A Proposed Lossless Electronic Phase Shifter (Correspondence)

Modern antenna array designs frequently require the use of high-speed, electronically controlled phase shifters. The use of low-noise receivers now becoming available also dictates the requirement that such phase shifters have zero, or very small, losses. The use of parametric devices as active elements in such phase shifters is particularly attractive because of their high degree of reliability, high frequency capability, and excellent noise performance. This memorandum proposes such an active electronic phase shifter, which accomplishes the additional function of providing amplification or attenuation independently of its phase shift.