Digital step attenuator (DSA) and digital phase shifter (DPS) multi-stage circuit architectures that provide for high resolution. Embodiments use a dithering approach to weight bit positions to provide a much finer resolution than the lowest-valued individual stage. Bit position weights for stages are determined so as to enable selection of combinations of n bit positions that provide a desired total attenuation or phase shift range while allowing utilization of the large number of states (2.sup.n) available to produce fractional intermediate steps of attenuation or phase shift. The fractional intermediate steps have a resolution finer than the lowest-valued stage. Bit position weights may be determined using a weighting function, including weightings determined from a linear series, a geometric series, a harmonic series, or alternating variants of such series. In some embodiments, at least one bit position has a fixed value that is not determined by the bit position weighting function.

A delay circuit for time offsetting an input radiofrequency signal, includes an all-pass filter having a given central frequency to linearize a phase-shift of an output signal relative to the input signal as a function of the frequency on a first frequency range; and first and second antiresonant circuits having respectively first and second central frequencies, the all-pass filter and the antiresonant circuits configured to linearize the phase-shift of the output signal relative to the input signal as a function of the frequency on a second frequency range including the first range. The difference between first and second central frequencies is less than 30% of the value of one of both frequencies, the difference between the first central frequency and the given central frequency of the all-pass filter is less than 30% of the value of a highest frequency between the first central frequency and the given central frequency.

There are provided a transformer including inductors, and variable capacitors. Capacitance values of the variable capacitors are controlled by a control signal. One end of the first inductor is connected to a reference potential, the first variable capacitor is connected in series between the other end of the first inductor and a first terminal, the second variable capacitor is connected in series between one end of the second inductor and a second terminal, the third variable capacitor is connected in series between the other end of the second inductor and a third terminal. The capacitance values of the variable capacitors are changed by the control signal to obtain a desired pass phase, a loss is small, and both functions of a single-phase-differential conversion and a phase shifter are realized.

There are provided a transformer including inductors, and variable capacitors. Capacitance values of the variable capacitors are controlled by a control signal. One end of the first inductor is connected to a reference potential, the first variable capacitor is connected in series between the other end of the first inductor and a first terminal, the second variable capacitor is connected in series between one end of the second inductor and a second terminal, the third variable capacitor is connected in series between the other end of the second inductor and a third terminal. The capacitance values of the variable capacitors are changed by the control signal to obtain a desired pass phase, a loss is small, and both functions of a single-phase-differential conversion and a phase shifter are realized.

A phase shifter (100) with controllable attenuation and a method for controlling the phase shifter is disclosed, the phase shifter (100) comprising a plurality of transmission line segments (120, 220) coupled in series, wherein each said transmission line segment (120, 220) comprises an attenuation circuit (130, 230), selectively couplable between a signal line (126, 222) of the transmission line segment (120, 220) and ground to selectively attenuate a signal propagating through the transmission line segment (120, 220). Each transmission line segment (120, 220) is switchable between a first configuration providing a first phase shift for a signal propagating through the transmission line segment (120, 220) and a second configuration providing a second phase shift, greater than said first phase shift, for a signal propagating through the transmission line segment (120, 220).

A transformer (100, 100′) is disclosed, comprising a first conducting element (110) having a first lobed portion (114) arranged to form a first plurality of lobes (116); and a second conducting element (120) having a second lobed portion (124) arranged to form a second plurality of lobes (126); wherein said first lobed portion (114) overlaps said second lobed portion (124) to define a plurality of enclosed areas (130). The transformer is adapted for applications requiring an autotransformer having a weak, negative magnetic coupling coefficient.

For power conversion, a power conversion system includes a plurality of power converters and a phase shifting transformer. The phase shifting transformer includes 3-phase primary windings, a core and a plurality of m secondary winding groups. Each of the secondary winding groups includes n secondary windings in electromagnetic communication with a corresponding primary winding and feeding the plurality of power converters. Phase angle sets of the secondary winding groups are all different with a non-zero secondary winding phase shift between any two secondary winding groups.

For power conversion, a power conversion system includes a plurality of power converters and a phase shifting transformer. The phase shifting transformer includes 3-phase primary windings, a core and a plurality of m secondary winding groups. Each of the secondary winding groups includes n secondary windings in electromagnetic communication with a corresponding primary winding and feeding the plurality of power converters. Phase angle sets of the secondary winding groups are all different with a non-zero secondary winding phase shift between any two secondary winding groups.

The present invention relates to a phase-shifting unit module, a manufacturing method therefor, a phase shifting device, and an antenna. The phase-shifting unit module comprises a first metal ground plate, a second metal ground plate, an insulating dielectric plate, a slide apparatus, and a fixed transmission line. The insulating dielectric plate is provided thereon with at least one impedance transforming part. The thickness of the impedance transforming part is less than the thickness of the remaining parts of the insulating dielectric plate. The impedance transforming part of the insulating dielectric plate is overlapped with the fixed transmission line during a moving process. The insulating dielectric plate is overlapped only with the fixed transmission line, thus reducing reflected signals, while at the same time reducing losses, and facilitating ultra-wideband design of the phase-shift unit module and of the phase-shifting device.

The present invention relates to a phase-shifting unit module, a manufacturing method therefor, a phase shifting device, and an antenna. The phase-shifting unit module comprises a first metal ground plate, a second metal ground plate, an insulating dielectric plate, a slide apparatus, and a fixed transmission line. The insulating dielectric plate is provided thereon with at least one impedance transforming part. The thickness of the impedance transforming part is less than the thickness of the remaining parts of the insulating dielectric plate. The impedance transforming part of the insulating dielectric plate is overlapped with the fixed transmission line during a moving process. The insulating dielectric plate is overlapped only with the fixed transmission line, thus reducing reflected signals, while at the same time reducing losses, and facilitating ultra-wideband design of the phase-shift unit module and of the phase-shifting device.