Key Features of Programmable Phase Shifter
High reliability and exceptional accuracy
Large bandwidth and low insertion loss
Broad attenuator adjustable range
Configuration flexibility
Configurations List of RF Phase Shifter and RF Matrix
.jpg)
How does a programmable phase shifter work?
A programmable phase shifter is an electronic component that is used to adjust the phase of a signal by a specific amount. It is commonly used in microwave and RF systems, such as in radar, communication systems, and phased array antennas.
There are several ways to implement a programmable phase shifter, but one common method is to use a series of tunable delay lines, each of which introduces a specific phase shift to the signal. By controlling the delay time of each delay line, the overall phase shift of the signal can be adjusted.
In more detail, a programmable phase shifter consists of a series of microwave transmission lines, typically made of microstrip or stripline, with variable electrical lengths. Each transmission line is coupled to a variable impedance device, such as a PIN diode or varactor diode, which can be controlled to vary the effective length of the line. This changes the phase shift that the signal experiences as it passes through the line.
By adjusting the impedance of each variable device, the effective length of each transmission line can be tuned, resulting in a different phase shift for each line. By combining the signals from each line with a power divider, the overall phase shift of the output signal can be precisely controlled.
The programmable phase shifter can be controlled by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) or other electronic circuitry, which sets the impedance of each variable device to achieve the desired phase shift. This allows for precise, fast, and accurate adjustments of the phase of a signal, making it an important component in many RF and microwave systems.