 PCT/IB2000/000739 IB0000739W WO0103233A1 WO 2001003233 A1 WO2001003233 A1 WO 2001003233A1 IB 0000739 W IB0000739 W IB 0000739W WO 0103233 A1 WO0103233 A1 WO 0103233A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- phase shifter
- signal
- variable phase
- conductor
- signal conductors
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
- H01P1/00—Auxiliary devices
- H01P1/18—Phase-shifters
- H01P1/184—Strip line phase-shifters
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
- H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
- H01Q3/30—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array
- H01Q3/34—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means
- H01Q3/36—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the relative phase between the radiating elements of an array by electrical means with variable phase-shifters
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a variable phase shifter, and to a method of manufacturing a variable phase shifter.
- Phase shifters are a necessary component of phased array antennas. There is a demand for low cost, high reliability, and low complexity phase shifters to be incorporated into phased array antennas.
- phase shifters which vary the dielectric constant of a material provided between a conductor and a ground plane have also been employed.
- phase shifter Another conventional method employs first and second coupled signal conductors providing a transmission path through the phase shifter, the signal conductors being relatively movable to vary the physical length of the transmission path.
- a variable phase shifter comprising first and second coupled signal conductors 5 providing a transmission path through the phase shifter, the signal conductors being relatively movable to vary the physical length of the transmission path, wherein the first signal conductor comprises a pair of electrically parallel arms, and wherein the second signal conductor is arranged between the arms of the first signal conductor.
- This arrangement has a number of advantages. Firstly, by interposing the second signal conductor between the arms of the first signal conductor, the electric coupling between the first and second conductors is maximised. This enables the transmission path length to be varied over a wide range.
- the conductor arrangement results in a branched transmission path which has high symmetry.
- the spacing between the arms of the first signal conductor can be accurately controlled, and adjusted if necessary.
- Preferably support means are arranged on opposite sides of the first signal 20. conductor so as to maintain a maximum spacing between the arms of the first signal conductor. This keeps the first and second signal conductors in close proximity to maximise electrical coupling between the conductors, and enables the line impedance to be precisely controlled.
- the first signal conductor may be received in an aperture in a support rib, with the opposite 25 sides of the aperture providing the support means.
- a pair of ribs may be provided, one having a recess which receives the conductor, with the support means being provided by the base of the recess and an edge of the other rib.
- variable phase shifter comprising first and second coupled signal conductors providing a transmission path through the phase shifter, the signal conductors being relatively movable to vary the physical length of the transmission path; and a 5 conductive ground plane arranged on at least one side of the signal conductors.
- ground plane enables the signal to be propagated in TEM or quasi-TEM mode.
- the ground plane may be connected to a floating 10 voltage reference but is preferably electrically earthed.
- the ground plane is connected to the voltage reference (or to earth) at more than one point. This ensures that in use the voltage across the entire ground plane is substantially constant.
- ground plane 15 Only a single ground plane may be provided (known as a microstrip arrangement) .
- a second ground plane may be arranged on an opposite side of the signal conductors (a stripline arrangement) .
- a relatively narrow ground strip may be arranged on an opposite side of the signal conductors.
- ground plane may or may not be entirely planar. However preferably the or each ground plane has one or more substantially planar surface portions facing the first and second signal conductors.
- the width of the ground plane is significantly greater (for instance more than three times greater) than the width of each of the signal conductors (transverse to the direction of signal propagation).
- one or both of the ground planes has a first portion adjacent the first conductor, a second portion adjacent the second conductor, and a step between the first and second portions. This enables the line impedance presented by the first and second conductors to be controlled (ie by varying the distance between the ground plane and the signal conductors).
- the signal conductors typically have substantially planar surfaces which face the or each ground plane. This makes the signal conductors easy to manufacture (for instance by a process of stamping from a sheet) and increases field homogeneity between the signal conductors and the ground plane.
- first and second signal conductors have opposed substantially planar coupling surfaces. This also makes the signal conductors easy to manufacture (for instance by a process of stamping from a sheet) and maximises coupling between the conductors.
- the arms of the first signal conductor each have substantially planar coupling surfaces which are arranged on opposite sides of the second signal conductor and which lie substantially parallel with each other.
- the signal conductors may be C-shaped or L-shaped (as viewed in a cross- section taken across the direction of signal propagation) or may have interlocking grooves or steps. However in a preferred embodiment the signal conductors are strips formed from a sheet having a substantially rectangular cross-section.
- the conductive material forming the signal conductors is typically a metal such as copper, brass or aluminium alloy.
- the phase shifter further comprises a third signal conductor, wherein the second signal conductor has a first arm coupled to the first signal conductor and a second arm coupled to the third signal 5 conductor whereby the second signal conductor provides a transmission path between the first and third signal conductors, and wherein the second signal conductor and the first and third signal conductors are relatively moveable to vary the physical length of the transmission path.
- the arms of the second signal conductor may lie at an angle to each other (ie the second signal conductor may be V-shaped). However preferably the first and second arms of the second signal conductor extend in substantially parallel directions.
- the first and third conductors may be moveable but preferably they are fixed and the second signal conductor is moveable (in the manner of a trombone slide).
- the second aspect of the invention also extends to a method of 20.
- manufacturing a variable phase shifter comprising the steps of: i) providing first and second coupled signal conductors to provide a transmission path through the phase shifter, the signal conductors being relatively movable to vary the physical length of the transmission path; 25 ii) forming a conductive ground plane from a substantially planar sheet of conductive material; and iii) arranging the ground plane on one side of the signal conductors.
- the ground plane is formed from a substantially planar sheet of conductive material.
- the ground plane can be formed from sheet material, eg by stamping or cutting. This makes the manufacturing process cheaper and more simple.
- the ground plane may not be entirely planar.
- the sheet may be bent, folded or otherwise formed with walls, grooves, ridges etc.
- the ground plane is formed with a pair of side walls and a step.
- the conductors may have sliding conductive contacts whereby the conductors are ohmically coupled, but preferably the second signal conductor is separated from the first signal conductor by a dielectric whereby the first and second signals conductors are capacitively coupled. This acts to minimise intermodulations which may be caused by metal-to-metal contact.
- the dielectric may comprise a layer of air but preferably the dielectric comprises a solid or liquid dielectric material.
- the solid dielectric may be provided as a separate layer or as a coating (eg a lubricant coating such as polytetrafluoroethane - PTFE, or polyester) on the first and/or the second signal conductor.
- a coating eg a lubricant coating such as polytetrafluoroethane - PTFE, or polyester
- the dielectric coating is typically provided on opposed coupling surfaces of the second conductor which couple with the arms of the first conductor.
- variable phase shifter comprising first and second coupled signal conductors providing a transmission path through the phase shifter, the signal conductors being relatively movable to vary the physical length of the transmission path, wherein at least one of the signal conductors has a coupling surface which faces the other signal conductor and which is provided with an oxide coating.
- the oxide coating acts to prevent direct contact between the relatively moving conductive surfaces - thus preventing intermodulation.
- the coating has been formed by a process of anodisation, preferably hard anodisation.
- Hard anodic oxide coatings have high hardness values and good abrasion characteristics.
- the signal conductor with the oxide coating is formed from
- Aluminium or an alloy thereof. Aluminium lends itself to easy anodisation.
- the anodisation process is performed at a temperature below 5 degrees Celcius.
- the anodisation process comprises immersing the conductor in an electrolyte and passing a current through the conductor with a current density greater than 2 amps /dm 2 .
- the oxide layer has a thickness greater than 25 micron.
- One of the conductors (preferably the oxide coated conductor) may have a lubricating coating (eg PTFE) formed on a surface thereof.
- a lubricating coating eg PTFE
- the third aspect of the invention also extends to a method of manufacturing a variable phase shifter, the method comprising the steps of: i) arranging first and second coupled signal conductors to provide a transmission path through the phase shifter, the signal conductors being relatively movable to vary the physical length of the transmission path; and ii) forming an oxide coating on a surface of at least one of the signal conductors.
- phase shifter has connection terminals which are soldered directly to coaxial cables.
- coaxial cable is expensive and difficult to connect.
- a variable phase shifter comprising a circuit board having at least two conductive paths formed thereon; a first signal terminal connected to one of the conductive paths; a second signal terminal connected to another one of the conductive paths; and means for providing a variable phase shift between the first and second connection terminals.
- the fourth aspect of the invention minimises the amount of coaxial cable required to connect with the phase shifter. Also the terminals can be easily and securely connected to the conductive paths on the circuit board.
- connection apertures are formed in the circuit board, and each signal terminal passes through a respective aperture.
- a number of phase shifters may be mounted on the circuit board, and connected by conductive paths. In this case only a single coaxial cable connection is required.
- variable phase shifter may be incorporated in a power splitter/combiner comprising three or more signal connection terminals, in which the variable phase shifter is coupled between two of the signal terminals.
- an impedance matcher may also be coupled between two of the signal terminals.
- the phase shifter is preferably employed in a feed network of a phased-array antenna, typically used in a communication network such as a cellular mobile phone network.
- phase shifter is dimensioned to provide a variable phase shift for signals in a wavelength band having a lower limit equal to or greater than
- phase shifter 400 MHz, and an upper limit equal to or less than 3 GHz.
- the phase shifter is dimensioned to provide a variable phase shift for signals in a wavelength band having a lower limit equal to or greater than 800MHz, and an upper limit equal to or iess than 2.5 GHz.
- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a variable phase shifter
- Figure 2 is a plan view of a twin variable phase shifter with all hidden parts shown and the coaxial cables omitted;
- Figure 3 is a cross section along line AA in figure 2;
- Figure 4 is a cross section along line BB in figure 2;
- Figure 5 is a side view of the phase shifter viewed from the left of figure 2;
- Figure 6 is plan view of a double phase shifter with all hidden parts shown and the coaxial cables omitted;
- Figure 7 is a perspective view of the upper side of a twin variable phase shifter test assembly with the slider in its fully retracted position
- Figure 8 is a side view taken from the left of Figure 7 with all vertical dimensions expanded by 100%;
- Figure 8a is a cross-section taken transverse to the direction of signal propagation through one of the support ribs
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lower side of the assembly
- Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the lower side of the assembly showing a cable connector
- Figure 10a is a cross-section through the connector of Figure 10 showing a connection with a coaxial cable
- Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the underside of the assembly with the certain parts removed, and with the slider in its fully extended position;
- Figure 1 2 is an end view taken from the left of Figure 7;
- Figure 1 3 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the assembly
- Figure 14 is an end view of part of the assembly taken from the right of Figure 7;
- Figure 1 5 is a circuit diagram of a dual polarised phased antenna array
- Figure 1 6 is a side view of the antenna array of figure 1 5.
- a variable phase shifter comprises a sheet metal casing 1 which provides a ground plane and is connected to the electrically earthed
- a variable delay output signal conductor 5 comprises a pair of strips 6,7 of electrically conductive material (such as copper or brass) connected by an end wall 8.
- Inner conductor 9 of coaxial cable 2 is connected to the end wall 8.
- signal conductor 1 0 comprises a pair of strips 1 1 , 1 2 of copper or brass connected by an end wall 1 3.
- Inner conductor 14 of coaxial cable 3 is connected to the end wall 1 3.
- Lower electrode strip 1 2 has an arm 23 which provides a fixed delay output terminal and is connected to inner conductor 1 5 of a third coaxial cable 4. Hence an input signal on conductor 1 4 is split at
- a U-shaped slider 1 6 provides a signal conductor of variable length.
- the slider 1 6 has an output arm 1 7 sandwiched between the strips 6,7 and an input arm 1 8 sandwiched between the strips 1 1 , 1 2.
- the upper and lower faces of the copper or brass slider 1 6 are coated with a low friction dielectric material such as polyester or TeflonTM (PTFE) .
- the slider 1 6 couples capacitively with the signal conductors 5, 1 0 and by sliding in and out (as indicated at 22) varies the physical length of the transmission path (ie. varies the length of conductor between the cables 3,4 and the cable 2).
- the capacitive coupling between the slider 1 6 and the signal conductors 5, 10 is strong enough to provide a wide frequency band pass connection over its full adjustment range.
- An input signal 1 9 on coaxial cable 3 is split and output as a fixed delay output signal 20 on coaxial cable 4 and a variable delay output signal 21 on coaxial cable 2.
- a fixed delay output signal 20 on coaxial cable 4 is split and output as a fixed delay output signal 20 on coaxial cable 4 and a variable delay output signal 21 on coaxial cable 2.
- a twin variable phase shifter package incorporating two phase shifters of the type shown in figure 1 is shown in detail in figures 2-5.
- the signal conductors are housed in a brass or copper casing comprising a substantially planar base 30, an end wall 35, a pair of side walls 36,37, and a lid 31 .
- the lid 31 has a substantially planar lower portion 32, substantially planar upper portion 33 and a step 34.
- the lid 31 also has six projecting ears 1 20, 1 21 , 1 23-1 26 which are soldered into recesses in the walls 35-37 to provide a secure electrical connection between the base 30 and lid 31 .
- the housing 30-37 contains a pair of variable phase shifters 38,39.
- the phase shifters 38,39 are identical and only the phase shifter 38 will be described in detail below.
- the phase shifter 38 comprises an input signal conductor 40, output signal conductor 41 and slider 42.
- the output signal conductor 41 shown in figure 3 comprises a lower brass or copper strip 48 folded at one end to form an end wall 49 (shown in the detailed view of figure 3) .
- An upper brass or copper strip 47 is soldered to the end wall 49 to lie parallel with the lower strip 48.
- the input signal conductor shown in figure 4 comprises a pair of parallel brass or copper strips 44,45 and an end wall 46 (figure 2) .
- the U- shaped slider 42 has an input arm 43 sandwiched between the strips 44, 45 and an output arm 50 sandwiched between the strips 47, 48.
- the upper and lower faces of the slider electrode 42 are coated with PTFE layers 51 ,52.
- the input and output conductors 40,41 are supported by a pair of support assemblies 53,54 shown in Figure 3.
- the assemblies 53,54 are identical in construction and one of the assemblies 54 is shown in figure 4.
- the assembly 54 comprises a pair of plastic insulating ribs 55,56 which extend between the side walls 36,37 and are bolted to the base 30 and lid 31 .
- the rib 55 has four recesses which receive the phase shifter conductors.
- the low friction properties of the PTFE layers 51 ,52 ensure that the slider 42 can be moved easily and reduces abrasion and intermodulation.
- the ribs 55,56 are as narrow as possible to minimise their effect on the wave impedance of the transmission line.
- the ribs 55,56 may be profiled as indicated by dotted line 54' in figure 2 to make them even narrower. If the ribs cause a step in the wave impedance then this can be minimised by forming holes (not shown) in the lid 31 and/or base 30 at the points where the ribs lie over the signal conductors.
- the pair of sliders are connected to a common insulating drive member 60 which is supported by a pair of sliding bearings 61 ,62.
- the outer conductor is secured to the end wall 35 by solder 64.
- Inner conductor 65 passes through a hole (not labelled) in the end wall 49, and is secured by solder 67.
- the end wall 49 is spaced from the casing by an insulating washer 68.
- the input signal conductors 40,72 each have a widened portion with a greater width 101 which lowers the impedance of this portion with respect to the slider, output signal conductor and fixed delay output terminal.
- the widened portion also has a length of one quarter wavelength. This provides impedance matching to minimise reflection of the input signal at the point where the transmission path splits at the fixed delay output terminal.
- the distance 1 50 between the upper portion 33 of the lid and the upper strip 47 is approximately equal to the distance 1 51 between the lower portion 32 of the lid and the slider 42.
- the wave impedance of the slider 42 is approximately equal to the wave impedance of the signal conductors 40,41 .
- the step 34 may be formed by adding a sheet of conductor to the underside of the lid 31 .
- a double variable phase shifter is shown in figure 6.
- the phase shifter is similar to the twin phase shifter of figures 2-5, the main difference being that the conductor 41 is connected to the conductor 69 of the second phase shifter 39. This produces a double phase shift between input signal 70 and output signal 71 .
- the conductor 72 has a narrow profile (similar to output conductor 41 ) and there is only a single fixed delay output terminal arm 23.
- a twin phase shifter test assembly is shown in Figures 7-14.
- the two phase shifters 200,201 in the assembly are identical so only the phase shifter 200 will be described below.
- the signal conductors are mounted on a substantially planar aluminium sheet 202.
- the sheet 202 provides a first ground plane (anaiagous to the base 30 in the embodiments of Figures 2-6). However no opposite ground plane is provided with the embodiment of Figures 7-14. Instead, stray lines of flux are collected by a bent brass ground strip having a substantially planar lower portion 203, substantially planar upper portion 204 and an angled step 205.
- the relatively narrow width of the strip 204 (compared with the width of the lid 31 in the embodiment of Figures 2-6) does not appreciably degrade the performance of the phase shifter.
- the strip 204 can be narrowed further and still function as an effective matching shield.
- a printed circuit board (PCB) 208 is attached to the opposite major face of the sheet 202 by double-sided adhesive tape (not shown) .
- the PCB 208 comprises an insulating board 300 (shown in the cross-section of figure 1 0a) with a layer of copper 301 covering one surface and a number of copper lines 210,21 1 etc formed on its other surface (see Figure 9) .
- An input leg of the phase shifter is formed by an upper strip 214 and a lower parallel strip 206.
- the two legs are identical and only the input leg will be described below.
- An output leg of the phase shifter is formed by an upper strip 228 and a lower strip 229.
- the upper strips 21 4, 228 and ground strips 204 etc. are omitted from Figure 1 1 to show the lower strips.
- the lower brass or copper strip 206 is folded down at one end as shown in figure 8 and has a connection terminal 207 which passes through a hole 351 in the PCB 208 (shown clearly in Figure 1 3).
- An upper brass or copper strip 21 4 is also folded down at one end as shown in Figure 1 3 and has a connection terminal 21 5 which passes through the hole 351 .
- I0 layer 301 on the PCB is etched away to form a window 209 surrounding the hole 351 as shown in Figure 1 3 to ensure that the conductors 206,21 4 are not electrically earthed.
- the other surface of the PCB 208 (shown in Figure 9) is printed with copper strips 210,21 1 with widened end connection regions 21 2,21 3 surrounding the terminals 21 5,207.
- the terminals 21 5,207 are printed with copper strips 210,21 1 with widened end connection regions 21 2,21 3 surrounding the terminals 21 5,207.
- the brass strip 204 ( Figures 8, 1 3) is bent at one end and has a terminal 250 20 - which passes through a hole 252 in the PCB 208 as shown in Figure 1 3.
- the tab 250 is soldered against the copper layer 301 on the PCB so as to provide a secure ground connection.
- a set of metal clips 21 6,21 7 etc are connected, when in use, with coaxial 25 cables.
- the coaxial cables are not shown in Figure 9 but a single illustrative cable connection is shown in the detailed view of Figure 10a.
- the clip 21 6 shown in Figures 7 and 10 has a pair of lugs 218,21 9 which secure the clip against the copper layer 301 on the surface of the PCB.
- the lugs 21 8,21 9 are soldered in a subsequent processing step to ensure a secure connection.
- the clip 21 6 also has four arms 220-223 (shown in Figure 10) which pass through a hole 224 in the PCB 208.
- the coaxial cable shown in Figure 1 0a has an outer conductor 225 which engages the arms 220-223 and an inner conductor 226 which engages the copper line 21 0.
- the arms 220-223 are bent inwards and soldered to securely grip the outer conductor, and the inner conductor 226 is soldered to the copper strip 21 0.
- the connection of figure 1 0a is physically robust. Also the width of the critical gap 227 between the end of the line 210 and the hole 224 can be accurately controlled.
- a U-shaped slider 230 (shown best in Figure 1 1 ) has a first arm 231 sandwiched between the strips 206,214 and a second arm 232 sandwiched between the strips 228,229.
- the slider 230 is connected to a common insulating drive member 238 which is supported by three sliding bearings 239-241 .
- the drive member 238 is formed in a single piece by injection moulding with a central layer 242, upper and lower strengthening layers
- bosses 236,237 which are received in holes (not labelled) in the slider 230.
- the bosses 236,237 are flattened against the slider in a subsequent processing step to secure the slider to the drive member 238.
- the signal conductors are supported by a pair of supports 233,234.
- the supports 233,234 are identical in construction and only one will be described below.
- the support 233 is formed as a single piece of insulating plastic with rectangular holes receiving the signal conductors and snap-fitting clips 234,235 for securing the upper ground conductor strip 204 (as shown in Figure 7) .
- the support 233 is secured to the rest of the assembly by means of lugs 251 -253 which pass through holes (not labelled) in the sheet 202 and PCB 208 and snap fit against the opposite side of the PCB 208 shown in Figure 9.
- 50 ohm coaxial cables are connected to the clips 21 6,21 7.
- the copper strips 210,21 1 and phase shifter signal conductors are each dimensioned so as to present a wave impedance of approximately 50 ohm and thus minimise signal reflection.
- the wave impedance of the slider 230 is controlled by the provision of a step 205 in the ground strips.
- the slider 230 is manufactured by the process described below.
- Al Probright is an alkaline cleaner designed to remove soil and most polishing pastes from aluminium and its alloys.
- Sodium hydroxide is a highly alkaline etch that will produce a fine grain matt finish and will prevent the deposition of insoluble aluminium hydroxide in the etch bath.
- TANK VOLUME 14.4 litres
- BATH COMPOSITION 40 gram/litre sodium hydroxide 14.4 litres deionised H 2 0
- NITRIC ACID Nitric acid is designed to desmut Aluminium Alloys and brightens surface after alkaline etching.
- TANK VOLUME 14.4 litres
- BATH COMPOSITION 30% nitric acid 70% deionised H 2 0 TEMPERATURE: AMBIENT TIME: 3 minutes
- TIME 60 minutes (thickness is very nearly a function of time)
- BATH CONTROL Long immersion times together with a pH greater than 3 can lead to non-uniform colouring. Maintain pH by adding sulphuric acid.
- BATH NO. 9 HOT WATER RINSE
- the process does not include a sealing step. This is excluded to ensure a hard-wearing oxide coating.
- the slider is formed from Aluminium alloy which is hard anodised (see BATH NO. 7 described above) to form an oxide layer shown in figure 8a.
- Figure 8a is a cross-section through part of the support rib 233.
- Figure 8a is not to scale.
- the support rib has a hole 310 which is sized to loosely receive the signal conductors.
- the hole 310 is 2.4mm high and the signal conductors 206,214,231 are 0.7mm thick - giving a total 0.3mm of play.
- the hole 310 can be accurately positioned and sized so as to accurately control the wave impedance of the conductors.
- the slider arm 231 shown in Figure 8a has an Aluminium alloy core 31 1 surrounded by a 50 micron thick layer of oxide 31 2, formed during hard- anodisation.
- the upper and lower faces of the slider are spray-coated with thin PTFE layers 31 3,314.
- the low friction properties of the PTFE reduces abrasion between the moving parts. If the PTFE layers 31 3,314 wear through, then the oxide layer 31 2 (which is an electrical insulator) prevents any metal-to-metal contact between the electrodes and thus prevents intermodulation.
- the oxide layer 31 2 is also relatively hard-wearing and we have found that the PTFE tends to impregnate cracks in the oxide, and thus improves the wear characteristics.
- the signal conductors 206,214 may also be formed of hard anodised Aluminium alloy with a PTFE coating.
- the assembly illustrated in Figures 7-1 4 is a test assembly for testing the performance of the phase shifter.
- a number of phase shifters can be mounted on a single PCB and connected together by conductive lines on the upper surface of the PCB. In this arrangement only a single coaxial connection to the PCB is required.
- phase shifters of figures 2-14 may be used in the circuit arrangement of figure 1 5.
- a signal generator 80 generates a signal which is input to a double phase shifter 81 of the type shown in figure 6.
- the subsidiary output terminal arm 23 of the phase shifter 81 is connected to a phase shifter 82 which is connected in turn to a pair of dual polarised radiators 83,84.
- the variable delay output of phase shifter 81 is input to a phase shifter 85 which is connected in turn to a pair of dual polarised radiators 86,87.
- the opposite terminals of the radiators are driven by a complementary set of drive circuitry shown in the upper half of figure 1 5.
- phase shifters 82,95 may be housed together in a twin phase shifter package.
- phase shifters 85,96 may be housed together in a twin phase shifter package.
- phase shifters 95,96 and 82,85 may be housed together.
- the antennas 83,84,86,87 are arranged vertically and emit phase shifted signals which travel as a common wavefront 97.
- the wavefront 97 is downtilted by an angle 98 proportional to the relative phase shift of the signals.
- the angle of downtilt can be adjusted by adjusting the variable phase shifters 81 ,82,85,95,96,99. Typically this is achieved by connecting the drive member 60 of the four phase-shifter packages to a common drive arm.
- the antennas are part of a cellular communication system and transmit in a wavelength range between 800 and 2500 MHz.
- the phase shifters described may be operated in a variety of wavelength regions by suitable scaling.
- the present invention provides a variable phase shifter which is easy to manufacture and has a wide phase shift range.
- the phase shifter has been illustrated in use with a transmitting antenna array, it will be understood that the phase shifter may also be used with a receiving antenna array. In this case, instead of acting as a phase shifter/power splitter it will act as a phase shifter/power combiner.
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- Waveguide Switches, Polarizers, And Phase Shifters (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU46057/00A AU764221B2 (en) | 1999-05-20 | 2000-05-22 | Variable phase shifter |
NZ515514A NZ515514A (en) | 1999-05-20 | 2000-05-22 | Variable phase shifter |
BR0011281-0A BR0011281A (en) | 1999-05-20 | 2000-05-22 | Phase switch |
EP00927672A EP1181736A4 (en) | 1999-05-20 | 2000-05-22 | Variable phase shifter |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ33590199 | 1999-05-20 | ||
NZ335901 | 1999-05-20 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001003233A1 true WO2001003233A1 (en) | 2001-01-11 |
Family
ID=19927293
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IB2000/000739 WO2001003233A1 (en) | 1999-05-20 | 2000-05-22 | Variable phase shifter |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1181736A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1274054C (en) |
AU (1) | AU764221B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0011281A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001003233A1 (en) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2390231A (en) * | 2002-06-29 | 2003-12-31 | Alan Dick & Company Ltd | A phase shifting device |
WO2005086286A2 (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2005-09-15 | Jaybeam Wireless Sas | Antenna with variable misalignment comprising at least one phase-changing element |
GB2418542A (en) * | 2004-09-23 | 2006-03-29 | Trackwise Designs Ltd | Adjustable phase shifter |
GB2426635A (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-29 | Alan Dick & Company Ltd | Phase shifting arrangement |
EP2074676A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2009-07-01 | Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson | A tilt-dependent beam-shape system |
US7999737B2 (en) | 2005-05-31 | 2011-08-16 | Powerwave Technologies, Inc. | Beam adjusting device |
WO2013000987A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2013-01-03 | Alcatel Lucent | Phase-shifter and power splitter |
CN104269647A (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2015-01-07 | 西安华为技术有限公司 | Phase shifter |
WO2015013063A1 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2015-01-29 | Radio Frequency Systems Inc. | Devices for providing phase adjustments in multi-element antenna arrays and related methods |
US9614281B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2017-04-04 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Phase array antenna having a movable phase shifting element and a dielectric element for changing the relative dielectric constant |
JP2019503630A (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2019-02-07 | ケーエムダブリュ・インコーポレーテッド | Phase converter |
EP3713010A1 (en) * | 2019-03-20 | 2020-09-23 | Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy | Apparatus for processing radio frequency signals |
US10790586B2 (en) | 2017-06-15 | 2020-09-29 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Adjustable stacked phase-mode feed for 2D steering of antenna arrays |
WO2022227035A1 (en) * | 2021-04-30 | 2022-11-03 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Phase shifter, antenna unit, and base station |
RU2816545C2 (en) * | 2021-11-02 | 2024-04-01 | Цзянсу Хенгсин Технолоджи Ко., Лтд | Phase shifter with possibility of output mode adjustment and antenna |
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CN2859838Y (en) * | 2005-12-26 | 2007-01-17 | 京信通信技术(广州)有限公司 | Phase continuously changeable phase-shifter |
CN112909453A (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2021-06-04 | 京信通信技术(广州)有限公司 | Base station antenna and phase shifter thereof |
CN113889720B (en) * | 2021-11-08 | 2022-09-20 | 华南理工大学 | Phase shifting device, antenna and base station |
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GB2390231B (en) * | 2002-06-29 | 2005-12-28 | Alan Dick & Company Ltd | A phase shifting device |
WO2004004059A1 (en) * | 2002-06-29 | 2004-01-08 | Alan Dick & Company Limited | A phase shifting device |
GB2390231A (en) * | 2002-06-29 | 2003-12-31 | Alan Dick & Company Ltd | A phase shifting device |
US7253782B2 (en) | 2002-06-29 | 2007-08-07 | Alan Dick & Company Limited | Phase shifting device |
DE112005000436B4 (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2014-05-08 | Jaybeam Wireless Sas | Variable misalignment antenna with at least one phase shift element |
WO2005086286A3 (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2005-12-15 | Mat Equipement | Antenna with variable misalignment comprising at least one phase-changing element |
DE112005003860B4 (en) | 2004-02-25 | 2023-02-23 | Jaybeam Wireless Sas | antenna |
WO2005086286A2 (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2005-09-15 | Jaybeam Wireless Sas | Antenna with variable misalignment comprising at least one phase-changing element |
GB2418542B (en) * | 2004-09-23 | 2006-09-06 | Trackwise Designs Ltd | Improvements relating to adjustable antennas |
GB2418542A (en) * | 2004-09-23 | 2006-03-29 | Trackwise Designs Ltd | Adjustable phase shifter |
GB2426635A (en) * | 2005-05-27 | 2006-11-29 | Alan Dick & Company Ltd | Phase shifting arrangement |
US7999737B2 (en) | 2005-05-31 | 2011-08-16 | Powerwave Technologies, Inc. | Beam adjusting device |
EP2169762A3 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2010-12-08 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson AB (Publ) | A tilt-dependent beam-shape system |
US8384597B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2013-02-26 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Tilt-dependent beam-shape system |
EP2074676A4 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2009-11-04 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | A tilt-dependent beam-shape system |
EP2074676A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2009-07-01 | Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson | A tilt-dependent beam-shape system |
WO2013000987A1 (en) * | 2011-06-30 | 2013-01-03 | Alcatel Lucent | Phase-shifter and power splitter |
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US9614281B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2017-04-04 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Phase array antenna having a movable phase shifting element and a dielectric element for changing the relative dielectric constant |
US9325043B2 (en) | 2013-07-26 | 2016-04-26 | Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell Co., Ltd. | Phase shifting circuit including an elongated conductive path covered by a metal sheet having stand-off feet and also including a slidable tuning member |
WO2015013063A1 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2015-01-29 | Radio Frequency Systems Inc. | Devices for providing phase adjustments in multi-element antenna arrays and related methods |
CN104269647A (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2015-01-07 | 西安华为技术有限公司 | Phase shifter |
EP3182510A4 (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2017-08-30 | Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. | Phase shifter |
JP2017528095A (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2017-09-21 | 華為技術有限公司Huawei Technologies Co.,Ltd. | Phase shifter |
CN104269647B (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2017-12-22 | 西安华为技术有限公司 | A kind of phase shifter |
KR101901795B1 (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2018-09-27 | 후아웨이 테크놀러지 컴퍼니 리미티드 | Phase shifter |
US10199702B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2019-02-05 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Phase shifter comprising a cavity having first and second fixed transmission lines with slots therein that engage a slidable transmission line |
JP2019503630A (en) * | 2016-02-03 | 2019-02-07 | ケーエムダブリュ・インコーポレーテッド | Phase converter |
US10790586B2 (en) | 2017-06-15 | 2020-09-29 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Adjustable stacked phase-mode feed for 2D steering of antenna arrays |
US11456514B2 (en) | 2019-03-20 | 2022-09-27 | Nokia Solutions And Networks Oy | Apparatus for processing radio frequency signals |
EP3713010A1 (en) * | 2019-03-20 | 2020-09-23 | Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy | Apparatus for processing radio frequency signals |
WO2022227035A1 (en) * | 2021-04-30 | 2022-11-03 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Phase shifter, antenna unit, and base station |
RU2816545C2 (en) * | 2021-11-02 | 2024-04-01 | Цзянсу Хенгсин Технолоджи Ко., Лтд | Phase shifter with possibility of output mode adjustment and antenna |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1181736A4 (en) | 2003-04-09 |
AU764221B2 (en) | 2003-08-14 |
EP1181736A1 (en) | 2002-02-27 |
CN1390368A (en) | 2003-01-08 |
BR0011281A (en) | 2002-03-05 |
AU4605700A (en) | 2001-01-22 |
CN1274054C (en) | 2006-09-06 |
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