Low loss reflective passive phase shifter using time delay element with double resolution

A phase shifter comprising:

• (a) a radio frequency coupler having an input port, direct port, coupled port and isolation port;
• (b) a ground conductor substantially encircling at least the radio frequency coupler;
• (c) a first central trace coupled to the direct port;
• (d) a first plurality of switches coupled at intervals between the first central trace and the ground conductor;
• (e) a second central trace coupled to the coupled port;
• and
• (f) a second plurality of switches coupled at intervals between the second central trace and the ground conductor;
• wherein the first and second central traces, the first and second plurality of switches, and the ground conductor are arrayed such that the total impedance along each of the first and second central traces will be the same when corresponding ones of the first and second plurality of switches are closed.

A phase shifter comprising:

• (a) a radio frequency coupler having an input port, direct port, coupled port and isolation port;
• (b) a ground conductor substantially encircling at least the radio frequency coupler;
• (c) a first central trace coupled to the direct port;
• (d) a first plurality of switches coupled at intervals between the first central trace and the ground conductor;
• (e) a second central trace coupled to the coupled port;
• and
• (f) a second plurality of switches coupled at intervals between the second central trace and the ground conductor;
• wherein the phase shifter provides a programmable time delay as a function of a selected electrical length of the first and second central traces.