A phase shifter alters the phase angle of a radio frequency or microwave signal and can be controlled electrically, mechanically, or magnetically. They come in analog and digital forms and different types, including switched-line, loaded-line, reflection, and microwave variable phase shifters. Energy conservation is important, and variants include a switched line translator, loaded-line, and reflection phase shifters.
A phase shifter is a device that can alter the phase angle of a radio frequency or microwave signal. Most phase shifting devices are compatible with signals regardless of their direction, classifying them as mutual networks. Phase shifters can be controlled electrically, mechanically and magnetically. They are available in analog form to allow for a continuously occurring variable phase or time delay, and digital devices with a series of phases or delays. Different types also include a switched-line, loaded-line, reflection, and microwave variable phase shifter or phase shifters.
When signals enter the input port of a phase shifter, a command causes the output signal to change. Most often phase shifters are digital and also include voltage control which provides immunity to noise or interference. The phase states of the signal are controlled by digital phase bits. Each successive phase is half the angle of the last, so a 2-bit device would be a 90 degree phase shifter, as 180 degrees is the highest in range and classifies a signal moving in a straight line. The off state of the device is determined by the phase length that spans the shortest distance, while the longest phase length is the on state.
Analog phase shifters offer continuous phase shift with continuous shift. A variable control input, which supports unlimited phase resolution, may also be included. A microwave phase shifter can also be analog or digital and controlled by a semiconductor device such as a diode. The circuit itself is designed to shift the microwave signal to a maximum level, so the specifics of the device and circuit should be considered before adding it to the system. A phase shifter is chosen based on application requirements and mathematical calculations of what qualities are needed in the signal.
As with most electronic devices, energy conservation is an important feature of a phase shifter device. No power is consumed by a passive phase shifter, which automatically performs the required operation without external control. Low loss is another energy saving feature and loss can be further reduced by including an amplifier stage in the phase shifter. Variants of the device include a switched line translator, which includes two single-pole double-throw switches for switching two power lines of different lengths. Loaded-line phase shifters are configured for displacements of less than 45°, while reflection phase shifters use changing line lengths to change the length of the electrical paths.
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