Surface-mount devices are those devices designed and optimized with the Surface Mount Technology (SMT). Therefore, the popularity is mostly because of the simplicity. Now, several design iterations have been developed to work alongside these Surface Mount Technology. Digital phase shifting is one of such concepts.
In today’s blog post, we will look at MAPS-010164-TR0500, a 6-bit digital phase shifter. You will understand how a digital phase shifter works, how the MAPS-010164-TR0500 makes all the difference and the benefits to the surface-mount devices.
What is Digital Phase Shifter?
It basically has to do with “shifting the phase” right? That is the “surface meaning.” According to everythingRF, digital phase shifters are those “devices that are used to change the phase of an RF signal digitally while keeping its amplitude constant.”
The question therefore is “what is the importance of shifting the RF signals?” The major reason why these signals are to be shifted is because of the need to streamline and maximize wireless transmission of information.
You can rely on MAPS-010164-TR0500 to do that – and much more.
Having that in mind, we are now going to go in-depth into the core attributes of this digital phase shifter.
MAPS-010164-TR0500 Minimizes Attenuation
Although the goal is to streamline wireless data or information transmission, MAPS-010164-TR0500 also takes note not to exceed it. That is while it maintains the most minimized attenuation rate.
As per the information in the datasheet, it can provide a phase shift from 0˚ to 360˚ in 5.6˚ steps.
MAPS-010164-TR0500 Supports Dual Control Methods
Controlling the processes of shifting the phase on MAPS-010164-TR0500 doesn’t take much effort. This digital phase shifter offers excellent control, through the dual-control options.
These options are:
1. Direct Parallel Mode
This mode or control option ideally offers a “direct parallelism” for the digital phase shifter to be controlled.
However, the direct parallel mode is subject to working under some conditions. It becomes active or functional after the P/S is set low.
Once the P/S is set low, the D1, D2, and the D3 function would be controlled by the Pins 22, 23 and 24.
For maximum performance, the direct parallel mode has to be controlled by the parallel control inputs.
2. Serial Mode
This is the opposite of the direct parallel mode, in the sense that it becomes active after the P/S is set high.
It is also compatible with the serial control interfaces: SEROUT, SERIN, LE and CLK.
The serial mode also performs a wide range of other relevant functions, including:
Data Protection
Since digital phase shifters focus on the excellent transmission of data/information wirelessly, it is also imperative to protect the same.
That is what MAPS-010164-TR0500’s serial mode offers by delegating the CLK serial control interface to protect or mask the transmitted data when the LE interface is high.
Desired Phase Shifting
Shifting the digital phase accurately is also enabled through the loading of the 6-bit serial word with the MSB first.
Then, after the 6-bit word has been shifted, there will be a rising edge on the LE serial control interface. The edge now helps in setting the phase shifter to the desired state.
Overall Coverage
Digital phase shifting should be done in a way that it covers most parts of the target device. MAPS-010164-TR0500 offers that through the support for a 360˚ coverage with the LSB equaling 5.6˚.
Low-Power
Despite the various phase shifting methods, MAPS-010164-TR0500 doesn’t consume excessive power. It uses a low DC power to conserve power usage.
Pin Configuration
MAPS-010164-TR0500 supports up to 24 pins, but these pins are to be used based on the functions. For example, the 24-pin configuration is used with the D1 or the SER IN, while the 3-pin configuration is ideal for GND.
Note that for the pins to function accurately, they need to be correlated to the exposed pad. To that end, the exposed pad is to be positioned at the package’s bottom and must be connected to both the DC ground and the RF to function effectively.
Typical Applications
The best types of applications or devices to use with the MAPS-010164-TR0500 are those that require a higher minimum loss variation over the shift range.
MAPS-010164-TR0500’s minimal attenuation variation over phase shift range fits into that description.
You also want to use this 6-bit digital phase shifter with devices that require a smaller footprint. In that case, the 4 mm PQFN package offered by MAPS-010164-TR0500 is an ideal small form-factor package for those devices.
Examples of the devices that have been configured with the MAPS-010164-TR0500 are:
- Phased array radars
- Communications antennas
What to Look for when Choosing a Digital Phase Shifter
The shifter can change the RF signal’s phase and facilitate real-time, accurate data transmission. Yet, you want to be intentional when choosing one. Here are some tips to guide you:
What is the Minimum Phase Shift Step?
Digital phase shifting is counted in “steps.” In MAPS-010164-TR0500’s case, it can shift from the 0˚ to 360˚ in 5.6˚ steps.
The minimum phase shift step tells you how long it may take to make the phase shift. It is generally known as “Least Significant Bit or LSB.”
Check the Phase Shift
Check the phase shift, which is usually represented in degrees (˚). It is the range of the shift made and is controlled by the digital control logic.
Frequency
What is the frequency at which the digital phase shifter makes or provides the needed phase shift?
How Many Bits Does the Digital Phase Shifter have?
MAPS-010164-TR0500 has 6 bits, but is there a need for more bits? The bits in this case, refer to the number of “items” (bits) that can be used in controlling the phase shift.
The goal is to go for a digital phase shifter that has a higher number of bits, because that can increase the phase shifter’s resolution. The “resolution” in this case, refers to the smaller increment in each phase.
Final Words
MAPS-010164-TR0500’s 6-bit digital phase shifter provides an amplitude change, while changing the phase of the RF and the millimeter of the wave signals
