Patent attributes
A wiper-type variable power divider with capacitive junctions to minimize the creation of passive intermodulation interference (PIM) during adjustment of the power divider. The variable power divider includes an adjustable, wiper-type phase shifter connected to a hybrid power divider. The output ports of the hybrid power divider produce two RF signals having variable and complementary power amplitudes as the power divider is adjusted throughout its adjustment range. The power divider output signals also have a sum that is substantially equal to a constant quantity throughout the adjustment range of the power divider. The phase shifter is well suitable for use in a base station antenna, where it can be used for be beam steering and beam width adjustment. The variable power divider can also be operated by remote control of a motorized actuator that operates the power divider.
