A Butler Matrix Applied in Multi-port Amplification Network

Abstract

A Butler matrix for a multi-port amplification network includes multiple narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers and multiple broad-side coupled 3dB directional couplers connected in cascade. The narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers include a first narrow-side waveguide and a second narrow-side waveguide, each of which includes two ports. The first and second narrow-side waveguides are connected by at least one narrow-side coupling slot, and the first and second narrow-side waveguides are mirror-symmetrical along the connecting line in the horizontal direction. The broad-side coupled 3dB directional coupler includes a first broad-side waveguide and a second broad-side waveguide, each of which includes two ports. The first and second broad-side waveguides are connected by at least one broad-side coupling slot, and the first and second broad-side waveguides are mirror-symmetrical along the connecting line in the vertical direction. The integrated design avoids unnecessary waveguide conversions, achieving a compact size and light weight while ensuring performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of microwave communications, and in particular relates to a Butler matrix applied to a multi-port amplification network. Background Art

[0002] Mass, power, and structural space are the greatest constraints on satellite payload flexibility for communications satellites. Traditional satellite payload flexibility design primarily relies on redundant onboard equipment configuration, which sacrifices weight, volume, and cost. With the continuous advancement of satellite technology, achieving satellite payload flexibility without excessively increasing payload is the trend. Currently, flexible payload technologies include flexible antennas, flexible RF, and flexible processing. The Butler matrix is ​​a key component in flexible RF technology. It enables dynamic and highly flexible sharing of output power between input ports, hence the name multi-port amplifier. This type of amplifier improves power amplifier utilization while minimizing the impact of individual amplifier failures.

[0003] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the existing 8×8 Butler matrix, a commonly used topology, is provided. As can be seen from the figure, the matrix consists of 12 3dB directional couplers, with a total of 8 input ports (X1G to X8G) and 8 output ports (X9G to X16G). When a signal is input to one input port, the eight output ports output signals of equal amplitude, and the output signals have a constant phase difference.

[0004] Butler Matrix can be designed with coaxial structure, microstrip structure or stripline structure to achieve the purpose of small size and light weight. However, there are also some environments where waveguide structure must be used to implement Butler Matrix. Figure 1 As can be seen from the topology shown, the Butler Matrix requires cascading the different ports of multiple 3dB directional couplers, placing very stringent requirements on the product layout. Therefore, how to achieve a smaller size and weight by cascading multiple 3dB directional couplers is a technical challenge that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the above problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a Butler matrix for multi-port amplification networks to solve the technical problem of cascading multiple 3dB directional couplers and achieving smaller volume and weight while ensuring the electrical performance of the product.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solutions adopted by the present invention include:

[0007] A Butler matrix applied to a multi-port amplification network includes a plurality of narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers and a plurality of wide-side coupled 3dB directional couplers cascaded with each other;

[0008] The narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler includes a first narrow-side waveguide and a second narrow-side waveguide, each of which includes two ports, and the first narrow-side waveguide and the second narrow-side waveguide are connected by at least one narrow-side coupling slot, and the first narrow-side waveguide and the second narrow-side waveguide are mirror-symmetrical along the connecting line in the horizontal direction; the broad-side coupled 3dB directional coupler includes a first broad-side waveguide and a second broad-side waveguide, each of which includes two ports, and the first broad-side waveguide and the second broad-side waveguide are connected by at least one broad-side coupling slot, and the first broad-side waveguide and the second broad-side waveguide are mirror-symmetrical along the connecting line in the vertical direction.

[0009] Preferably, it is a 4×4 Butler matrix, including two parallel narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers and two parallel broad-side coupled 3dB directional couplers; the other end of the first narrow-side waveguide and the other end of the second narrow-side waveguide of one narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler are respectively connected to one end of the first broad-side waveguide of the two broad-side coupled 3dB directional couplers; the other end of the first narrow-side waveguide and the other end of the second narrow-side waveguide of another narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler are respectively connected to one end of the second broad-side waveguide of the two broad-side coupled 3dB directional couplers.

[0010] Preferably, it is an 8×8 Butler matrix, including two 4×4 Butler matrices and two groups of narrow-side coupling units, each group of narrow-side coupling units includes two parallel narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers; the adjacent two ports at the broad-side end of any 4×4 Butler matrix are respectively connected to the adjacent two ports at one end of a group of narrow-side coupling units, and the other two ports at the broad-side end of any 4×4 Butler matrix are respectively connected to the adjacent two ports at one end of another group of narrow-side coupling units, and the broad-side end of the 4×4 Butler matrix is ​​the free end of the two parallel broad-side coupled 3dB directional couplers in the 4×4 Butler matrix.

[0011] Preferably, it is an 8×8 Butler matrix, including two 4×4 Butler matrices and two groups of broadside coupling units, each group of broadside coupling units includes two parallel broadside coupling 3dB directional couplers; the adjacent two ports at the narrow side end of any 4×4 Butler matrix are respectively connected to the adjacent two ports at one end of a group of broadside coupling units, and the other two ports at the narrow side end of any 4×4 Butler matrix are respectively connected to the adjacent two ports at one end of another group of broadside coupling units; the narrow side end of the 4×4 Butler matrix is ​​the free end of the two parallel narrowside coupling 3dB directional couplers in the 4×4 Butler matrix.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0013] (1) The Butler matrix of the present invention is applied to a multi-port amplification network. By rationally setting the component structure, the number of components, the order of cascade, and the form of cascade are not limited. The entire model is designed as an integrated whole, which avoids unnecessary waveguide conversion and realizes direct interconnection between directional couplers of different levels. On the basis of ensuring the electrical performance of the product, the product is small in size and light in weight.

[0014] (2) The Butler matrix of the present invention, applied to a multi-port amplification network, has superior overall electrical performance through the rational arrangement of component structures, and exhibits equiripple characteristics in the intra-band loss. The interconnection of a wide-side coupled 3dB directional coupler and a narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler can achieve excellent bandwidth, standing wave, amplitude, and phase characteristics.

[0015] (3) The Butler matrix of the present invention is applied to a multi-port amplification network. By rationally setting the component structure, the conversion required for interconnection between directional couplers of different levels is reduced, the size of the entire model is reduced, the entire model is integrated, the entire structure is very compact, and the utilization rate of the effective space is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the following detailed description, they are used to explain the present invention but do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of the existing 8×8 Butler matrix;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a 4×4 Butler matrix model of Example 1;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the 8×8 Butler matrix model of Example 2;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the 8×8 Butler matrix model of Example 3;

[0021] Figure 5 This is the structural diagram of the narrow-edge 3dB directional coupler;

[0022] Figure 6 This is the structural diagram of the broadside 3dB directional coupler.

[0023] The symbols in the figure represent:

[0024] 1 narrow side coupled 3dB directional coupler, 1-0 narrow side coupled slot, 1-1 first narrow side waveguide, 1-2 second narrow side waveguide;

[0025] 2 broadside coupled 3dB directional coupler, 2-0 broadside coupling slot, 2-1 first broadside waveguide, 2-2 second broadside waveguide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The invention is not limited to the following specific embodiments, and all equivalent modifications made on the basis of the technical solution of this application fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that the directional terms mentioned in this article are consistent with the specific directions on the paper in the drawings of the specification or the corresponding directions in the space shown in the drawings; all components and equipment in the present invention, unless otherwise specified, are all components and equipment known in the prior art.

[0028] The present application discloses a Butler matrix applied to a multi-port amplification network, comprising a plurality of narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers 1 and a plurality of broad-side coupled 3dB directional couplers 2 cascaded with each other;

[0029] The narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler 1 includes a first narrow-side waveguide 1-1 and a second narrow-side waveguide 1-2. The first narrow-side waveguide 1-1 and the second narrow-side waveguide 1-2 each include two ports. The first narrow-side waveguide 1-1 and the second narrow-side waveguide 1-2 are connected by at least one narrow-side coupling slot 1-0. The first narrow-side waveguide 1-1 and the second narrow-side waveguide 1-2 are mirror-symmetrical in the horizontal direction along the connecting line.

[0030] The broadside-coupled 3dB directional coupler 2 includes a first broadside waveguide 2-1 and a second broadside waveguide 2-2. The first broadside waveguide 2-1 and the second broadside waveguide 2-2 each include two ports. The first broadside waveguide 2-1 and the second broadside waveguide 2-2 are connected by at least one broadside coupling slot 2-0. The first broadside waveguide 2-1 and the second broadside waveguide 2-2 are mirror-symmetrical along the connecting line in the vertical direction.

[0031] In this embodiment, multiple narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers 1 and multiple wide-side coupled 3dB directional couplers 2 are cascaded with each other, with no limit on the number, order of cascading, or form of cascading. The entire model is designed as an integrated whole, thus avoiding unnecessary waveguide conversion and achieving direct interconnection between directional couplers of different levels.

[0032] The Butler matrix used in this application for a multi-port amplification network has excellent electrical performance, with an equal ripple characteristic for the intra-band loss. The interconnection of a wide-side coupled 3dB directional coupler and a narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler can achieve excellent bandwidth, standing wave, amplitude, and phase characteristics, while also being lightweight and compact. This reduces the conversion required for interconnecting directional couplers at different levels, reducing the overall model size. The integrated design of the entire model makes the overall structure very compact, improving the utilization of the effective space.

[0033] At the same time, it can be formed into one piece by welding, screw connection and 3D printing, and the processing method is flexible; the waveguide structure is applicable to both low-power and high-power working conditions, and can achieve very high power capacity.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figure 2 This embodiment discloses a 4×4 Butler matrix, including two parallel narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers 1 and two parallel broad-side coupled 3dB directional couplers 2; the other end of the first narrow-side waveguide 1-1 and the other end of the second narrow-side waveguide 1-2 of one narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler 1 are respectively connected to one end of the first broad-side waveguide 2-1 of the two broad-side coupled 3dB directional couplers 2; the other end of the first narrow-side waveguide 1-1 and the other end of the second narrow-side waveguide 1-2 of another narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler 1 are respectively connected to one end of the second broad-side waveguide 2-2 of the two broad-side coupled 3dB directional couplers 2; the entire model is designed as an integrated whole, avoiding unnecessary waveguide conversion and realizing direct interconnection between couplers of different levels.

[0036] The overall electrical performance is superior, with in-band differential loss exhibiting equiripple characteristics. Interconnecting a wide-side coupled 3dB directional coupler with a narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler achieves excellent bandwidth, standing wave, amplitude, and phase characteristics, while also being lightweight and compact. This reduces the need for interconnection between directional couplers of different stages, reducing the overall model size. The integrated design of the entire model creates a very compact structure, improving effective space utilization.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] like Figure 3 This embodiment discloses an 8×8 Butler matrix, including two 4×4 Butler matrices and two groups of narrow-side coupling units, each group of narrow-side coupling units including two parallel narrow-side coupling 3dB directional couplers 1; the adjacent two ports at the broadside end of any 4×4 Butler matrix are respectively connected to the adjacent two ports at one end of a group of narrow-side coupling units, and the other two ports at the broadside end of any 4×4 Butler matrix are respectively connected to the adjacent two ports at one end of another group of narrow-side coupling units; the broadside end of the 4×4 Butler matrix is ​​the free end of the two parallel broadside coupling 3dB directional couplers 2 in the 4×4 Butler matrix.

[0039] The 8×8 Butler matrix disclosed in this embodiment is a ring-shaped staggered arrangement of the wide side end and any narrow side coupling unit of any 4×4 Butler matrix. The entire model is an integrated design to avoid unnecessary waveguide conversion and realize direct interconnection between different levels of couplers.

[0040] The overall electrical performance is superior, with in-band differential loss exhibiting equiripple characteristics. Interconnecting a wide-side coupled 3dB directional coupler with a narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler achieves excellent bandwidth, standing wave, amplitude, and phase characteristics, while also being lightweight and compact. This reduces the need for interconnection between directional couplers of different stages, reducing the overall model size. The integrated design of the entire model creates a very compact structure, improving effective space utilization.

[0041] Example 3

[0042] like Figure 4 This embodiment discloses an 8×8 Butler matrix (a variation of Embodiment 2), including two 4×4 Butler matrices and two groups of broadside coupling units, each group of broadside coupling units including two parallel broadside coupling 3dB directional couplers 2; the two adjacent ports at the narrow side end of any 4×4 Butler matrix are respectively connected to the two adjacent ports at one end of a group of broadside coupling units, and the other two ports at the narrow side end of any 4×4 Butler matrix are respectively connected to the two adjacent ports at one end of another group of broadside coupling units; the narrow side end of the 4×4 Butler matrix is ​​the free end of the two parallel narrowside coupling 3dB directional couplers 1 in the 4×4 Butler matrix.

[0043] The 8×8 Butler matrix disclosed in this embodiment is a ring-shaped staggered arrangement of the narrow side end and any wide side coupling unit of any 4×4 Butler matrix. The entire model is designed as an integrated whole to avoid unnecessary waveguide conversion and realize direct interconnection between couplers of different levels. The overall electrical performance is excellent, and the intra-band loss presents equal ripple characteristics. The wide-side coupled 3dB directional coupler and the narrow-side coupled 3dB directional coupler are interconnected to achieve very good bandwidth, standing wave, amplitude and phase characteristics; at the same time, they are light in weight and small in size. Reducing the conversion required for interconnection between directional couplers of different levels reduces the size of the entire model. The entire model is designed as an integrated whole, and the entire structural design is very compact, which improves the utilization rate of the effective space.

[0044] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0045] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any appropriate manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not further describe various possible combinations.

[0046] In addition, the various different implementation methods disclosed in this solution can also be arbitrarily combined, as long as they do not violate the ideas of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the contents of the invention of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A Butler matrix for a multi-port amplifier network, characterized in that: It comprises a plurality of narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers (1) and a plurality of wide-side coupled 3dB directional couplers (2) which are cascaded with each other; The narrow-side coupling 3dB directional coupler (1) comprises a first narrow-side waveguide (1-1) and a second narrow-side waveguide (1-2), each of the first narrow-side waveguide (1-1) and the second narrow-side waveguide (1-2) comprising two ports, the first narrow-side waveguide (1-1) and the second narrow-side waveguide (1-2) being connected via at least one narrow-side coupling slit (1-0), and the first narrow-side waveguide (1-1) and the second narrow-side waveguide (1-2) being mirror-symmetrical in a horizontal direction along a connection line; The broadside coupling 3dB directional coupler (2) comprises a first broadside waveguide (2-1) and a second broadside waveguide (2-2), each of the first broadside waveguide (2-1) and the second broadside waveguide (2-2) comprising two ports, the first broadside waveguide (2-1) and the second broadside waveguide (2-2) being connected via at least one broadside coupling slot (2-0), and the first broadside waveguide (2-1) and the second broadside waveguide (2-2) being mirror-symmetrical in a vertical direction along a connection line.

2. The Butler matrix for a multi-port amplification network according to claim 1, wherein: A 4×4 Butler matrix includes two parallel narrow-side coupled 3dB directional couplers (1) and two parallel wide-side coupled 3dB directional couplers (2); The other end of the first narrow side waveguide (1-1) and the other end of the second narrow side waveguide (1-2) of one narrow side coupling 3dB directional coupler (1) are respectively connected to one end of the first broad side waveguide (2-1) of the two broad side coupling 3dB directional couplers (2); The other end of the first narrow side waveguide (1-1) and the other end of the second narrow side waveguide (1-2) of the other narrow side coupling 3dB directional coupler (1) are respectively connected to one end of the second broad side waveguide (2-2) of the two broad side coupling 3dB directional couplers (2).

3. The Butler matrix for a multi-port amplification network according to claim 2, wherein: An 8×8 Butler matrix includes two 4×4 Butler matrices and two groups of narrow-side coupling units, each group of narrow-side coupling units includes two parallel narrow-side coupling 3dB directional couplers (1); Two adjacent ports at the broadside end of any of the 4×4 Butler matrices are respectively connected to two adjacent ports at one end of a group of narrowside coupling units, and the other two ports at the broadside end of any of the 4×4 Butler matrices are respectively connected to two adjacent ports at one end of another group of narrowside coupling units; The broadside ends of the 4×4 Butler matrix are the free ends of two parallel broadside coupled 3dB directional couplers (2) in the 4×4 Butler matrix.

4. The Butler matrix for a multi-port amplification network according to claim 2, wherein: An 8×8 Butler matrix includes two 4×4 Butler matrices and two groups of broadside coupling units, each group of the broadside coupling units includes two parallel broadside coupling 3dB directional couplers (2); Two adjacent ports at the narrow side end of any of the 4×4 Butler matrices are respectively connected to two adjacent ports at one end of a group of broadside coupling units, and the other two ports at the narrow side end of any of the 4×4 Butler matrices are respectively connected to two adjacent ports at one end of another group of broadside coupling units; The narrow side ends of the 4×4 Butler matrix are the free ends of two parallel narrow side coupled 3dB directional couplers (1) in the 4×4 Butler matrix.

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