1 GHz programmable analog phase shifter for adaptive antennas

This paper describes a programmable analog phase shifter operating at 1 GHz. This has application in adaptive antenna systems, where variable phase shifters are used to steer the directivity of the antenna array. The circuit is fabricated in 0.8 μm silicon bipolar technology, with a 10 GHz f_T. The resulting chip area is small enough to allow 16 complete phase shifter circuits to be included in a single package, thereby allowing control of an array of 16 antenna elements. This approach in constructing adaptive antenna is highly inexpensive compared to the use of bulk microwave phase shifters