Phase shifter with controllable attenuation and method for controlling same

A method for controlling an attenuation of a phase shifter, the phase shifter comprising a plurality of transmission line segments coupled in series, the method comprising:

• for each transmission line segment of the plurality of transmission line segments, selectively coupling an attenuation circuit between a signal line of the transmission line segment and ground to selectively attenuate a signal propagating through the transmission line segment;
• for each transmission line segment of the plurality of transmission line segments, selecting between a first configuration of the transmission line segment providing a first phase shift for the signal and a second configuration of the transmission line segment providing a second phase shift for the signal, greater than said first phase shift;
• and
• for each transmission line segment of the plurality of transmission line segments, selecting between a first configuration of the attenuation circuit providing a first resistance between the signal line and ground, when the attenuation circuit is coupled between the signal line and ground, and a second configuration of the attenuation circuit providing a second resistance, different from said first resistance, between the signal line and ground, when the attenuation circuit is coupled between the signal line and ground;
• and
• wherein said phase shifter is configured such that
• said first configuration of said attenuation circuit is selected when the attenuation circuit is coupled between the signal line and ground and said transmission line segment is configured for providing said first phase shift;
• and
• said second configuration of said attenuation circuit is selected when the attenuation circuit is coupled between the signal line and ground and said transmission line segment is configured for providing said second phase shift.