The theory of operation is to divide the input signal into two equal signals 90 degrees apart, I (in-phase) and Q (Quadrature). This allows the magnitude of each signal to be re-located along its vectors' axis. The two signals are then combined. Using The Pythagorean Theorem, the sum of the vectors produces the resultant output signal.

The circuit for this digital phase shifter consists of a 3 dB, 90 degree Quadrature Hybrid, two Variable Attenuators capable of a 180 degree phase shift, an In-Phase Power Combiner and drive circuits to control the variable attenuators (Click Here for Schematic).

The key component is a 3 dB, 90 degree, Quadrature Hybrid. The hybrid is used nine times. The input signal is processed by the first hybrid. It equally divides the amplitude with a 90 degree phase shift to the Quadrature path and the two signals are isolated. This places the I & Q Vectors on their respective axis. The balances of the hybrids are divided in the I & Q channels for the Variable Attenuators. Each attenuator controls the magnitude with 180 phase shift allowing four quadrant operations. The final stage is the In-Phase Power Combiner which combines the signals in vector addition to the output.

In the RF design of a digital phase shifter the preferred media is microstrip. Traditional hybrids are designed in stripline. Whether incorporating the hybrid as part of the circuit or as a discrete component like hybrids for microstrip configurations, the result is, the microwave fields of propagation are excited. This creates a discontinuity within the transmission line of the device. Techniques can be employed to minimize the discontinuity; but with nine 4 port hybrids, this event occurs directly or in-directly 36 times. To this end, changing media alters fringing fields, thus creating adverse effects and degrading performance.

In a very natural progression, G. T. Microwave developed hybrids in microstrip to eliminate the 36 discontinuities; this complements the design. In a stripline hybrid, tuning is performed between measurements because the hybrid's circuitry is not accessible. Microstrip hybrids allow access to the circuitry while being measured. This provides for a more precise tuning capability. The technique yielded an overall improvement in both the optimization and performance. The hybrid exhibits a 9:1 Bandwidth with an Amplitude Balance of +/- 0.6 dB, a Phase Balance of +/- 4.0 degrees, an Isolation of 18 dB and a V.S.W.R. of 1.5:1 max.

With the transmission problems eliminated by the entire microwave circuit topology being in a true microstrip configuration, there were other design considerations that were incorporated.

The choice of a diode is an important design consideration. Using chip diodes with a ribbon lead in a shunt configuration has its drawbacks. In a high frequency broadband application, the inductance of ribbon lead adversely effects the attenuation and phase. A Beam Lead Diode installed using a proprietary technique reduces the series inductance and has a significant improvement in performance.

To minimize adverse effects from biasing, the networks are buried as far as possible from the direct signal paths. The line length between adjacent hybrids is zero in the I & Q channels for optimal broadband performance.

Even with the improvement in the microwave performance, it is the control circuitry that provides the absolute accuracy for the overall device.

The digitally controlled section of the Phase Shifter is designed as a single input divided into two independent drivers, hence I & Q controls. Each driver has a resolution capable of 64K to control and compensate the device. For any desired resolution, the optimal performance values are stored in the driver's EPROM’s ready to be commanded from the external Digital Control Input.

This is accomplished by using a computer with I/O and IEEE controller cards, G. T. Microwave's proprietary program and a Vector Network Analyzer. The computer's I/O port sets the external control input for the desired phase shift then ramps each driver's 64K of resolution along the I or Q axis using another I/O port to an internal control input. While ramping the drivers the Vector Network Analyzer measures each step and sends the data to the computer via the IEEE Bus. When the optimal location is determined, the computer programs the driver's EPROM’s for the external control input count.

The digital phase shifter being demonstrated is optimized over a 9:1 bandwidth, 2.0-18.0 GHz with 360 degrees of phase shift and 0.088 degree resolution, 12 BITs. The unit's envelope is 4.25 x 3.38 x 0.75 Inch. Using independent test laboratories to verify results, the following test data illustrates the typical performance that is achieved using the techniques described herein (Click Here for Plot Responses).

This technology hosts a variety of products which include but is not limited to: BPSK, QPSK & Vector Modulators, Phase Shifter and Phase Free Attenuators. The models are offered with options that include: digital control with up to 64K of resolution, Linearized or any desired control input slope characteristic, narrowband optimized performance, temperature compensation, video filtering and sub-assembly integration.

With the new millennium upon us, modulation techniques will require technology to demand a new generation of components. They will need an improved performance at a lower cost. Now, industry can welcome the arrival of ultra-broadband digital phase shifter that will provide tomorrow's capability today at G. T. Microwave, Inc., the leading edge in performance.