Design of time delay lines with periodic microstrip line and composite right/left-handed transmission line

Based on the sharp relationship between Ang(S21) of CRLH-TLs and working frequency, CRLH-TLs TDLs with large time delays are proposed. Meanwhile, sawtooth-shaped PMLs are selected to realize tiny time delays. Finally, a 9-bit time delay module consisting of CRLH-TLs, sawtooth-shaped PMLs and OMLs as well as eighteen SPDTs is designed and fabricated. By selecting different states of SPDTs, time delays from 1.2ps up to 613.2ps can be achieved. The comparisons of simulation and experimental results validated the present design. Besides, the present time delay module possesses other advantages such as compactness, low loss, precise and easy fabrication.