Controlling a time delay line by adding and removing a fluidic dielectric

摘要

A variable true time delay line ( 100 ) includes an RF transmission line ( 110 ) and at least one fluidic delay unit ( 108 ). The fluidic delay unit includes a fluidic dielectric contained in a cavity ( 109 ) and coupled to the RF transmission line ( 110 ) along at least a portion of a length thereof. At least one pump is provided for adding and removing the fluid dielectric to the cavity ( 109 ) in response to a time delay control signal. A propagation delay of the RF transmission line is selectively varied by adding and removing the fluid dielectric from the cavity.