wilkinson divider, wilkinson combiner, and amplifier

Abstract

This invention provides a Wilkinson divider, a Wilkinson synthesizer, and an amplifier with wideband capabilities. The Wilkinson divider includes: an input line; a first distribution line and a second distribution line branching off from the input line; a first output line connected to a first end of the output side of the first distribution line; a second output line connected to a second end of the output side of the second distribution line; a first stub connected to the first end; a second stub connected to the second end; an isolation resistor connected between the first stub and the second stub; and a first circuit branching off from a first point between the ends of the first stub and a second point between the ends of the second stub and connecting the first and second points, wherein at least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, and the first circuit constitute a first resonant circuit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to Wilkinson distributors, Wilkinson synthesizers, and amplifiers. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, there exists a Wilkinson power divider comprising: two distribution lines splitting from the input line; and two output lines, each connected to an output terminal of one of the two distribution lines. An isolation resistor is connected between the two output terminals via a connection line. This connection line degrades the reflection and isolation characteristics of the Wilkinson power divider. Therefore, a capacitor is inserted between the isolation resistor and the connection line, and two short-circuit stubs are connected to each of the two output terminals to eliminate the reactance of the connection line (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-217615

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-330813

[0007] Furthermore, conventional Wilkinson power dividers use a short-circuited stub connected separately from the connection lines to the output terminals for impedance adjustment. This short-circuited stub has high reactance, making efficient impedance adjustment difficult. When impedance adjustment is inefficient, the isolation of the Wilkinson power divider deteriorates, affecting its passband characteristics and potentially narrowing the bandwidth through which the transmitted signal can travel. Similar problems are likely to arise in Wilkinson synthesizers as well. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a Wilkinson distributor, a Wilkinson synthesizer, and an amplifier that achieve wide bandwidth.

[0009] The Wilkinson distributor disclosed herein includes: an input line; a first distribution line and a second distribution line branching off from the input line; a first output line connected to a first end of the output side of the first distribution line; a second output line connected to a second end of the output side of the second distribution line; a first stub connected to the first end; a second stub connected to the second end; an isolation resistor connected between the first stub and the second stub; and a first circuit branching off from a first point between the two ends of the first stub and a second point between the two ends of the second stub and connecting the first point and the second point, wherein at least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, and the first circuit constitute a first resonant circuit.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] This invention provides a Wilkinson distributor, a Wilkinson synthesizer, and an amplifier that achieve wide bandwidth. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power amplifier that includes the Wilkinson distributor and Wilkinson synthesizer of Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation 1.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the Wilkinson synthesizer in Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a Smith chart showing the impedance characteristics of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation 1.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a Smith chart showing the impedance characteristics of a Wilkinson divider used for comparison.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation 1.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation 1.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S32 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation 1.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Wilkinson distributor, a variation of Embodiment 1.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation Method 2.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the Wilkinson synthesizer in Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 12 This is a Smith chart showing the impedance characteristics of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation Method 2.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation Method 2.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation Method 2.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S32 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor in Implementation Method 2.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 10: Power Amplifier

[0029] 50A, 50B: Amplifier Units

[0030] 100X, 100XM, 200X: Wilkinson Distributors

[0031] 110X: Input line

[0032] 120A, 120B: Distribution lines

[0033] 121A, 121B: End caps

[0034] 130A, 130B: Output lines

[0035] 140A, 140B, 240A, 240B: Short cuts

[0036] 141A, 142A, 141B, 142B, 241A, 242A, 243A, 244A, 241B, 242B, 243B, 244B: Lines

[0037] 140A1, 140B1, 240A1, 240A2, 240B1, 240B2: Points

[0038] 150X: Isolation Resistor

[0039] 160X, 260X1, 260X2: Circuits

[0040] 161A, 161B, 261A, 261B, 263A, 263B: Lines

[0041] 162A, 162B, 262A, 262B, 264A, 264B: Capacitors

[0042] 170A, 170B, 270A1, 270B1, 270A2, 270B2: Resonant Circuit

[0043] 100Y, 200Y: Wilkinson synthesizer

[0044] 110Y: Output line

[0045] 120C, 120D: Merging lines

[0046] 121C, 121D: End caps

[0047] 130C, 130D: Input lines

[0048] 140C, 140D, 240C, 240D: Short cutoff line

[0049] 141C, 142C, 241C, 242C, 243C, 244C, 241D, 242D, 243D, 244D: Lines

[0050] 140C1, 140D1, 240C1, 240C2, 240D1, 240D2: Points

[0051] 141D, 142D: Lines

[0052] 150Y: Isolation Resistor

[0053] 160Y, 260Y1, 260Y2: Circuits

[0054] 161C, 161D, 261C, 261D, 263C, 263D: Lines

[0055] 162C, 162D, 262C, 262D, 264C, 264D: Capacitors

[0056] 170C, 170D, 270C1, 270D1, 270C2, 270D2: Resonant circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The following describes the implementation method.

[0058] [Description of embodiments of this disclosure]

[0059] [1] A Wilkinson distributor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an input line; a first distribution line and a second distribution line branching off from the input line; a first output line connected to a first end of the output side of the first distribution line; a second output line connected to a second end of the output side of the second distribution line; a first stub connected to the first end; a second stub connected to the second end; an isolation resistor connected between the first stub and the second stub; and a first circuit branching off from a first point between the two ends of the first stub and a second point between the two ends of the second stub and connecting the first point and the second point, wherein at least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, and the first circuit constitute a first resonant circuit.

[0060] At least a portion of the first stub and at least a portion of the second stub form part of the first resonant circuit, thus enabling efficient impedance adjustment using at least a portion of the first stub and at least a portion of the second stub. As a result, isolation (separation) characteristics are improved, allowing for bandwidth optimization. Therefore, a bandwidth-optimized Wilkinson divider can be provided.

[0061] [2] In [1], the first resonant frequency of the first resonant circuit may also be different from the center frequency of the transmitted signal input to the input line. Since the first resonant frequency differs from the center frequency, the isolation (separation) characteristics are further improved, and bandwidth can be further optimized. Therefore, a bandwidth-optimized Wilkinson distributor can be provided.

[0062] [3] In [2], the first frequency band containing the first resonant frequency and in which the first resonant circuit resonates may be different from the frequency band containing the center frequency of the transmitted signal input to the input line. Since the first frequency band is different from the frequency band containing the center frequency, the isolation (separation) characteristics are further improved, and bandwidth can be further improved. Therefore, a Wilkinson distributor that achieves bandwidth by utilizing a first frequency band different from the center frequency can be provided.

[0063] [4] In [3], the transmission coefficient of the transmitted signal in the frequency band containing the center frequency, the first frequency band, and the frequency band between the center frequency and the first frequency band may be less than a predetermined value. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a continuous frequency band in which the transmission coefficient of the transmitted signal in the frequency band containing the center frequency, the first frequency band, and the frequency band between them is less than a predetermined value, thus enabling broadband operation.

[0064] [5] In [3] or [4], the first circuit may also include: a first line connecting the first point and the second point; and a first capacitor connected in series with the first line, wherein the first frequency band is determined by at least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, the reactance of the first line, and the capacitance of the first capacitor. By using the reactance of at least a portion of the first stub and at least a portion of the second stub to determine the first frequency band, the reactance of the first line added to determine the first frequency band can be minimized.

[0065] [6] In [5], the first resonant circuit may also be an LCL filter implemented by at least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, the first line, and the first capacitor. Since the first resonant circuit is an LCL filter, it can suppress the generation of higher harmonics and effectively improve the isolation between the first and second ends.

[0066] [7] In any of [1] to [6], the first point may be the midpoint between the two ends of the first stub, and the second point may be the midpoint between the two ends of the second stub. The fact that the first point is the midpoint between the two ends of the first stub and the second point is the midpoint between the two ends of the second stub means that the resonant circuit included in the Wilkinson distributor is only the first resonant circuit. This is because the sides of the first point of the first stub and the sides of the second point of the second stub are included in the first resonant circuit. Therefore, a broadband Wilkinson distributor can be efficiently achieved with a simple configuration.

[0067] [8] In any of [1] to [7], the first circuit may also be configured on the same side as the first distribution line and the second distribution line relative to the first stub, the isolation resistor, and the second stub. The first circuit is configured in the area surrounded by the first stub, the isolation resistor, the second stub, the first distribution line, and the second distribution line, thus enabling miniaturization of the Wilkinson distributor.

[0068] [9] In any of [1] to [6], it may also include a second circuit that branches off from a third point between the two ends of the first stub and a fourth point between the two ends of the second stub and connects the third point and the fourth point, wherein at least one additional portion of the first stub that is different from the at least one portion, at least one additional portion of the second stub that is different from the at least one portion, and the second circuit are configured as a second resonant circuit that resonates in a second frequency band that is different from the frequency band containing the center frequency.

[0069] At least one additional portion of the first stub and at least one additional portion of the second stub form part of the second resonant circuit. Therefore, in addition to impedance adjustment performed by the first resonant circuit, impedance can be efficiently adjusted using at least one additional portion of the first stub and at least one additional portion of the second stub. Furthermore, the second resonant circuit resonates in a second frequency band different from the frequency band containing the center frequency of the transmitted signal from the input to the input line. Therefore, further widening of the Wilkinson divider can be efficiently achieved.

[0070]

[10] In [9], the second resonant frequency of the second resonant circuit may also be different from the center frequency of the transmitted signal input to the input line. Since the second resonant frequency differs from the center frequency, the isolation (separation) characteristics are further improved, and bandwidth can be further optimized. Therefore, a Wilkinson distributor with optimized bandwidth can be provided.

[0071]

[11] In

[10] , the second frequency band containing the second resonant frequency and in which the second resonant circuit resonates may be different from the frequency band containing the center frequency. Since the second frequency band is different from the frequency band containing the center frequency, the isolation (separation) characteristics are further improved, and bandwidth can be further improved. Therefore, a Wilkinson distributor that achieves bandwidth by utilizing a second frequency band different from the center frequency can be provided.

[0072]

[12] In any of [3] to [5], it may also include a second circuit, which branches off from a third point between the two ends of the first stub and a fourth point between the two ends of the second stub and connects the third point and the fourth point. At least one additional portion of the first stub that is different from the at least one portion, at least one additional portion of the second stub that is different from the at least one portion, and the second circuit are configured as a second resonant circuit that resonates in a second frequency band different from the frequency band containing the center frequency. The frequency band containing the center frequency is located between the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The transmission coefficient of the transmitted signal in the frequency band containing the center frequency, the first frequency band, the second frequency band, the frequency band between the frequency band containing the center frequency and the first frequency band, and the frequency band between the frequency band containing the center frequency and the second frequency band is below a predetermined value. Therefore, it is possible to obtain continuous frequency bands in which the transmission coefficient of the transmitted signal in the frequency band containing the center frequency, the first frequency band, the second frequency band, the frequency band between the frequency band containing the center frequency and the first frequency band, and the frequency band between the frequency band containing the center frequency and the second frequency band is below a specified value, thus achieving broadband.

[0073]

[13] In

[11] or

[12] , the second circuit may also include: a second line connecting the third point and the fourth point; and a second capacitor connected in series to the second line, wherein the second frequency band is determined by at least the additional portion of the first stub, at least the additional portion of the second stub, the reactance of the second line, and the electrostatic capacitance of the second capacitor. By using the reactance of at least the additional portion of the first stub and at least the additional portion of the second stub to determine the second frequency band, the reactance of the second line added to determine the second frequency band can be minimized.

[0074]

[14] In

[13] , the second resonant circuit may also be an LCL filter implemented by at least another portion of the first stub, at least another portion of the second stub, the second line, and the second capacitor. Since the second resonant circuit is an LCL filter, it can suppress the generation of higher harmonics and effectively improve the isolation between the first and second ends.

[0075]

[15] In any of [9] to

[14] , the first circuit may be disposed on the side opposite to the first distribution line and the second distribution line relative to the first stub, the isolation resistor, and the second stub, and the second circuit may be disposed on the same side as the first distribution line and the second distribution line relative to the first stub, the isolation resistor, and the second stub. The second circuit can be disposed in the area surrounded by the first distribution line, the second distribution line, the first stub, the second stub, and the isolation resistor, thus effectively and flexibly utilizing the area of ​​the substrate, etc., for forming the Wilkinson distributor, and achieving miniaturization of the Wilkinson distributor.

[0076]

[16] In

[15] , the two ends of the first stub may be a first connection terminal connected to the first end and a third connection terminal connected to the isolation resistor, and the two ends of the second stub may be a second connection terminal connected to the second end and a fourth connection terminal connected to the isolation resistor. The first point and the third point are arranged from the first connection terminal to the third connection terminal in the order of the first point and the third point, and the second point and the fourth point are arranged from the second connection terminal to the fourth connection terminal in the order of the second point and the fourth point. The second circuit is connected to the first stub and the second stub on the side closer to the isolation resistor than the first circuit, thus allowing for a wider spacing between the second circuit and the first and second distribution lines, reducing the coupling between the second circuit and the first and second distribution lines. Furthermore, as a result, a Wilkinson distributor with better impedance characteristics can be obtained.

[0077]

[17] In

[16] , the length between the first connection terminal and the first point can also be a first length corresponding to the first resonant frequency of the first resonant circuit, the length between the first point and the third point can be the sum of the first length and the second length corresponding to the second resonant frequency of the second resonant circuit, the length between the third point and the third connection terminal can be the second length, the length between the second connection terminal and the second point can be the first length, the length between the second point and the fourth point can be the sum of the first length and the second length, and the length between the fourth point and the fourth connection terminal can be the second length. Setting such lengths means that the resonant circuits included in the Wilkinson distributor are only the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit. This is because the entire first stub and the second stub are included in the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit. Therefore, two resonant circuits can be used to make more precise impedance adjustments, and further broadband can be sought.

[0078]

[18] In

[17] , the first length may also be longer than the second length. This allows the second circuit to be further separated from the first and second distribution lines, and further reduces the coupling between the second circuit and the first and second distribution lines. Furthermore, as a result, a Wilkinson distributor with better impedance characteristics can be obtained.

[0079]

[19] A Wilkinson synthesizer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an output line; a first confluence line and a second confluence line, confluencing the output line; a first input line connected to a first end of the input side of the first confluence line; a second input line connected to a second end of the input side of the second confluence line; a third stub connected to the first end; a fourth stub connected to the second end; an isolation resistor connected between the third stub and the fourth stub; and a third circuit branching off from a fifth point between the two ends of the third stub and a sixth point between the two ends of the fourth stub and connecting the fifth point and the sixth point, wherein at least a portion of the third stub, at least a portion of the fourth stub, and the third circuit constitute a third resonant circuit.

[0080] At least a portion of the third stub and at least a portion of the fourth stub form part of the third resonant circuit, thus allowing for efficient impedance adjustment using at least a portion of the third and fourth stubs. As a result, isolation characteristics are improved, enabling broadband operation. Therefore, a broadband Wilkinson synthesizer can be provided.

[0081]

[20] An amplifier according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: the Wilkinson distributor as described in [1]; the Wilkinson synthesizer as described in

[19] ; ​​a first amplification section connected between the first distribution line and the first confluence line; and a second amplification section connected between the second distribution line and the second confluence line.

[0082] In the Wilkinson distributor connected to the input sides of the first and second amplification sections, at least a portion of the first stub and at least a portion of the second stub are configured as part of a first resonant circuit that resonates in a first frequency band different from the frequency band containing the center frequency of the transmitted signal from the input to the input line. Furthermore, in the Wilkinson synthesizer connected to the output sides of the first and second amplification sections, at least a portion of the third stub and at least a portion of the fourth stub are configured as part of a third resonant circuit that resonates in the first frequency band. Therefore, at least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, at least a portion of the third stub, and at least a portion of the fourth stub can be used to efficiently adjust the impedance. As a result, isolation characteristics are improved, and a wider bandwidth is achieved. Therefore, an amplifier with a wider bandwidth can be provided.

[0083] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure]

[0084] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail, but these embodiments are not limited thereto. It should be noted that in this specification and accompanying drawings, sometimes repeated descriptions are omitted by labeling constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration with the same reference numerals.

[0085] <Implementation Method 1>

[0086] [Composition of Power Amplifier 10]

[0087] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power amplifier 10, including the Wilkinson distributor 100X and the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y of Embodiment 1. The power amplifier 10 is an example of an amplifier. Figure 1 The detailed circuit configurations of the Wilkinson distributor 100X and the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y are omitted here.

[0088] As an example, power amplifier 10 is installed in a portable telephone base station to amplify radio waves (transmission signals) used to send to terminals such as smartphones. In a portable telephone base station that transmits transmission signals across multiple frequency bands (multiple frequency bands), as an example, in order to amplify transmission signals across multiple frequency bands using a single power amplifier 10, the power amplifier 10 is required to have a wide frequency bandwidth (the frequency band is a wide bandwidth).

[0089] The power amplifier 10 includes a Wilkinson distributor 100X, amplifier units 50A and 50B, and a Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y. Amplifier unit 50A is an example of a first amplification section, and amplifier unit 50B is an example of a second amplification section.

[0090] Amplifier units 50A and 50B each have input terminals 50A1 and 50B1, output terminals 50A2 and 50B2, and amplifiers 51A and 51B, respectively. As an example, there are eleven amplifiers 51A and 51B. These eleven amplifiers 51A and 51B are connected from the input side (...) Figure 1 (left side of the middle) to the output side ( Figure 1 The right side of the middle section is connected in four levels.

[0091] Regarding amplifier unit 50A, as an example, there is one, two, four, and four amplifiers 51A respectively in the first to fourth stages viewed from the input side. Figure 1In this configuration, if each amplifier 51A has an input terminal on the left and an output terminal on the right, then the input terminal of one amplifier 51A in the first stage is connected to input terminal 50A1, and the output terminals of the four amplifiers 51A in the fourth stage are connected to output terminal 50A2. Inside the amplifier unit 50A, the input terminals of the two amplifiers 51A in the second stage are connected to the output terminal of one amplifier 51A in the first stage, the input terminals of the four amplifiers 51A in the third stage are connected to the output terminals of the two amplifiers 51A in the second stage, and the input terminals of the four amplifiers 51A in the fourth stage are connected to the output terminals of the four amplifiers 51A in the third stage.

[0092] This configuration is also the same for amplifier 51B in amplifier unit 50B. The input terminal of the first-stage amplifier 51B is connected to input terminal 50B1. The output terminals of the four amplifiers 51B in the fourth stage are connected to output terminal 50B2.

[0093] As an example, amplifiers 51A and 51B are implemented using gallium nitride high electron mobility transistors (GaN HEMTs). As an example, power amplifier 10 is used to amplify transmission signals covering frequency bands including the E-band (frequency bands of 5GHz from 71GHz to 76GHz and 5GHz from 81GHz to 86GHz). E-band transmission signals are millimeter-wave band transmission signals (for example, a frequency band of approximately 30GHz to approximately 300GHz). As an example, power amplifier 10 is installed in a portable telephone base station; therefore, in order to increase the amplification of the transmission signal for transmission, a configuration of multiple stages connected in series is adopted considering the frequency characteristics of GaN HEMTs. It should be noted that, as an example, a configuration in which amplifier units 50A and 50B are connected in four stages will be described here. From the viewpoint of increasing the amplification, a configuration of connecting two or more stages is preferred, but the number of stages in amplifier units 50A and 50B can be arbitrary. Furthermore, the transmitted signal is not limited to the millimeter wave band, but can also be a microwave band (for example, the frequency band of about 3 GHz to about 30 GHz).

[0094] The Wilkinson distributor 100X has input line 110X and output lines 130A and 130B. Input line 110X has input terminal 111X. The Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y has output line 110Y and input lines 130C and 130D. Output line 110Y has output terminal 111Y. Output lines 130A and 130B of the Wilkinson distributor 100X are connected to input terminals 50A1 and 50B1 of amplifier units 50A and 50B, respectively. Input lines 130C and 130D of the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y are connected to output terminals 50A2 and 50B2 of amplifier units 50A and 50B, respectively.

[0095] From the perspective of suppressing mutual radio wave interference, amplifier units 50A and 50B are configured to be spaced apart by approximately one wavelength from the center frequency of the transmitted signal when viewed from above. Figure 1 The vertical spacing of amplifier units 50A and 50B in the amplifier is considered. Therefore, output lines 130A and 130B and input lines 130C and 130D have a certain length. From the viewpoint of obtaining good transmission characteristics of the power amplifier 10, it is preferable that the lengths of output lines 130A and 130B and input lines 130C and 130D are short. Therefore, the Wilkinson distributor 100X and Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y are designed to shorten the lengths of output lines 130A and 130B and input lines 130C and 130D. This design will be described later.

[0096] In such a power amplifier 10, the transmitted signal input to the input terminal 111X is distributed by the Wilkinson distributor 100X, amplified by the amplifier units 50A and 50B, synthesized by the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y, and output from the output terminal 111Y.

[0097] [The composition of the Wilkinson Distributor 100X]

[0098] Figure 2This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of a Wilkinson distributor 100X. The Wilkinson distributor 100X includes input line 110X, distribution lines 120A and 120B, output lines 130A and 130B, stub wires 140A and 140B, isolation resistor 150X, and circuit 160X. Furthermore, the Wilkinson distributor 100X includes resonant circuits 170A and 170B. Distribution line 120A is an example of a first distribution line, and distribution line 120B is an example of a second distribution line. Output line 130A is an example of a first output line, and output line 130B is an example of a second output line. Stub wire 140A is an example of a first stub wire, and stub wire 140B is an example of a second stub wire. Circuit 160X is an example of a first circuit. A circuit combining resonant circuits 170A and 170B is an example of a first resonant circuit.

[0099] The input line 110X, distribution lines 120A and 120B, output lines 130A and 130B, stub lines 140A and 140B, and circuit lines 161A and 161B of the Wilkinson distributor 100X are composed of microstrip lines. Therefore, a conductive layer (ground layer) with a ground potential is provided on the opposite side of the substrate on which the Wilkinson distributor 100X is formed. Hereinafter, the center frequency of the transmission signal distributed by the Wilkinson distributor 100X is assumed to be, for example, 83 GHz, which is included in the E-band; hereinafter, it will only be referred to as the center frequency.

[0100] Input line 110X connects input terminal 111X to distribution lines 120A and 120B. As an example, the characteristic impedance Z0 of input line 110X is 50Ω. The output end of input line 110X is connected to the input ends 121A and 121B of distribution lines 120A and 120B, respectively. Ends 121A and 121B are located in the same position.

[0101] Distribution lines 120A and 120B are branched into two paths from the output side of input line 110X. Distribution line 120A has an input-side end 121A and an output-side end 122A. End 122A is an example of a first end. As an example, the length (electrical length) of distribution line 120A is 1 / 4 (λe / 4) of the electrical length λe of the wavelength at the center frequency. The characteristic impedance of distribution line 120A is √2 × Z0. Z0 is 50Ω, therefore √2 × Z0 is approximately 70Ω. Distribution line 120B has an input-side end 121B and an output-side end 122B. End 122B is an example of a second end. The length and characteristic impedance of distribution line 120B are equal to those of distribution line 120A.

[0102] Here, as part of the design to minimize the length of output lines 130A and 130B, the ends 122A and 122B of distribution lines 120A and 120B are positioned close to the input terminals 50A1 and 50B1 of amplifier units 50A and 50B (see reference). Figure 1 When this design is implemented, the terminals 122A and 122B are separated from the isolation resistor 150X. Therefore, short stubs 140A and 140B are placed between the terminals 122A and 122B and the isolation resistor 150X. It should be noted that if this design is not implemented and the short stubs 140A and 140B are not included, the length of the output lines 130A and 130B would be approximately half the wavelength at the center frequency. This would degrade the isolation (separation) of the Wilkinson divider 100X, thus affecting the passband characteristics, and the bandwidth through which the transmitted signal can pass would likely be narrower.

[0103] However, if the stubs 140A and 140B are simply set up like this, the isolation (separation) characteristics between ends 122A and 122B will deteriorate. Therefore, the Wilkinson distributor 100X of this embodiment uses resonant circuits 170A and 170B to improve the isolation characteristics. Details about resonant circuits 170A and 170B will be described later.

[0104] Output line 130A has: an input-side end connected to end 122A of distribution line 120A; and an output terminal 131A. Output terminal 131A is connected to input terminal 50A1 of amplifier unit 50A (see reference). Figure 1 Similarly, output line 130B has: an input-side end connected to end 122B of distribution line 120B; and output terminal 131B. Output terminal 131B is connected to input terminal 50B1 of amplifier unit 50B (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0105] The stub 140A connects end 122A to the isolation resistor 150X. The width and thickness of the stub 140A are constant between its two ends. Here, the stub 140A is sometimes described as lines 141A and 142A. For example, lines 141A and 142A have equal lengths and equal reactances. Point 140A1 between lines 141A and 142A is the midpoint between the two ends of the stub 140A, and is an example of the first point. As an example, the length of the stub 140A is approximately 1 / 8 to approximately 1 / 4 of the center frequency λe. It should be noted that the first point in the statement "the first point between the two ends of the first stub" refers to any point other than the two ends of the stub 140A in its longitudinal direction. In Implementation 1, point 140A1, as an example of the first point, is, for example, the midpoint between the two ends of the stub 140A.

[0106] Short conductor 140B connects end 122B to isolation resistor 150X. The width and thickness of short conductor 140B are constant between its two ends. Here, short conductor 140B is sometimes described as lines 141B and 142B. For example, the length of short conductor 140B is equal to the length of short conductor 140A. Furthermore, for example, the lengths of lines 141B and 142B are equal to each other and the same as the lengths of lines 141A and 142A. Therefore, the reactances of lines 141B and 142B are equal to each other and the same as the reactances of lines 141A and 142A. Point 140B1 between lines 141B and 142B is the midpoint between the two ends of short conductor 140B, and is an example of a second point. It should be noted that the second point in the statement "second point between the two ends of the second short conductor" refers to any point other than the two ends of short conductor 140B in the longitudinal direction of short conductor 140B, excluding the two ends of short conductor 140B. In implementation 1, point 140B1, as an example of the second point, is, for example, the midpoint between the two ends of the stub 140B.

[0107] An isolation resistor 150X is positioned between short circuits 140A and 140B. The isolation resistor 150X is provided to ensure isolation between terminals 122A and 122B. As an example, the resistance of the isolation resistor 150X is 100Ω. Various types of resistors can be used as such an isolation resistor 150X; here, as an example, a GaAs resistor is used.

[0108] Circuit 160X includes lines 161A and 161B, capacitors 162A and 162B, and a ground terminal 163X. Figure 2In the diagram, lines 161A and 161B are represented by boxes. Line 161A connects point 140A1 to ground terminal 163X, and line 161B connects point 140B1 to ground terminal 163X. Therefore, capacitors 162A and 162B are actually connected in series to lines 161A and 161B, respectively. For example, lines 161A and 161B are of equal length and have equal reactance. A line combining lines 161A and 161B is an example of a first line. Furthermore, the electrostatic capacitances of capacitors 162A and 162B are equal. Circuit 160X has a symmetrical configuration about ground terminal 163X between points 140A1 and 140B1.

[0109] The resonant circuit 170A is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 141A and 142A of stub 140A, line 161A of circuit 160X, capacitor 162A, and ground terminal 163X. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 170A is the reactance of lines 141A, 142A, and 161A, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 170A is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 162A.

[0110] Resonant circuit 170B is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 141B and 142B of stub wire 140B, line 161B of circuit 160X, capacitor 162B, and ground terminal 163X. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in resonant circuit 170B is the reactance of lines 141B, 142B, and 161B, and the capacitance (C) of resonant circuit 170B is the capacitance of capacitor 162B.

[0111] In this embodiment, the reactances of lines 141A, 142A, 141B, and 142B are all equal, the reactances of lines 161A and 161B are equal, and the capacitances of capacitors 162A and 162B are equal. Therefore, the resonant frequencies of resonant circuits 170A and 170B are equal. Here, if the resonant frequencies of resonant circuits 170A and 170B are set to f1, then resonant circuits 170A and 170B have the function of attenuating signal components near the resonant frequency f1. The resonant frequency f1 is an example of a first resonant frequency. The frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 is an example of a first frequency band, which is either a frequency band lower than the E-band (a frequency band lower than 71 GHz) or a frequency band higher than the E-band (a frequency band higher than 86 GHz) that contains the center frequency. Here, as an example, let the resonant frequency f1 be 58 GHz, and the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 be the frequency band from 56 GHz to 61 GHz. Thus, the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 is a different band from the E-band, which is the frequency band containing the center frequency. Furthermore, the resonant frequency f1 is different from the center frequency.

[0112] Here, regarding stub 140A as an example of a first stub and stub 140B as an example of a second stub, the statement "at least a portion of the first stub and at least a portion of the second stub" can be explained as follows. The statement "at least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, and the first circuit constitute a first resonant circuit" includes the case where the entire stub 140A, the entire stub 140B, and the first circuit (circuit 160X) constitute a first resonant circuit (resonant circuits 170A and 170B). In Embodiment 1, resonant circuits 170A and 170B are constructed using the entire stub 140A and the entire stub 140B.

[0113] [The composition of the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y]

[0114] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y. The Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y has the following features: Figure 2 The Wilkinson distributor 100X shown is a configuration formed by reversing the left and right sides.

[0115] The Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y includes an output line 110Y, confluence lines 120C and 120D, input lines 130C and 130D, stub wires 140C and 140D, an isolation resistor 150Y, and a circuit 160Y. ​​Furthermore, the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y includes resonant circuits 170C and 170D. Confluence line 120C is an example of a first confluence line, and confluence line 120D is an example of a second confluence line. Input line 130C is an example of a first input line, and input line 130D is an example of a second input line. Stub wire 140C is an example of a third stub wire, and stub wire 140D is an example of a fourth stub wire. Circuit 160Y is an example of a third circuit. A circuit combining resonant circuits 170C and 170D is an example of a third resonant circuit.

[0116] The output line 110Y, confluence lines 120C and 120D, input lines 130C and 130D, stub lines 140C and 140D, and circuit lines 161C and 161D of the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y are composed of microstrip lines. Therefore, a conductive layer (ground layer) with a ground potential is provided on the opposite side of the substrate on which the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y is formed. The center frequency of the transmitted signal synthesized by the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y is equal to the center frequency of the transmitted signal distributed by the Wilkinson distributor 100X.

[0117] Output line 110Y connects output terminal 111Y to confluence lines 120C and 120D. The input end of output line 110Y is connected to the output ends 121C and 121D of confluence lines 120C and 120D, respectively. Ends 121C and 121D are located in the same position.

[0118] Combined lines 120C and 120D merge at the input end of output line 110Y. Combined line 120C has an output end 121C and an input end 122C. End 122C is an example of a first end of combined line 120C. The length (electrical length) of combined line 120C is equal to the lengths of distribution lines 120A and 120B, for example, 1 / 4 (λe / 4) of the electrical length λe of the wavelength at the center frequency. The characteristic impedance of combined line 120C is √2 × Z0 (approximately 70Ω). Combined line 120D has an output end 121D and an input end 122D. End 122D is an example of a second end of combined line 120D. The length of combined line 120D is equal to the length of combined line 120C.

[0119] Here, as part of the design to minimize the length of the input lines 130C and 130D, the ends 122C and 122D of the merging lines 120C and 120D are positioned close to the output terminals 50A2 and 50B2 of the amplifier units 50A and 50B (see reference). Figure 1 When this design is implemented, the terminals 122C and 122D are separated from the isolation resistor 150Y. Therefore, stubs 140C and 140D are placed between the terminals 122C and 122D and the isolation resistor 150Y. It should be noted that if this design is not implemented and the stubs 140C and 140D are not included, the length of the input lines 130C and 130D becomes approximately half the wavelength at the center frequency. The isolation (separation) of the Wilkinson divider 100Y will deteriorate, thus affecting the passband characteristics, and the bandwidth through which the transmitted signal can pass will likely narrow.

[0120] However, if the stubs 140C and 140D are simply set up like this, the isolation characteristics between the ends 122C and 122D will be degraded. Therefore, the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y in this embodiment uses resonant circuits 170C and 170D to improve the isolation characteristics. Details about the resonant circuits 170C and 170D will be described later.

[0121] Input line 130C has: an output-side end, an end 122C connected to the confluence line 120C; and an input terminal 131C. Input terminal 131C is connected to the output terminal 50A2 of amplifier unit 50A (see reference). Figure 1 Similarly, input line 130D has: an output-side end, an end 122D connected to the confluence line 120D; and an input terminal 131D. Input terminal 131D is connected to the output terminal 50B2 of amplifier unit 50B (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0122] Short conductor 140C connects end 122C to isolation resistor 150Y. The width and thickness of short conductor 140C are constant between its two ends. Here, short conductor 140C is sometimes described as divided into lines 141C and 142C. Lines 141C and 142C are examples of at least a portion of a third short conductor. The length of short conductor 140C is equal to the length of short conductors 140A, 140B, and 140D. For example, lines 141C and 142C have equal lengths and equal reactances. Point 140C1 between lines 141C and 142C is the midpoint between the two ends of short conductor 140C and is an example of a third point. Therefore, the lengths of lines 141C and 142C are equal to the lengths of lines 141A and 142A. It should be noted that the "third point" in the statement "the third point between the two ends of the third stub" refers to a point located anywhere other than the two ends of the stub 140C in the longitudinal direction. In Embodiment 1, point 140C1, as an example of the third point, is, for example, the midpoint between the two ends of the stub 140C.

[0123] Short conductor 140D connects end 122D to isolation resistor 150Y. Here, short conductor 140D is sometimes described as lines 141D and 142D. Lines 141D and 142D are examples of at least a portion of the fourth short conductor. For example, the lengths of lines 141D and 142D are equal and the same as the lengths of lines 141C and 142C. Therefore, the reactances of lines 141D and 142D are equal and the same as the reactances of lines 141C and 142C. Point 140D1 between lines 141D and 142D is the midpoint between the two ends of short conductor 140D and is an example of the fourth point. It should be noted that the fourth point in the statement "the fourth point between the two ends of the fourth short conductor" refers to any point other than the two ends of short conductor 140D in the longitudinal direction of short conductor 140D, excluding the two ends of short conductor 140D. In Implementation 1, point 140D1, as an example of the fourth point, is, for example, the midpoint between the two ends of the stub 140D.

[0124] Isolation resistor 150Y is positioned between short-circuit wires 140C and 140D. Isolation resistor 150Y is provided to ensure isolation between terminals 122C and 122D. The configuration and resistance value of isolation resistor 150Y are the same as those of isolation resistor 150X.

[0125] Circuit 160Y includes lines 161C and 161D, capacitors 162C and 162D, and a grounding terminal 163Y. Figure 3In the diagram, lines 161C and 161D are represented by boxes. Line 161C connects point 140C1 to ground terminal 163Y, and line 161D connects point 140D1 to ground terminal 163Y. Therefore, capacitors 162C and 162D are actually connected in series to lines 161C and 161D, respectively. For example, the lengths of lines 161C and 161D are equal, and the same as the lengths of lines 161A and 161B. Therefore, the reactances of lines 161A, 161B, 161C, and 161D are equal. Furthermore, the capacitances of capacitors 162C and 162D are equal, and the same as the capacitances of capacitors 162A and 162B. Circuit 160Y, like circuit 160X, has a symmetrical configuration about ground terminal 163Y between points 140C1 and 140D1.

[0126] The resonant circuit 170C is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 141C and 142C of short-circuit wire 140C, line 161C of circuit 160Y, capacitor 162C, and ground terminal 163Y. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 170C is the reactance of lines 141C, 142C, and 161C, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 170C is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 162C.

[0127] The resonant circuit 170D is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 141D and 142D of stub 140D, line 161D of circuit 160Y, capacitor 162D, and ground terminal 163Y. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 170D is the reactance of lines 141D, 142D, and 161D, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 170D is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 162D.

[0128] In this embodiment, the resonant frequencies of resonant circuits 170A, 170B, 170C, and 170D are all equal, f1. Resonant circuits 170A, 170B, 170C, and 170D attenuate signal components near the resonant frequency f1. The frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 is an example of the first frequency band. It should be noted that the explanation of the statement regarding stub 140C as an example of the third stub and stub 140D as an example of the fourth stub, the explanation of "at least a portion of the third stub and at least a portion of the fourth stub," is the same as the explanation of stub 140A as an example of the first stub and stub 140B as an example of the second stub in the Wilkinson distributor 100X. In the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y, resonant circuits 170C and 170D are constructed using the entire stub 140C and the entire stub 140D.

[0129] [Operating characteristics of the Wilkinson Distributor 100X]

[0130] Figure 4 This is a Smith chart showing the impedance characteristics of the Wilkinson distributor 100X. Figure 5 This is a Smith chart showing the impedance characteristics of a Wilkinson divider used for comparison. Figure 6 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S21 parameter (transmission coefficient) of the Wilkinson distributor 100X. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The Smith chart shown and Figure 6 The S21 parameters shown were obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. The Wilkinson power divider used for comparison has a configuration equivalent to the Wilkinson-type power divider described in Patent Document 1. Specifically, the Wilkinson power divider used for comparison has the following configuration: circuit 160X is removed from Wilkinson power divider 100X, a short-circuit stub is added to each of ends 122A and 122B, and a capacitor is connected in series between stub 140A and isolation resistor 150X, and between stub 140B and isolation resistor 150X. The short-circuit stub is a microstrip line implemented with the end opposite to the end connected to ends 122A and 122B grounded. The short-circuit stub and capacitor are provided to eliminate the reactance of stubs 140A and 140B.

[0131] like Figure 4As shown, in the Wilkinson distributor 100X, starting from point A1 (approximately 0.2 on the real axis), the circuit moves along a circle of equal resistance to point B1 based on the reactance of stubs 140A and 140B (lines 141A, 142A, 141B, and 142B). Then, based on the impedance of the reactance of lines 161A and 161B and the capacitive impedance of capacitors 162A and 162B, the circuit moves along a circle of equal conductance to point C1 (approximately 1.0 on the real axis). In the Wilkinson distributor 100X, the impedance can be adjusted using resonant circuits 170A and 170B in this way.

[0132] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the Wilkinson distributor used for comparison, starting from point A1 (approximately 0.2 on the real axis), the circuit moves to point B2 based on the reactance of the short-circuited stubs (the reactance of the short-circuited stubs connected in parallel with stubs 140A and 140B). From point B2, the circuit moves to point B3 based on the reactance of stubs 140A and 140B (lines 141A, 142A, 141B, and 142B). Then, from point B3, the circuit moves to point C1 via the capacitor. Thus, in the Wilkinson distributor used for comparison, the circuit... Figure 4 The impedance of the Wilkinson distributor 100X shown deviates significantly from the real axis compared to its movement on the Smith chart, failing to efficiently adjust the impedance. This is because, corresponding to the presence of a short-circuit stub, useless movement occurs during impedance adjustment.

[0133] In addition, Figure 6 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the frequency (GHz), and the vertical axis represents the value of the S21 parameter (transmission coefficient) (dB). Figure 6 The S21 parameter shown indicates the flow characteristics from the connection point (port 2) of the isolation resistor 150X and the stub 140A to the end 122A (port 1). Furthermore, the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor 100X is represented by a solid line, and the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor used for comparison is represented by a dashed line. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the Wilkinson distributor 100X has achieved a wider bandwidth compared to the Wilkinson distributor used in the comparison.

[0134] Figure 7 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor 100X. Figure 7 The S21 parameters shown were obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. Figure 7 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the frequency (GHz), and the vertical axis represents the value of the S21 parameter (transmission coefficient) (dB). Figure 7 The S21 parameters shown are obtained by using input terminal 111X as port 1 and output terminal 131A as port 2. That is, Figure 7The S21 parameter shown represents the distribution characteristics of the transmitted signal from input terminal 111X to output terminal 131A.

[0135] exist Figure 7 In the diagram, the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor 100X is represented by a solid line, and the S21 parameter of the comparison Wilkinson distributor is represented by a dashed line. Furthermore, the S21 parameter represented by a single-dotted line is obtained by using the input terminal 111X as port 1 and the output terminal 131A as port 2 in a Wilkinson distributor obtained by removing two short-circuit stubs and a capacitor from the comparison Wilkinson distributor (hereinafter referred to as the second comparison Wilkinson distributor). The capacitor is one capacitor inserted in series between stub 140A and isolation resistor 150X, and another between stub 140B and isolation resistor 150X.

[0136] Compared to the second comparative Wilkinson distributor (dashed line), both the Wilkinson distributor 100X (solid line) and the comparative Wilkinson distributor (dashed line) show improved distribution characteristics. However, when compared as an example at -3.5 dB, it can be seen that the Wilkinson distributor 100X has a bandwidth expansion of approximately 5 GHz compared to the comparative Wilkinson distributor. The S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor 100X is below -3.5 dB in the E-band, the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1, and the frequency band between the E-band and the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 (frequency band higher than 61 GHz and lower than 71 GHz). -3.5 dB is an example of a specified value for the transmission coefficient. Thus, the frequency bands in the E-band, the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1, and the frequency band between the E-band and the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 are all below -3.5dB. Therefore, a continuous frequency band with a sufficiently high transmission coefficient can be obtained from the lowest frequency of the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 to the highest frequency of the E-band, thus enabling broadband.

[0137] The bandwidth expansion is particularly significant in frequency bands lower than the E-band, which can be attributed to the frequency band (56 GHz to 61 GHz) including the resonant frequency f1 of the resonant circuits 170A and 170B. Furthermore, the distribution characteristics are improved not only in frequency bands lower than the E-band but also in frequency bands higher than 61 GHz and in frequency bands higher than the E-band (higher than 86 GHz). Thus, it can be seen that the Wilkinson divider 100X can achieve bandwidth expansion through resonant circuits 170A and 170B, which, as an example, resonate in the frequency band of 56 GHz to 61 GHz.

[0138] Figure 8This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S32 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor 100X. Figure 8 The S32 parameters shown were obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. Figure 8 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the frequency (GHz), and the vertical axis represents the value of the S32 parameter (transmission coefficient) (dB). Figure 8 The S32 parameter shown represents the transmission coefficient between port 2 and port 3, with output terminal 131A as port 2 and output terminal 131B as port 3. In other words, Figure 8 The S32 parameter shown represents the isolation characteristics between port 2 and port 3. Figure 7 Similarly, solid lines represent the S32 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor 100X, dashed lines represent the S32 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor used for comparison, and single-dot dashed lines represent the S32 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor used for the second comparison.

[0139] like Figure 8 As shown, the Wilkinson distributor 100X (solid line) is 2dB to 3dB higher than the comparative Wilkinson distributor (dashed line) below approximately 95GHz, but above approximately 95GHz, it is 2dB to 3dB lower than the comparative Wilkinson distributor (dashed line). It can be seen that across the entire range from 50GHz to 110GHz, the Wilkinson distributor 100X (solid line) consistently exhibits lower isolation characteristics than the minimum value (approximately -11.5dB) of the second comparative Wilkinson distributor (dashed line).

[0140] In the Wilkinson distributor 100X, the isolation characteristics between terminals 122A and 122B are improved by the two LCL filters 170A and 170B, and the passband characteristics between terminals 122A and 122B are also improved. Furthermore, resonant circuits 170A and 170B resonate in the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1. Therefore, it is equivalent to a 50Ω termination between terminals 122A and 122B at high frequencies. Additionally, the resonance between terminals 122A and 122B by resonant circuits 170A and 170B is equivalent to a 50Ω termination at high frequencies. Based on this principle, the E-band signal input to input terminal 111X and the transmission signal in the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 are distributed by distribution lines 120A and 120B, and transmission signals of the same phase are output from terminals 122A and 122B to output lines 130A and 130B. Therefore, a Wilkinson distributor 100X with a wide bandwidth capable of transmitting signals in the E-band and frequency bands including the resonant frequency f1 can be obtained.

[0141] Furthermore, the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y reverses the input and output sides of the Wilkinson distributor 100X, thus achieving broadband operation similarly to the Wilkinson distributor 100X. More specifically, two transmitted signals of the same phase input to input lines 130C and 130D at input terminals 131C and 131D, respectively, are transmitted in merging lines 120C and 120D, arriving at terminals 121C and 121D in the same phase and being combined, then output from output terminal 111Y via output line 110Y. This operation is performed similarly for E-band transmitted signals and transmitted signals in frequency bands containing the resonant frequency f1.

[0142] Therefore, it is possible to provide a wideband Wilkinson distributor 100X, a Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y, and a power amplifier 10.

[0143] Furthermore, in the Wilkinson distributor 100X, lines 141A and 142A of stub 140A and lines 141B and 142B of stub 140B are used as part of the reactance of resonant circuits 170A and 170B. This shortens lines 161A and 161B of circuit 160X, minimizing the reactance of lines 161A and 161B. Additionally, it allows for miniaturization of the circuit size of circuit 160X.

[0144] Furthermore, in the Wilkinson distributor 100X, the resonant circuits 170A and 170B are LCL filters, which can suppress the generation of higher harmonics and effectively improve the isolation between the ends 122A and 122B.

[0145] Furthermore, in the Wilkinson distributor 100X, the points 140A1 and 140B1 of the stubs 140A and 140B are the midpoints. Therefore, the entire stubs 140A and 140B can be used in resonant circuits 170A and 170B that resonate in the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1, thus realizing a simple Wilkinson distributor 100X.

[0146] Furthermore, in the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y, lines 141C and 142C of stub 140C and lines 141D and 142D of stub 140D are used as part of the reactance of resonant circuits 170C and 170D. This shortens lines 161C and 161D of circuit 160Y, minimizing their reactance. It also allows for miniaturization of the circuit size of 160Y. ​​Moreover, resonant circuits 170C and 170D are LCL filters, thereby suppressing the generation of higher harmonics and effectively improving the isolation between terminals 122C and 122D.

[0147] Furthermore, in the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y, the points 140C1 and 140D1 of the stubs 140C and 140D are the midpoints. Therefore, the entire stubs 140C and 140D can be used in the resonant circuits 170C and 170D that resonate in the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1, thus realizing a simple Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y.

[0148] [Components of the Wilkinson Distributor 100XM]

[0149] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Wilkinson distributor 100XM, a variation of Embodiment 1. The Wilkinson distributor 100XM differs from the other embodiment in that it places circuitry 160X within the area surrounded by distribution lines 120A, 120B, short circuits 140A, 140B, and isolation resistor 150X. Figure 2 The Wilkinson distributor 100X shown is different. Specifically, circuit 160X is positioned on the same side as distribution lines 120A and 120B relative to stubs 140A and 140B and isolation resistor 150X. Other configurations are the same. Figure 2 The Wilkinson Distributor 100X shown is identical.

[0150] Such a Wilkinson distributor 100XM and Figure 2 The Wilkinson distributor 100X shown also achieves wide bandwidth and miniaturization. Furthermore, for the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y, circuit 160Y is also positioned on the same side as the stubs 140C, 140D and isolation resistor 150Y, corresponding to the confluence lines 120C, 120D, thus achieving wide bandwidth and miniaturization similar to the Wilkinson distributor 100XM. Figure 1 In the case of the power amplifier 10 shown, amplifier units 50A and 50B each include a plurality of amplifiers 51A and 51B, thus the space around the Wilkinson distributor 100X and the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y is sometimes limited. In such cases, the Wilkinson distributor 100XM and the Wilkinson synthesizer, which is also miniaturized from the Wilkinson distributor 100XM, have the advantage of being easy to configure in a limited space. In particular, regarding the output side of the amplifier units 50A and 50B configured for the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y, the number of amplifiers 51A and 51B connected in parallel is greater than that on the input side, thus the possibility of limited space is high. In such cases, the miniaturized Wilkinson synthesizer is very useful.

[0151] <Implementation Method 2>

[0152] Implementation method 2 involves methods that can respectively replace Figure 1The Wilkinson distributor 100X of the power amplifier 10 and the Wilkinson distributor 200X of the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y shown (see reference) Figure 10 ) and Wilkinson Synthesizer 200Y (refer to) Figure 11 ).

[0153] [Components of the Wilkinson Distributor 200X]

[0154] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Wilkinson distributor 200X. The Wilkinson distributor 200X has the following configuration: circuitry 260X2 is added to the Wilkinson distributor 100X of Embodiment 1, and short wires 240A, 240B and circuitry 260X1 are included to replace short wires 140A, 140B and circuitry 160X (see reference). Figure 2 The following description will focus on the differences from the Wilkinson distributor 100X in Embodiment 1.

[0155] The Wilkinson distributor 200X includes input lines 110X, distribution lines 120A and 120B, output lines 130A and 130B, stubs 240A and 240B, an isolation resistor 150X, and circuits 260X1 and 260X2. Furthermore, the Wilkinson distributor 200X includes resonant circuits 270A1, 270B1, 270A2, and 270B2. Stub 240A is an example of a first stub, and stub 240B is an example of a second stub. Circuit 260X1 is an example of a first circuit, and circuit 260X2 is an example of a second circuit. A circuit combining resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1 is an example of a first resonant circuit, and a circuit combining resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2 is an example of a second resonant circuit.

[0156] Short conductor 240A connects end 122A to isolation resistor 150X. The width and thickness of short conductor 240A are constant between its two ends. Here, short conductor 240A is sometimes described as lines 241A, 242A, 243A, and 244A. For example, lines 241A and 242A have equal lengths and equal reactances. Similarly, lines 243A and 244A have equal lengths and equal reactances. Lines 241A and 242A are longer than lines 243A and 244A, and their reactances are also greater than those of lines 243A and 244A.

[0157] Point 240A1 between lines 241A and 242A is an example of the first point, and point 240A2 between lines 243A and 244A is an example of the third point. Points 240A1 and 240A2 are arranged from end 122A to the connection terminal of stub 240A to isolation resistor 150X in the order of points 240A1 and 240A2. The connection terminal of stub 240A to end 122A is an example of the first connection terminal, and the connection terminal of stub 240A to isolation resistor 150X is an example of the third connection terminal. As an example, the length of stub 240A is approximately 1 / 8 to approximately 1 / 4 of the center frequency λe.

[0158] Lines 241A and 242A are included in resonant circuit 270A1, and lines 243A and 244A are included in resonant circuit 270A2. Lines 241A and 242A are examples of at least a portion of stub 240A. Lines 243A and 244A are examples of at least another portion of stub 240A that is different from at least a portion. The length of line 241A is an example of a first length corresponding to the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270A1. The length of line 244A is an example of a second length corresponding to the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270A2. The combined length of lines 242A and 243A is an example of the combined length of the first and second lengths.

[0159] Short conductor 240B connects end 122B to isolation resistor 150X. The width and thickness of short conductor 240B are constant between its two ends. Here, short conductor 240B is sometimes described as lines 241B, 242B, 243B, and 244B. For example, the length of short conductor 240B is equal to the length of short conductor 240A. Furthermore, for example, the lengths of lines 241B and 242B are equal to each other and the same as the lengths of lines 241A and 242A. Therefore, the reactances of lines 241B and 242B are equal to each other and the same as the reactances of lines 241A and 242A. Furthermore, for example, the lengths of lines 243B and 244B are equal to each other and the same as the lengths of lines 243A and 244A. Therefore, the reactances of lines 243B and 244B are equal to each other and the same as the reactances of lines 243A and 244A. Lines 241B and 242B are longer than lines 243B and 244B, and the reactance of lines 241B and 242B is also greater than that of lines 243B and 244B.

[0160] Point 240B1 between lines 241B and 242B is an example of the second point, and point 240B2 between lines 243B and 244B is an example of the fourth point. Points 240B1 and 240B2 are arranged from end 122B to the connection terminal of stub 240B to isolation resistor 150X in the order of points 240B1 and 240B2. The connection terminal of stub 240B to end 122B is an example of the second connection terminal, and the connection terminal of stub 240B to isolation resistor 150X is an example of the fourth connection terminal. The length of stub 240B is the same as that of stub 240A.

[0161] Lines 241B and 242B are included in resonant circuit 270B1, and lines 243B and 244B are included in resonant circuit 270B2. Lines 241B and 242B are examples of at least a portion of stub 240B. Lines 243B and 244B are examples of at least another portion of stub 240B that is different from at least a portion. The resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270B1 is equal to the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270A1, and the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270B2 is equal to the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270A2. The length of line 241B is an example of a first length corresponding to the resonant frequency of resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1. The length of line 244B is an example of a second length corresponding to the resonant frequency of resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2. The combined length of lines 242B and 243B is an example of the combined length of the first and second lengths. It should be noted that the isolation resistor 150X is located between short circuits 240A and 240B.

[0162] Circuit 260X1 includes lines 261A and 261B, capacitors 262A and 262B, and a ground terminal 163X. Circuit 260X1 is located on the opposite side from the distribution lines 120A and 120B, relative to the short-circuit lines 240A and 240B and the isolation resistor 150X. Figure 10In the diagram, lines 261A and 261B are represented by boxes. Line 261A connects point 240A1 to ground terminal 163X, and line 261B connects point 240B1 to ground terminal 163X. Therefore, capacitors 262A and 262B are actually connected in series to lines 261A and 261B, respectively. For example, the lengths of lines 261A and 261B are equal, and their reactances are also equal. Lines 261A and 261B are an example of a first line. Furthermore, the electrostatic capacitances of capacitors 262A and 262B, which are examples of first capacitors, are equal. Circuit 260X1 has a symmetrical configuration about ground terminal 163X between points 240A1 and 240B1. The reactances of lines 261A and 261B and the electrostatic capacitances of capacitors 262A and 262B are... Figure 2 The reactance of circuits 161A and 161B shown is different from the electrostatic capacitance of capacitors 162A and 162B.

[0163] Circuit 260X2 includes lines 263A and 263B, capacitors 264A and 264B, and a ground terminal 265X. Circuit 260X2 is located on the same side as distribution lines 120A and 120B, opposite to stub lines 240A and 240B and isolation resistor 150X. By arranging circuit 260X2 in the area surrounded by stub lines 240A and 240B, isolation resistor 150X, and distribution lines 120A and 120B, the area of ​​the substrate used to form Wilkinson distributor 200X can be effectively and flexibly utilized, and miniaturization of Wilkinson distributor 200X can be achieved.

[0164] exist Figure 10 In the diagram, lines 263A and 263B are represented by boxes. Line 263A connects point 240A2 to ground terminal 265X, and line 263B connects point 240B2 to ground terminal 265X. Therefore, capacitors 264A and 264B are actually connected in series to lines 263A and 263B, respectively. For example, lines 263A and 263B have equal lengths and equal reactances. Lines 263A and 263B are an example of a second line. Furthermore, capacitors 264A and 264B, as an example of a second capacitor, have equal capacitances. Circuit 260X2 has a symmetrical configuration about ground terminal 265X between points 240A2 and 240B2. The lengths of lines 263A and 263B are shorter than those of lines 261A and 261B, and the electrostatic capacitances of capacitors 264A and 264B are different from those of capacitors 262A and 262B.

[0165] It should be noted that circuit 260X2 is connected to points 240A1 and 240B1 of the stubs 240A and 240B closer to points 240A2 and 240B2 of the isolation resistor 150X for the following reasons: This is because circuit 260X2 is located on the same side as distribution lines 120A and 120B relative to stubs 240A and 240B and the isolation resistor 150X. Therefore, by slightly distancing circuit 260X2 from distribution lines 120A and 120B, coupling between distribution lines 120A and 120B and circuit 260X2 is suppressed or reduced. Furthermore, the lengths of lines 241A, 242A, 241B, and 242B of stubs 240A and 240B are longer than the lengths of lines 243A, 244A, 243B, and 244B to further separate circuit 260X2 from distribution lines 120A and 120B. This is to suppress or reduce the coupling between distribution lines 120A and 120B and circuit 260X2. With this configuration, circuit 260X2 is separated from distribution lines 120A and 120B.

[0166] The resonant circuit 270A1 is a resonant circuit constructed from short-circuit lines 241A and 242A of stub 240A, line 261A of circuit 260X1, capacitor 262A, and ground terminal 163X. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 270A1 is the reactance of lines 241A, 242A, and 261A, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 270A1 is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 262A.

[0167] The resonant circuit 270B1 is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 241B and 242B of short stub wire 240B, line 261B of circuit 260X1, capacitor 262B, and ground terminal 163X. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 270B1 is the reactance of lines 241B, 242B, and 261B, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 270B1 is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 262B.

[0168] In this embodiment, the reactances of lines 241A, 242A, 241B, and 242B are all equal, the reactances of lines 261A and 261B are equal, and the capacitances of capacitors 262A and 262B are equal. Therefore, the resonant frequencies of resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1 are equal. Here, if the resonant frequencies of resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1 are set to f1, then resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1 have the function of attenuating signal components near the resonant frequency f1. The resonant frequency f1 is an example of a first resonant frequency. The frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 is an example of a first frequency band, which is a frequency band lower than the E-band (a frequency band lower than 71 GHz) or higher than the E-band (a frequency band higher than 86 GHz) that contains the center frequency. The resonant frequency f1 is different from the center frequency. Here, as an example, let's assume that the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 is the 56GHz to 61GHz band. Thus, the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 is a different band from the E-band, which is the frequency band containing the center frequency.

[0169] The resonant circuit 270A2 is a resonant circuit constructed from short-circuit lines 243A and 244A of stub 240A, line 263A of circuit 260X2, capacitor 264A, and ground terminal 265X. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 270A2 is the reactance of lines 243A, 244A, and 263A, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 270A2 is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 264A.

[0170] The resonant circuit 270B2 is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 243B and 244B of short stub wire 240B, line 263B of circuit 260X2, capacitor 264B, and ground terminal 265X. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 270B2 is the reactance of lines 243B, 244B, and 263B, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 270B2 is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 264B.

[0171] In this embodiment, the reactances of lines 243A, 244A, 243B, and 244B are all equal, the reactances of lines 263A and 263B are equal, and the capacitances of capacitors 264A and 264B are equal. Therefore, the resonant frequencies of resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2 are equal. Here, if the resonant frequencies of resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2 are set to f2, then resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2 have the function of attenuating signal components near the resonant frequency f2. The resonant frequency f2 is an example of a second resonant frequency. The frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 is an example of a second frequency band, which is a frequency band lower than the E-band (a frequency band lower than 71 GHz) or a frequency band higher than the E-band (a frequency band higher than 86 GHz) that contains the center frequency. Here, as an example, let the resonant frequency f2 be 98 GHz, and the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 be the frequency band from 96 GHz to 101 GHz. Thus, the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 is a different band from the E-band, which is the frequency band containing the center frequency. Furthermore, here, as an example, the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 is higher than the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1.

[0172] The frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 is set higher than the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 for the following reasons: To keep circuit 260X2 as far away from distribution lines 120A and 120B as possible, the lengths of lines 241A, 242A, 241B, and 242B are made longer than the lengths of lines 243A, 244A, 243B, and 244B. The width and thickness of lines 241A, 242A, 241B, and 242B, and lines 243A, 244A, 243B, and 244B are constant; therefore, the reactance of lines 243A, 244A, 243B, and 244B is smaller than that of lines 241A, 242A, 241B, and 242B. Therefore, the above reasoning is that it is easier to design a frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 that is higher than the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1.

[0173] [The composition of the Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y]

[0174] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y. The Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y has the following configuration: an additional circuit 260Y2 is added to the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y in Embodiment 1, and stubs 240C, 240D and circuit 260Y1 are included to replace stubs 140C, 140D and circuit 160Y (see reference). Figure 3 The following description will focus on the differences from the Wilkinson synthesizer 100Y in Embodiment 1.

[0175] The Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y includes output line 110Y, confluence lines 120C and 120D, input lines 130C and 130D, stubs 240C and 240D, isolation resistor 150Y, and circuits 260Y1 and 260Y2. Furthermore, the Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y includes resonant circuits 270C1, 270D1, 270C2, and 270D2. Stub 240C is an example of a third stub, and stub 240D is an example of a fourth stub. Circuit 260Y1 is an example of a third circuit, and circuit 260Y2 is an example of a fourth circuit. A circuit combining resonant circuits 270C1 and 270D1 is an example of a third resonant circuit, and a circuit combining resonant circuits 270C2 and 270D2 is an example of a fourth resonant circuit.

[0176] Short conductor 240C connects end 122C to isolation resistor 150Y. The width and thickness of short conductor 240C are constant between its two ends. Here, short conductor 240C is sometimes described as lines 241C, 242C, 243C, and 244C. For example, lines 241C and 242C have equal lengths and equal reactances. Similarly, lines 243C and 244C have equal lengths and equal reactances. Furthermore, lines 241C and 242C are longer than lines 243C and 244C, and their reactances are also greater.

[0177] Point 240C1 between lines 241C and 242C is an example of the fifth point, and point 240C2 between lines 243C and 244C is an example of the seventh point. Points 240C1 and 240C2 are arranged in the order of point 240C1 and point 240C2 from end 122C to the connection terminal of stub 240C to isolation resistor 150Y. The connection terminal of stub 240C to end 122C is an example of the fifth connection terminal, and the connection terminal of stub 240C to isolation resistor 150Y is an example of the seventh connection terminal. As an example, the length of stub 240C is approximately 1 / 8 to approximately 1 / 4 of the center frequency λe. It should be noted that the fifth point in the statement "the fifth point between the two ends of the third stub" refers to any point other than the two ends of stub 240C in the longitudinal direction of stub 240C, excluding the two ends of stub 240C. The same applies to the seventh point.

[0178] Lines 241C and 242C are included in resonant circuit 270C1, and lines 243C and 244C are included in resonant circuit 270C2. Lines 241C and 242C are examples of at least a portion of stub 240C. Lines 243C and 244C are examples of at least another portion of stub 240C that differs from at least a portion. The length of line 241C is an example of a first length corresponding to the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270C1. The length of line 244C is an example of a second length corresponding to the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270C2. The combined length of lines 242C and 243C is an example of the combined length of the first and second lengths.

[0179] Short conductor 240D connects end 122D to isolation resistor 150Y. The width and thickness of short conductor 240D are constant between its two ends. Here, short conductor 240D is sometimes described as lines 241D, 242D, 243D, and 244D. For example, the length of short conductor 240D is equal to the length of short conductor 240C. Furthermore, for example, the lengths of lines 241D and 242D are equal to each other and the same as the lengths of lines 241C and 242C. Therefore, the reactances of lines 241D and 242D are equal to each other and the same as the reactances of lines 241C and 242C. Furthermore, for example, the lengths of lines 243D and 244D are equal to each other and the same as the lengths of lines 243C and 244C. Therefore, the reactances of lines 243D and 244D are equal to each other and the same as the reactances of lines 243C and 244C. Lines 241D and 242D are longer than lines 243D and 244D, and the reactance of lines 241D and 242D is also greater than that of lines 243D and 244D.

[0180] Point 240D1 between lines 241D and 242D is an example of the sixth point, and point 240D2 between lines 243D and 244D is an example of the eighth point. Points 240D1 and 240D2 are arranged from end 122D to the connection terminal of stub 240D to isolation resistor 150Y in the order of points 240D1 and 240D2. The connection terminal of stub 240D to end 122D is an example of the sixth connection terminal, and the connection terminal of stub 240D to isolation resistor 150Y is an example of the eighth connection terminal. The length of stub 240D is the same as that of stub 240C. It should be noted that the sixth point in the statement "sixth point between the two ends of the fourth stub" refers to any point other than the two ends of stub 240D in the longitudinal direction of stub 240D, excluding the two ends of stub 240D. The same applies to the eighth point.

[0181] Lines 241D and 242D are included in resonant circuit 270D1, and lines 243D and 244D are included in resonant circuit 270D2. Lines 241D and 242D are examples of at least a portion of stub 240D. Lines 243D and 244D are examples of at least another portion of stub 240D that is different from at least a portion. The resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270D1 is equal to the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270C1, and the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270D2 is equal to the resonant frequency of resonant circuit 270C2. The length of line 241D is an example of a first length corresponding to the resonant frequency of resonant circuits 270C1 and 270D1. The length of line 244D is an example of a second length corresponding to the resonant frequency of resonant circuits 270C2 and 270D2. The combined length of lines 242D and 243D is an example of the combined length of the first and second lengths. It should be noted that the isolation resistor 150Y is located between the short circuits 240C and 240D.

[0182] Circuit 260Y1 includes lines 261C and 261D, capacitors 262C and 262D, and a ground terminal 163Y. Circuit 260Y1 is located on the opposite side from the confluence lines 120C and 120D, relative to the short-circuit lines 240C and 240D and the isolation resistor 150Y. Figure 11 In the diagram, lines 261C and 261D are represented by boxes. Line 261C connects point 240C1 to ground terminal 163Y, and line 261D connects point 240D1 to ground terminal 163Y. Therefore, capacitors 262C and 262D are actually connected in series to lines 261C and 261D, respectively. Lines 261C and 261D are of equal length and reactance. Lines 261C and 261D are an example of a third line. Furthermore, capacitors 262C and 262D, as an example of a third capacitor, have equal capacitance. Circuit 260Y1 has a symmetrical configuration about ground terminal 163Y between points 240C1 and 240D1. The reactance of lines 261C and 261D and the capacitance of capacitors 262C and 262D are... Figure 3 The reactance of circuits 161C and 161D and the electrostatic capacitance of capacitors 162C and 162D shown are different.

[0183] Circuit 260Y2 includes lines 263C and 263D, capacitors 264C and 264D, and a ground terminal 265Y. Circuit 260Y2 is positioned on the same side as the confluence lines 120C and 120D, relative to the stub lines 240C and 240D and the isolation resistor 150Y. By arranging circuit 260Y2 in the area surrounded by the stub lines 240C and 240D, the isolation resistor 150Y, and the confluence lines 120C and 120D, the area of ​​the substrate used to form the Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y can be effectively and flexibly utilized, and the miniaturization of the Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y can be achieved.

[0184] exist Figure 11 In the diagram, lines 263C and 263D are represented by boxes. Line 263C connects point 240C2 to ground terminal 265Y, and line 263D connects point 240D2 to ground terminal 265Y. Therefore, capacitors 264C and 264D are actually connected in series to lines 263C and 263D, respectively. Lines 263C and 263D have equal lengths and equal reactances. Lines 263C and 263D are an example of a fourth line. Furthermore, capacitors 264C and 264D, as an example of a fourth capacitor, have equal capacitances. Circuit 260Y2 has a symmetrical configuration about ground terminal 265Y between points 240C2 and 240D2. The lengths of lines 263C and 263D are shorter than those of lines 261C and 261D, and the electrostatic capacitances of capacitors 264C and 264D are different from those of capacitors 262C and 262D.

[0185] It should be noted that circuit 260Y2 is connected to points 240C1 and 240D1 of the stubs 240C and 240D2 closer to points 240C2 and 240D2 of the isolation resistor 150Y for the following reasons: This is because circuit 260Y2 is located on the same side as the confluence lines 120C and 120D relative to the stubs 240C and 240D and the isolation resistor 150YY. Therefore, by slightly distancing circuit 260Y2 from the confluence lines 120C and 120D, coupling between the confluence lines 120C and 120D and circuit 260Y2 is suppressed or reduced. Furthermore, the lengths of lines 241C, 242C, 241D, and 242D of the stubs 240C and 240D are longer than the lengths of lines 243C, 244C, 243D, and 244D to further distance circuit 260Y2 slightly from the confluence lines 120C and 120D. This is to suppress or reduce the coupling between the merging lines 120C and 120D and the circuit 260Y2. With this configuration, the circuit 260Y2 is separated from the merging lines 120C and 120D.

[0186] The resonant circuit 270C1 is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 241C and 242C of short-stub wire 240C, line 261C of circuit 260Y1, capacitor 262C, and ground terminal 163Y. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 270C1 is the reactance of lines 241C, 242C, and 261C, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 270C1 is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 262C.

[0187] The resonant circuit 270D1 is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 241D and 242D of short stub 240D, line 261D of circuit 260Y1, capacitor 262D, and ground terminal 163Y. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 270D1 is the reactance of lines 241D, 242D, and 261D, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 270D1 is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 262D.

[0188] In this embodiment, the reactances of lines 241C, 242C, 241D, and 242D are all equal, the reactances of lines 261C and 261D are equal, and the capacitances of capacitors 262C and 262D are equal. Therefore, the resonant frequencies of resonant circuits 270C1 and 270D1 are equal. Here, if the resonant frequency of resonant circuits 270C1 and 270D1 is set to f1, then resonant circuits 270C1 and 270D1 have the function of attenuating signal components near the resonant frequency f1. The resonant frequency f1 is an example of a first resonant frequency. The resonant frequency f1 of resonant circuits 270C1 and 270D1 is the same as the resonant frequency f1 of resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1, and the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 of resonant circuits 270C1 and 270D1 is the same as the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 of resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1.

[0189] The resonant circuit 270C2 is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 243C and 244C of short-stub wire 240C, line 263C of circuit 260Y2, capacitor 264C, and ground terminal 265Y. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in the resonant circuit 270C2 is the reactance of lines 243C, 244C, and 263C, and the electrostatic capacitance (C) of the resonant circuit 270C2 is the electrostatic capacitance of capacitor 264C.

[0190] Resonant circuit 270D2 is a resonant circuit constructed from lines 243D and 244D of stub 240D, line 263D of circuit 260Y2, capacitor 264D, and ground terminal 265Y. It is an LCL filter, meaning it attenuates signal components near the desired resonant frequency. The reactance (L) included in resonant circuit 270D2 is the reactance of lines 243D, 244D, and 263D, and the capacitance (C) of resonant circuit 270D2 is the capacitance of capacitor 264D.

[0191] In this embodiment, the reactances of lines 243C, 244C, 243D, and 244D are all equal, the reactances of lines 263C and 263D are equal, and the capacitances of capacitors 264C and 264D are equal. Therefore, the resonant frequencies of resonant circuits 270C2 and 270D2 are equal. Here, if the resonant frequency of resonant circuits 270C2 and 270D2 is set to f2, then resonant circuits 270C2 and 270D2 have the function of attenuating signal components near the resonant frequency f2. The resonant frequency f2 is an example of a second resonant frequency. The resonant frequency f2 of resonant circuits 270C2 and 270D2 is the same as the resonant frequency f2 of resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2, and the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 of resonant circuits 270C2 and 270D2 is the same as the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 of resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2.

[0192] [Operating characteristics of the Wilkinson Distributor 200X]

[0193] Figure 12 This is a Smith chart showing the impedance characteristics of the Wilkinson 200X distributor. Figure 12 The Smith chart shown is obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. Figure 12As shown, starting from point A1 (approximately 0.2 on the real axis), the circuit moves along the circle of equal resistance to point B2 based on the reactance of lines 241A and 242A of stub 240A and lines 241B and 242B of stub 240B in resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1. Then, based on the reactance of lines 261A and 261B in resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1 and the capacitive impedance of capacitors 262A and 262B, the circuit moves along the circle of equal conductance to point B3 (approximately 0.5 on the real axis) based on the reactance of lines 243A and 244A of stub 240A and lines 243B and 244B of stub 240B in resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2. Then, based on the impedance of the reactance of lines 263A and 263B of resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2 and the capacitive impedance of capacitors 264A and 264B, it is possible to move from point B4 along an equiconductivity circle to point C1 at approximately 1.0 on the real axis. In the Wilkinson distributor 200X, the impedance can be efficiently adjusted at a position closer to the real axis than that of the Wilkinson distributor 100X in Embodiment 1 by utilizing resonant circuits 270A1, 270B1 and 270A2, 270B2.

[0194] Figure 13 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor 200X. Figure 13 The S21 parameters shown were obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. Figure 13 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the frequency (GHz), and the vertical axis represents the value of the S21 parameter (transmission coefficient) (dB). Figure 13 The S21 parameter shown represents the flow characteristics from the connection point (port 2) between the isolation resistor 150X and the stub 240A to the end 122A (port 1). Furthermore, the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor 200X is represented by a solid line, and the Wilkinson distributor 100X of Embodiment 1 (see reference) is represented by a dashed line. Figure 2 The S21 parameter of ) . For example Figure 13 As shown, the Wilkinson distributor 200X further seeks to achieve a wider bandwidth compared to the Wilkinson distributor 100X in Embodiment 1.

[0195] Figure 14 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor 200X. Figure 14 The S21 parameters shown were obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. Figure 14 The S21 parameters shown are obtained by using input terminal 111X as port 1 and output terminal 131A as port 2. That is, Figure 14The S21 parameter shown represents the signal distribution characteristics from input terminal 111X to output terminal 131A. Figure 14 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the frequency (GHz), and the vertical axis represents the value of the S21 parameter (transmission coefficient) (dB).

[0196] exist Figure 14 In the diagram, solid lines represent the S21 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor 200X, dashed lines represent the S21 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor 100X in Embodiment 1, and single-dot-dash lines represent the S21 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor used for comparison. The Wilkinson distributor used for comparison is compared with the one used in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 The same Wilkinson allocator is used to illustrate the Smith chart.

[0197] As can be seen, when compared at -3.5dB as an example, the Wilkinson distributor 200X has a bandwidth of approximately 10 GHz wider than the Wilkinson distributor used for comparison, and approximately 5 GHz wider than the Wilkinson distributor 100X in Embodiment 1. The S21 parameter of the Wilkinson distributor 200X is below -3.5dB in the E-band, the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1, the frequency band between the E-band and the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 (a frequency band higher than 61 GHz and lower than 71 GHz), the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2, and the frequency band between the E-band and the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 (a frequency band higher than 86 GHz). -3.5dB is an example of a specified value for the transmission coefficient. Thus, a continuous frequency band with a sufficiently high transmission coefficient can be obtained from the lowest frequency of the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1 to the highest frequency of the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2, achieving broadband performance.

[0198] Figure 15 This is a graph showing the frequency characteristics of the S32 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor 200X. Figure 15 The S32 parameters shown were obtained through electromagnetic field simulation. Figure 15 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the frequency (GHz), and the vertical axis represents the value of the S32 parameter (transmission coefficient) (dB). Figure 15 The S32 parameter shown represents the transmission coefficient between port 2 and port 3, with output terminal 131A as port 2 and output terminal 131B as port 3. In other words, Figure 15 The S32 parameter shown represents the isolation characteristics between port 2 and port 3. Figure 15 In the diagram, solid lines represent the S32 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor 200X, dashed lines represent the S32 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor 100X in Embodiment 1, and single-dot dashed lines represent the S32 parameters of the Wilkinson distributor used for comparison.

[0199] The S32 parameter (solid line) of the Wilkinson distributor 200X shows a lower value than that of the Wilkinson distributor 100X (dashed line) in Embodiment 1 across the entire frequency band. In the frequency band from approximately 70 GHz to approximately 85 GHz, the S32 parameter (dashed line) is equivalent to that of the Wilkinson distributor used for comparison. However, in the frequency bands below approximately 70 GHz and above approximately 85 GHz, the S32 parameter (dashed line) is lower than that of the Wilkinson distributor used for comparison. Thus, the good isolation characteristics of the Wilkinson distributor 200X can be considered to be obtained through the resonant circuits 270A1, 270B1 and 270A2, 270B2 that resonate in both frequency bands.

[0200] It is understood that the Wilkinson distributor 200X can further achieve a wider bandwidth compared to the Wilkinson distributor 100X of Embodiment 1 by including resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1 that resonate in the frequency band of 56 GHz to 61 GHz as an example, and resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2 that resonate in the frequency band of 96 GHz to 101 GHz.

[0201] In the Wilkinson distributor 200X, the isolation characteristics between terminals 122A and 122B are improved by using two LCL filters, 270A1 and 270B1, and two LCL filters, 270A2 and 270B2. The passband characteristics between terminals 122A and 122B are also improved. Furthermore, resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1 resonate in the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1, and resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2 resonate in the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2. Therefore, the transmitted signals in the E-band, the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f1, and the frequency band containing the resonant frequency f2 are out of phase between terminals 122A and 122B via distribution lines 120A and 120B, thus canceling each other out. This is equivalent to a 50Ω termination between terminals 122A and 122B at high frequencies. Based on this principle, the transmission signals input to input terminal 111X in the E-band, the frequency band containing resonant frequency f1, and the frequency band containing resonant frequency f2 are distributed by distribution lines 120A and 120B, and transmission signals of the same phase are output from terminals 122A and 122B to output lines 130A and 130B. Therefore, a wideband Wilkinson distributor 200X capable of transmitting signals in the E-band, the frequency band containing resonant frequency f1, and the frequency band containing resonant frequency f2 can be obtained.

[0202] In addition, the Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y (reference) Figure 11The Wilkinson splitter 200X is subjected to an operation that reverses the input and output sides, thus achieving broadband operation in the same way as the Wilkinson splitter 200X. More specifically, two transmitted signals of the same phase input to input lines 130C and 130D at input terminals 131C and 131D, respectively, are transmitted in merging lines 120C and 120D, arrive at terminals 121C and 121D in the same phase, are combined, and output from output terminal 111Y via output line 110Y. This operation is performed similarly for E-band transmitted signals, transmitted signals containing a frequency band with resonant frequency f1, and transmitted signals containing a frequency band with resonant frequency f2.

[0203] Therefore, it is possible to provide a Wilkinson distributor 200X and a Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y that achieve wide bandwidth, as well as power amplifiers including them. The Wilkinson distributor 200X includes resonant circuits 270A1, 270B1, 270A2, and 270B2 corresponding to two frequency bands, thereby enabling finer impedance adjustment and further widening the bandwidth. Similarly, the Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y includes resonant circuits 270C1, 270D1, 270C2, and 270D2 corresponding to two frequency bands, thereby enabling finer impedance adjustment and further widening the bandwidth.

[0204] Furthermore, in the Wilkinson distributor 200X, lines 241A and 242A of stub 240A and lines 241B and 242B of stub 240B are used as part of the reactance of resonant circuits 270A1 and 270B1. This shortens lines 261A and 261B of circuit 260X1, minimizing the reactance of lines 261A and 261B. This also allows for miniaturization of the circuit size of 260X1. Similarly, lines 243A and 244A of stub 240A and lines 243B and 244B of stub 240B are used as part of the reactance of resonant circuits 270A2 and 270B2. This shortens lines 263A and 263B of circuit 260X2, minimizing the reactance of lines 263A and 263B. Furthermore, it is possible to miniaturize the circuit size of 260X2.

[0205] Furthermore, in the Wilkinson distributor 200X, the resonant circuits 270A1, 270B1, 270A2, and 270B2 are LCL filters, which can suppress the generation of higher harmonics and effectively improve the isolation between end 122A and end 122B.

[0206] Furthermore, in the Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y, lines 241C and 242C of stub 240C and lines 241D and 242D of stub 240D are used as part of the reactance of resonant circuits 270C1 and 270D1. This shortens lines 261C and 261D of circuit 260Y1, minimizing their reactance. This also allows for miniaturization of the circuit size of 260Y1. Similarly, lines 243C and 244C of stub 240C and lines 243D and 244D of stub 240D are used as part of the reactance of resonant circuits 270C2 and 270D2. This shortens lines 263C and 263D of circuit 260Y2, minimizing their reactance. Furthermore, it is possible to miniaturize the circuit size of the 260Y2 circuit.

[0207] Furthermore, in the Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y, the resonant circuits 270C1, 270D1, 270C2, and 270D2 are LCL filters, which can suppress the generation of higher harmonics and effectively improve the isolation between end 122C and end 122D.

[0208] It should be noted that in Embodiment 2, circuit 260X2 is described as being located on the same side as distribution lines 120A and 120B relative to stubs 240A and 240B and isolation resistor 150X, and circuit 260Y2 is located on the same side as confluence lines 120C and 120D relative to stubs 240C and 240D and isolation resistor 150Y. However, if coupling or other problems do not occur, circuit 260X1 may also be located on the same side as distribution lines 120A and 120B relative to stubs 240A and 240B and isolation resistor 150X, and circuit 260Y1 may be located on the same side as confluence lines 120C and 120D relative to stubs 240C and 240D and isolation resistor 150Y. In this case, circuit 260X2 is located on the opposite side of distribution lines 120A and 120B relative to stubs 240A and 240B and isolation resistor 150X, and circuit 260Y2 is located on the opposite side of merging lines 120C and 120D relative to stubs 240C and 240D and isolation resistor 150Y.

[0209] Furthermore, a Wilkinson distributor 200X comprising resonant circuits 270A1, 270B1 and 270A2, 270B2 resonating in two frequency bands, and a Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y comprising resonant circuits 270C1, 270D1 and 270C2, 270D2 resonating in two frequency bands, have been described. However, the Wilkinson distributor 200X and the Wilkinson synthesizer 200Y may also comprise resonant circuits resonating in three or more frequency bands.

[0210] The Wilkinson distributor, Wilkinson synthesizer, and amplifier of the present invention have been described above according to exemplary embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the claims.

Claims

1. A Wilkinson distributor, comprising: Input lines; The first and second distribution lines are branched off from the input line; The first output line is connected to the first end of the output side of the first distribution line; The second output line is connected to the second end of the output side of the second distribution line; The first short stub is connected to the first end; The second short stub is connected to the second end; An isolation resistor is connected between the first stub and the second stub; as well as The first circuit branches off from a first point between the two ends of the first stub and a second point between the two ends of the second stub, and connects the first point and the second point. At least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, and the first circuit constitute a first resonant circuit. The first point is the midpoint between the two ends of the first stub, and the second point is the midpoint between the two ends of the second stub.

2. The Wilkinson distributor according to claim 1, wherein, The first resonant frequency of the first resonant circuit is different from the center frequency of the signal transmitted to the input line.

3. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 2, wherein, The first frequency band, which includes the first resonant frequency and in which the first resonant circuit resonates, is different from the frequency band, which includes the center frequency of the transmitted signal input to the input line.

4. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 3, wherein, The transmission coefficient of the transmitted signal in the frequency band containing the center frequency, the first frequency band, and the frequency band between the frequency band containing the center frequency and the first frequency band is below a predetermined value.

5. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The first circuit includes: a first line connecting the first point and the second point; and a first capacitor connected in series with the first line. The first frequency band is determined by at least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, the reactance of the first line, and the electrostatic capacitance of the first capacitor.

6. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 5, wherein, The first resonant circuit is an LCL filter implemented by at least a portion of the first stub, at least a portion of the second stub, the first line, and the first capacitor.

7. The Wilkinson dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first circuit is positioned on the same side as the first distribution line and the second distribution line relative to the first stub, the isolation resistor, and the second stub.

8. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 1, It also includes a second circuit that branches off from a third point between the two ends of the first stub and a fourth point between the two ends of the second stub, and connects the third point and the fourth point. The first stub, at least a portion of which is different from the first stub, the second stub, at least a portion of which is different from the first stub, and the second circuit constitute a second resonant circuit.

9. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 8, wherein, The second resonant frequency of the second resonant circuit is different from the center frequency of the signal transmitted to the input line.

10. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 9, wherein, The second frequency band, which includes the second resonant frequency and in which the second resonant circuit resonates, is different from the frequency band that includes the center frequency.

11. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 3, It also includes a second circuit that branches off from a third point between the two ends of the first stub and a fourth point between the two ends of the second stub, and connects the third point and the fourth point. The first stub, at least one additional portion different from the first at least portion, the second stub, at least one additional portion different from the first at least portion, and the second circuit are configured as a second resonant circuit that resonates in a second frequency band different from the frequency band containing the center frequency. The frequency band containing the center frequency is located between the first frequency band and the second frequency band. The transmission coefficient of the transmitted signal in the frequency band containing the center frequency, the first frequency band, the second frequency band, the frequency band between the frequency band containing the center frequency and the first frequency band, and the frequency band between the frequency band containing the center frequency and the second frequency band is below a predetermined value.

12. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 10, wherein, The second circuit has: a second line connecting the third point and the fourth point; And a second capacitor, connected in series to the second circuit. The second frequency band is determined by the additional at least portion of the first stub, the additional at least portion of the second stub, the reactance of the second line, and the electrostatic capacitance of the second capacitor.

13. The Wilkinson dispenser according to claim 12, wherein, The second resonant circuit is an LCL filter implemented by at least another portion of the first stub, at least another portion of the second stub, the second line, and the second capacitor.

14. The Wilkinson dispenser according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein, The first circuit is disposed on the opposite side of the first distribution line and the second distribution line relative to the first stub, the isolation resistor and the second stub, and the second circuit is disposed on the same side of the first distribution line and the second distribution line relative to the first stub, the isolation resistor and the second stub.

15. The Wilkinson distributor according to claim 14, wherein, The two ends of the first stub are a first connection terminal connected to the first end and a third connection terminal connected to the isolation resistor. The two ends of the second stub are a second connection terminal connected to the second end and a fourth connection terminal connected to the isolation resistor. The first point and the third point are arranged from the first connection end to the third connection end in the order of the first point and the third point. The second point and the fourth point are set from the second connection end to the fourth connection end in the order of the second point and the fourth point.

16. The Wilkinson distributor of claim 15, wherein, The length between the first connection end and the first point is a first length corresponding to the first resonant frequency of the first resonant circuit. The length between the first point and the third point is the sum of the first length and the second length corresponding to the second resonant frequency of the second resonant circuit. The length between the third point and the third connecting end is the second length. The length between the second connecting end and the second point is the first length. The length between the second point and the fourth point is the sum of the first length and the second length. The length between the fourth point and the fourth connection end is the second length.

17. The Wilkinson dispenser of claim 16, wherein, The first length is longer than the second length.

18. A Wilkinson synthesizer, comprising: Output lines; The first and second merging lines merge into the output line; The first input line is connected to the first end of the input side of the first merging line; The second input line is connected to the second end of the input side of the second merging line; A third short stub is connected to the first end; The fourth short stub is connected to the second end; An isolation resistor is connected between the third short stub and the fourth short stub; as well as The third circuit branches off from the fifth point between the two ends of the third stub and the sixth point between the two ends of the fourth stub, and connects the fifth point and the sixth point. At least a portion of the third stub, at least a portion of the fourth stub, and the third circuit constitute a third resonant circuit. The fifth point is the midpoint between the two ends of the third stub, and the sixth point is the midpoint between the two ends of the fourth stub.

19. An amplifier, comprising: The Wilkinson distributor as claimed in claim 1; The Wilkinson synthesizer as claimed in claim 18; The first amplification section is connected between the first distribution line and the first merging line; And a second amplification section, connected between the second distribution line and the second merging line.

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