Compact Microstrip Latching Reciprocal Phase Shifter.

A latching type of microstrip reciprocal phase shifter is provided having a toroidal-shaped ferrite core with a length of microstrip conductor wound about the outer cylindrical surface of the core and a ground plane mounted on the inner cylindrical surface of the core and a ground plane mounted on the inner cylindrical surface of the core surrounding the aperture in the core. A single control wire is passed through the aperture in the core and creates a circular magnetic field in the core surrounding the aperture when the core is pulsed with a unidirectional current pulse. By successively pulsing the control wire with current pulses of opposite polarity, the core may be switched back and forth between a first saturated magnetic state in which it exhibits a first insertion phase with respect to millimeter wave energy traveling between the ends of the microstrip conductor disposed on the outer cylindrical surface of the core and a second non-saturated magnetic state in which it exhibits a different insertion phase with respect to such millimeter wave energy traveling along the microstrip conductor on the outer surface of the core. Patent applications. RH