A Wideband Analog Vector Modulator Phase Shifter Based on Non-Quadrature Vector Operation

Phase shifters are essential components of phased array systems, which are crucial to radar and wireless communication systems. New-generation telecommunication and radar systems often require strict phase shifter performance metrics, such as phase resolution and bandwidth, to perform fine beam scanning, which helps increase pointing accuracy. Meanwhile, practical vector modulator phase shifters, which employ quadrature signal operation, typically have digital control below 7 bits. In this regard, a vector modulator phase shifter based on non-quadrature signal operation and covering the lower S-band and upper C-band is proposed and implemented in this work. The proof-of-concept printed circuit board (PCB) prototype exhibits more than 360° continuous phase shift with more than 50% fractional bandwidth. In addition, it achieves a median gain of 0.8 dB and a size of 0.9 λg2 with the inclusion of an output gain-block amplifier. The relatively wider bandwidth, smaller size, and fine resolution of the proposed phase shifter approach make it a potential candidate for new-generation ultrawideband communication and radar systems.