Design of 3-bit digital RF phase shifter for wireless communication

Abstract

In this paper, a 3-bit digital phase shifter based on switched transmission line technique using coplanar waveguide is proposed. The design has the resonant frequency of 10 GHz which can be used in wireless communication applictaions. Recent developments in radio frequency components development has raised as a significant way for constructing low loss phase shifters. MEMS phase shifters whose insertion loss is low and high isolation uses minimum power. This helps to bring low cost and light weighted phased array antennas. The transmission line length and wavelength decides the characteristics of phase shift. The phase shifter design consists of coplanar waveguides having center conductor width of 100µm and the gap of 14 µm on a FR-4 epoxy substrate with thickness of 1.6mm. The design is simulated using ADS to yield phase shift of 45°, 90° and 180°. The benefits of digital phase shifters include achieving flat phase over a wide bandwidth as well as having higher power handling and linearity with uniform performance. The phase shifters are used in different fields which includes microwave devices, feeder of radio system, phased array antenna, coherent radio system, etc.