Radio frequency signal combiner

Abstract

A radio frequency (RF) signal power combiner includes an axially symmetric periodic waveguide device with a cylinder and a central conductor disposed coaxially within the cylinder. The central conductor is defined by a pair of orthogonal symmetry planes. A shorting wall closes an end of the cylinder and is electrically coupled to the central conductor. Magnetic loop coupling elements are disposedwithin the cylinder relative to a first symmetry plane of the pair of orthogonal symmetry planes. A plurality of input ports extend through respective openings in the shorting wall, each feeding a signal to a corresponding magnetic loop coupling element. An output port configured to output a combined power of signals from the plurality of input ports is disposed on a side of the combiner away fromthe shorting wall.

Description

technical field [0001] Aspects of the present application relate generally to power combiners, and more particularly to radio frequency signal power combiners for antenna arrays. Background technique [0002] Wireless communication systems in densely populated areas are faced with the problem of tight utilization of available radio frequency (radio frequency, RF) radio spectrum. Economic efficiencies for mobile network operators lead to increased RF power levels required for bit rate throughput within energy efficiency and cost constraints. [0003] Achieving substantially high levels of RF power in antenna arrays is a technical challenge that leads to numerous problems. For example, the number of inputs to a combiner is typically limited by the amount of coupling achievable per input, which in turn is limited by the electromagnetic properties of the combiner. An example of this is a planar (printed) combiner, which is based on magnetic coupling between two primary and a s...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The main technical problem in this case is the insufficient physical coupling of the electrical probes and the difficulty of placing more than one pair of electrical probes in the maximum field of the mixed wave

This results in an axially symmetric periodic waveguide or quasiperiodic structure (ASPS) with too long coupled probes occupying more than one period, thus making the overall size of the combiner too large

A limitation of electrical probes is that they require source signals with opposite phases

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