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180-Degree Phase Shifter

Published Date
Author Cadence PCB Solutions

Key Takeaways

  • Designing a 180-degree phase shifter involves LC networks, transmission lines, and semiconductor devices, each offering unique benefits and challenges.

  • Advanced methods like the Switched-Line approach and Digital Multi-bit Phase Shifters provide precise and adjustable phase shifts, catering to complex applications.

  • Techniques such as Baluns, Op-Amps, and Quadrature Hybrid Couplers offer alternative ways to achieve 180-degree phase shifting, demonstrating the versatility in design approaches.

An image of an LC circuit

Depending on the configuration, LC networks can be used to create phase shifts

180 Degree Phase Shifter

A 180-degree phase shifter is a device that changes the phase of an input signal by 180 degrees, essentially turning the signal upside down. 

Device Categories

The variety of devices that can achieve a 180-degree phase shift fall into four categories.

  • Active devices are powered and electronically amplify the signal while simultaneously performing a phase shift operation. Active phase shifters usually have good gain and noise figure values.
  • Passive devices do not add any power but they do attenuate the signal as part of the operation. Passive phase shifters generally have a higher loss in the signal during the phase shifting.
  • Analog devices enable phase shifting that is continuously variable.
  • Digital devices provide a discrete set of phase shifts.

Phase Shifting Methods

A  phase shift is achieved by delaying or accelerating a wave’s pathway or properties. There are multiple ways to achieve a phase shift.

Phase Shifting Method

How 180-Degree Phase Shift Occurs

LC Networks

Adjusting the values of the inductors and capacitors can control the degree of shift. LC networks are simple and cost-effective, but are designed to phase shift only at particular frequencies.

Transmission Line 

Controlling the length of the transmission line can create a phase shift. Using microstrip lines or waveguides is advantageous for high-frequency applications, such as in microwave and millimeter-wave systems.

Semiconductor Devices

Devices like varactor diodes can change their capacitance in response to a control voltage, thereby altering the phase of the passing signal. These devices offer rapid phase shift and dynamic control, but they have low power levels and limited bandwidth.

Balanced-Unbalanced Transformer (Balun)

Converting a balanced signal into an unbalanced signal, or vice versa, can create a phase shift. This is often used in antenna and RF applications.

Operational Amplifiers

Using a signal to invert the input of the op-amp can create a phase shift.

Quadrature Hybrid Couplers

Configuring these devices to split an input signal into two output signals can create a phase shift.

Switched-Line Approach

Altering the time delay difference between two direct paths can create a precise and adjustable phase shift. 

Digital Multi-bit 

Using binary "phase bits" in a cascaded arrangement can create an adjustable phase shift up to 360° (including 180°). 

The world of phase shifters is vast, and designing a 180-degree phase shifter involves a nuanced understanding of various technologies. To navigate these complexities and streamline your design process, consider using Cadence AWR software. Its advanced simulation capabilities and intuitive interface can help you explore and optimize the various technologies outlined here, whether you're designing for a specific frequency, aiming for high precision, or needing to balance power handling and bandwidth

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