Analysis and design of a compact SIW-based multi-layer wideband phase shifter for Ku-band applications

This paper addresses the design and analysis of a novel compact wideband phase shifter in SIW technology. Employing the recently developed low-loss two-level SIW transition [1], the proposed structure exploits the multi-layer possibility offered by the SIW technology offering a compact three layer design [2], [3]. Preliminary results have been reported by the authors in [4]. This paper brings deeper understanding of the phase shifter design and performances through an equivalent circuit model with detailed results. The developed structure offers up to 66 % area reduction with respect to the analogous single layer, equal-length variable-width phase shifter reported in [5]. Phase shifts of −45°, −90°, −135° and −180° are satisfied over 2 GHz bandwidth centered at 12.5 GHz with less than 5° peak-to-peak error. These phase shifters are particularly attractive for integration in more complex multi-layer systems as beam-forming networks.