Devices and methods for phase shifting a radio frequency (RF) signal for a base station antenna

摘要

Methods and devices for phase shifting an RF signal for a base station antenna are provided. The device includes a transmission line that has a stationary ground plane coupled to the top of a substrate and a signal line on the bottom of the substrate. The signal line has an input port and an output port. The input port receives the RF signal with a certain phase and travels across the bottom of the substrate to the output port. The RF signal has a different phase at the output port because defected ground structures etched on the stationary ground plane shift the phase of the RF signal. In addition, the device includes a movable ground plane that may cover a portion of the defected ground structures, the substrate, and the stationary ground plane such that the moveable ground plane further adjusts the phase of the RF signal.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a substrate comprising a signal line; a first defected ground structure and a second defected ground structure printed onto the substrate to form a first ground plane,
wherein the first and second defected ground structures are configured to shift a phase of an RF signal,wherein the first defected ground structure includes a short stem dumbbell structure and the second defected ground structure includes a long stem dumbbell structure, andwherein the first defected ground structure is nested within the second defected ground structure; a user interface configured to receive dimensions of the first and second defected ground structures, a target beam tilt value for a base station antenna, and a target phase shift; and a second ground plane configured to removably and selectively cover a portion of at least one of the first and second defected ground structures, thereby adjusting the phase shift of the RF signal, and the adjusting being based at least in part on the received dimensions, target beam tilt value, and target phase shift.