Phase shifter

Components have a specified phase range which defines how much the phase of the signal can be adjusted. Within that phase range one of the waves can be adjusted using the phase shifter to align it with the other wave. The composite signal can be cancelled out in full or partially or stronger, depending on the offset of the two signals. The above figures show the resulting composite waves at an offset of 0°, 90° and 180°. The composite wave of 2 signals with the same phase and amplitude is a much stronger signal as opposed to the canceled-out wave when offset by 180°, see figure 2.Here are some of the properties of a phase shifter to consider:Type of Phase shifterFrequency RangePhase Shift RangeInsertion LossReturn LossPhase AccuracyTypes of Phase ShifterThere are different types of phase shifters available. The fixed phase shifters have a set value of phase shift, for example 30degrees or 60degrees. Variable phase shifters phase shifters let you adjust the phase in steps or continuously variable.There are three types of variable phase shifters defined by how they are controlled, mechanical, digital and analog, using voltage.Digital Phase ShifterThe programmable Digital phase shifters can be controlled using a computer. They exhibit fast switching speeds and flat phase performance over the defined frequency range. They generally have a higher VSWR and Insertion Loss than mechanical phase shifters. These phase shifters are set in steps and the step size depends on the number of bits, or integrated phase shifters. The higher the number of bits, the smaller the step size and the higher the number of phases. For example, a 6-bit phase shifter will cover the entire range from 0 to 354.375° in 5.625° steps, which allows 64 distinct phases. The smaller the step size, the higher the complexity and with that the Insertion Loss of the phase shifter. Below figure illustrates a 2-bit phase shifter using SPDT switches and also one using PIN diodes and transmission delay lines.Figure 5: 2-bit SPDT Switches CircuitFigure 6: 2-bit PIN Diodes and Transmission Lines CircuitAnalog Phase ShifterAnalog Phase Shifters often are adjusted using a control voltage. Phase adjustment is continuously variable which allows for a very precise phase setting. The phase shift change is dependent on the voltage level applied to the circuit. Below is a circuit of an analog phase shifter using varactor diodes that change capacitance with the control voltage.Analog phase shifters generally have lower insertion loss than digital phase shifters. Unlike the digital phase shifters, phase does not change flat over frequency.Figure 8: Analog Phase Shifter CircuitMechanical Phase ShifterA mechanical phase shifter is designed to mechanically extend the transmission line. This is usually done through a trombone design that when adjusted lengthens or shortens the transmission line between the input and output.Figure 9: Trombone Style AdjustmentThe adjustment can be done as simply as with an adjustment knob or remotely using a motor drive. Phase changes monotonously and continuously variable. The maximum phase adjustment is directly related to the change of length of

The transmission line.This type of phase shifter offers a higher power rating, lower VSWR and insertion loss. These are often larger than the digital and analog phase shifters. The change of phase is not flat over the frequency, but it changes proportionally over the frequency range. Below is a chart that shows the relationship between frequency and phase.Figure 10: Frequency Phase ChartThis is the type of phase shifter Impulse Technologies manufactures with frequency ranges from 10MHz up to 40GHz. The phase range available is either 0°-360°, 30° per GHz or 60° per GHz. It is available with 2 different adjustment options, a standard knob or a digital dial. The advantage of the digital dial is that it provides the phase change at 1 GHz which can easily be scaled up to the frequency of interest by multiplying it with that frequency in GHz.Applications of a Phase ShifterSo, what are phase shifters used for? Basically, they are used in devices where the phase angle of an RF signal needs to be changed. Common applications are phase modulators, RF test equipment, frequency up-converters, TR Modules and Phased Array Antenna Systems.Figure 10 below is an example of a phased array antenna system to illustrate the use of a phase shifter. The signal from the amplifier goes through the attenuator and phase shifter for each element to align amplitude and phase to each other to control the direction and the shape of the beam. By adjusting the phase for each antenna, a wave front can be created that moves at a desired angle from the phased array antenna system. These systems are used in radar systems but now also in 5G MIMO applications. Phased array antennas are also used in automotive radars for the purpose of traffic control and collision avoidance.Figure 11: Phase Array Antenna System By Dirk Aubram|2023-12-19T15:56:27-05:00December 19th, 2023| © Copyright 2012 - 2025 Impulse Technologies, Inc.Contact UsImpulse Technologies Inc.1989 Union Blvd.Bay Shore, NY 11706 USA Page load link Go to Top

The design and production of state-of-the-art RF and microwave components and sub assemblies. They are used in a broad range of demanding applications that include high performance military systems operating in harsh environments.RFspinUniversal Microwave Components Corp. (UMCC)UMCC is a designer and manufacturer of high performance RF/Microwave components and subsystems. Since its founding almost two decades ago, the company has established and followed a tradition of excellence supplying reliable high quality products into a wide range of industries such as wireless and satellite communications, medical science, surveillance, security, industrial automation, military/defense sector products, space exploration, aviation, biometrics, broadcasting, and similar. www.umcc111.com Products: Attenuators, Bias Tees, Couplers Custom Products & Assemblies DC Blocks, Power Combiners Power Dividers, SwitchesUSDU.S. Dynamics Corporation (USD) has over 50 years of experience in providing products and services to support the commercial, avionics, scientific and defense industries. USD is a unique company, which brings a wealth of talent and expertise to support a wide range of activities. USD can provide cost-effective innovative solutions in their 85,000 square foot facility. Their diversified and experienced staff include mechanical engineers, electrical engineers and skilled craftsmen. www.usdynamicscorp.comVivatechVivaTech specializes in providing custom solutions for millimeter-wave / THz applications. Their technical heritage covers more than 30 years since the founders participated in European and US space programs at ESA and NASA-JPL. Vivatech’s technical strength plus in-depth market knowledge enables them to address the needs of customers working with millimeter-wave communication test equipment, transmitter and receiver systems, and various fields of scientific research. VivaTech has developed high performance and cost effective modules, subsystems and systems covering frequencies in the range 26 to 500 GHz. These include millimeter-wave frequency source modules, transceivers, frequency extension modules for PNAs and VNAs, custom up-converters and block down-converters. AssociatesWeinschel Associates’ designs and manufactures high-quality Broadband RF and Microwave products for commercial and military markets domestically and internationally. Core technologies originated by founder Bruno Weinschel are leveraged using modern design, production, delivery, and service techniques to provide the best product at the best price. www.weinschelassociates.comIndustriesExport ComplianceCareersContact What is an RF Phase Shifter? What is an RF Phase Shifter?An RF Phase Shifter is a component that is used to adjust the phase angle of a given RF signal while leaving the amplitude unchanged. Phase is the position of a wave at a point in time on a waveform cycle and lies somewhere between 0 and 360 degrees.Figure1: Sine WaveGenerally, in applications for Phase Shifters the interest lies in phase difference more than it does in phase. When comparing two waves, the phase difference or phase angle is measured in degrees and describes how much one wave leads or lags another wave. Below are 2 examples where one wave leads the other by 90 and 180 degrees respectively.Figure 2: 2 waves, 90deg offsetFigure 3: 2 waves, 180deg offsetFigure 4: 2 waves, 0deg offsetTwo signals that have the same frequency and different phases are considered out of phase. Two signals with the same frequency and no phase difference are considered in phase. Phase shifter

Good for classic analog effectsSeveral Filter Options are in the Inspector Panel:- Filter Quality sets the precision being used for the frequency shift- Anti-Reflection Filter will filter out negative frequencies (which can happen when shifting down)- Additional All-pass adds an extra all-pass network to the circuit, for extra phase-y goodness- The stereo Phase In signal (as scaled by its Phase Modulation Amount attenuator) allows phase modulation of the oscillator that is doing the frequency shifting Additionally:- The Phase of this oscillator is available via parameter in the Inspector Panel- A Phase Offset (R) for the right channel is available both in the bottom right corner of the module and in the Inspector Panel, for some instant stereo- New device: Freq Shifter+ (Audio FX)- An analog-style frequency shifter device, with optional delay network and much more:- A central Frequency Shift Amount control offers a range of ±100 %, as defined by the current Range and Unit settings found just beneath the knobVarious options and potential uses for Unit include:- Hz & kHz offer regular frequency units for shifting- Note values (like bar, Eighth note, Triplet quarter note, etc) offer time-synced values for rhythmic effects- Hold disables the center Shift controls, giving you direct control over the shifting oscillator via the Phase control (also in the Inspector Panel)- The Enable Delay toggle —- Feedback is applied directly within the frequency shift function:- In the Cuts section are Feedback Low-Cut Frequency and Feedback High-Cut Frequency, letting you tame or shape the feedback- An