Patent ID: 8248302
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: H01P

Abstract:
1. A reflection-type phase shifter, comprising: a coupler, having an input port for receiving an input signal, a through port for receiving a first fraction of the input signal, a coupled port for receiving a second fraction of the input signal, and an isolated port for outputting an output signal generated due to a first reflected signal at the through port and a second reflected signal at the coupled port; a first reflection load, electrically connected to the through port, for reflecting the first fraction of the input signal to thereby generate the first reflected signal to the through port; and a second reflection load, electrically connected to the coupled port, for reflecting the second fraction of the input signal to thereby generate the second reflected signal to the coupled port; wherein at least one of the first and second reflection loads is a tunable transmission line comprising: a plurality of physical transmission line segments connected in series, wherein each of the plurality of physical transmission line segments has a first end and a second end; and a plurality of controllable switches, electrically connected to the plurality of physical transmission line segments respectively, wherein each of the plurality of controllable switches has one end directly connected to ground, and each of the plurality of controllable switches is configured for selectively connecting the second end of a corresponding physical transmission line segment to the ground.