Sample-and-hold phase shifter control voltage distribution in a phased array utilizing voltage-controlled phase shift devices

A method of imparting controlled phase shifts to a plurality input signals so as to produce phase-shifted output signals, that are shifted in phase relative to said input signals, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) coupling said respective ones of said plurality of input signals to respective ones of a plurality of analog voltage-controlled phase shift elements, which are operative to impart prescribed amounts of phase shift to input signals applied thereto in accordance with control voltages supplied to voltage control inputs thereof;
• (b) providing an analog voltage supply unit having an analog voltage output that is operative selectively produce respectively different analog voltages;
• (c) coupling a sample-and-hold switching network between said analog voltage supply unit and said voltage control inputs of said plurality of voltage-controlled phase shift elements;
• and
• (d) controlling the operation of said sample-and-hold switching network so as to couple different analog voltages supplied thereto by said analog voltage supply unit to voltage control inputs of selected ones of said plurality of voltage-controlled phase shift elements.