This project is a proof-of-concept of the mechanical phase shifter protected under patent ES2729211 (A1) and WO 2020/225470 A1. This patent proposes a scalable mechanical True-Time-Delay phase shifter, well-suited for beam-steering array antennas.
The developed demonstrator consists of five functional layers distributed across six blocks. Beam steering is achieved by rotating an internal piece that modifies the physical length of each channel, while the radiating aperture and input port remain fixed.
The working principle is based on a set of arc-shaped concentric waveguides located at different layers. Depending on the rotation angle of an internal piece, the phase shift between adjacent channels is varied, and therefore the direction of the main beam. This seamless rotation is enabled by the innovative gap waveguides employed at the moving layers.
A functional full-scale prototype has been fabricated to perform a experimental validation of the developed concept. The entire antenna has been constructed from aluminum using a CNC milling machine available at the research group’s facilities. Additionally, a servo motor has been integrated beneath the device to enable the rotation of the moving part around the defined axis. An electronic control system was also developed for tracking purposes.
Different aluminum parts of the prototype
Assembled prototype
Manual rotation
Electromechanical rotation