Orthonormal splitting of RMS phase error in digitally controlled phase shifters

Aznar, Francisco (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Esteban-Eraso, Uxua (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Martínez-Pérez, Antonio D. ; Fernández, Roque (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Celma, Santiago (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Traditionally, the RMS phase error has been the standard metric for assessing the quality of phase shifters used in phased-array beamforming antennas. However, this metric fails to isolate the different effects on the radiation pattern. This work proposes three novel metrics to provide a more nuanced analysis of digitally controlled phase shifters. These metrics, denoted as Beam Steering Error, Null Quality Error, and Side-Lobe Level Error, target specific performance characteristics of the radiation pattern. They are defined for any bit resolution, enabling the decomposition of the RMS phase error into three distinct components, each providing valuable insights into the performance of linear phased arrays. The limitations of conventional RMS phase error analysis are demonstrated, and the advantages of these new metrics are validated through a case study involving a 5-bit architecture implemented in a 65-nm CMOS process, as well as other phase shifters reported in the literature.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.aeue.2026.156248

Año: 2026

Publicado en: AEU-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATIONS 208 (2026), 156248 [7 p.]
ISSN: 1434-8411

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/AEI/PID2020-114110RA-I00
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/AEI/PID2023-150244OB-I00
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/UZ/CUD2025-01

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Electrónica (Dpto. Ingeniería Electrón.Com.)