One-to-eight power divider

Abstract

The invention discloses a one-to-eight power divider, which comprises a power divider shell and a power divider main body arranged in the power divider shell, and is characterized in that the power divider main body comprises a plurality of lumped power distribution units which are connected into a three-stage cascade tree-shaped symmetrical structure; all the power distribution units are one-to-two power distribution units, and the power divider main body realizes a laminated three-dimensional layout of the plurality of power distribution units through a low-temperature co-fired ceramic process. The practical problems that a traditional product is large in size and large in occupied space of an external isolation resistor are solved in a targeted mode, and the application requirements for miniaturization and high integration of devices are perfectly met. The coupling influence between elements is reduced by optimizing the three-dimensional layout design, so that the eight-path output has good amplitude balance degree, phase balance degree and isolation degree. While excellent performance is maintained, miniaturization is realized, and high market promotion value and application prospect are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power divider technology, and more particularly to a 1-to-8 power divider. Background Technology

[0002] Power dividers (also known as power splitters) are used in systems for power distribution or combining. They are among the most widely used passive devices in radio frequency (RF) systems. As an important component in the field of communications, they can ensure that input signals and output signals can be output in multiple channels without interference. They are widely used in RF devices such as power amplifiers, mixers, and satellite receivers.

[0003] Currently, the most widely used multi-channel power dividers are cavity power dividers and microstrip power dividers. Cavity power dividers have a larger power capacity and are mainly used in high-power applications such as communication base stations. Microstrip power dividers, due to their PCB-based technology and flexible wiring, offer advantages such as wide bandwidth and ease of cascading, and are mainly used in power supply system matching networks or PCB systems. However, both cavity and microstrip power dividers have the disadvantage of large size, which is not conducive to device miniaturization and the future development of highly integrated devices.

[0004] Domestic power dividers are widely used in microwave and millimeter-wave systems. Currently, planar 1-to-8 power dividers mostly use microstrip or stripline circuits on PCBs. This type of power divider has an excessively large size, which is not conducive to integrated applications; moreover, it often uses external surface resistors, which takes up circuit board space. Therefore, miniaturization research on 1-to-8 power dividers is extremely important. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this application is to provide a 1-to-8 power divider to solve the problem that the current 1-to-8 power dividers on the market using PCB microstrip or stripline circuits have excessively large product sizes, which is not conducive to integrated applications.

[0006] The first aspect of this application proposes an 8-to-1 power divider, including a power divider housing and a power divider body disposed within the power divider housing. The power divider body includes multiple lumped power distribution units connected in a multi-level hierarchical tree-like symmetrical structure. All the power distribution units are 2-to-1 power distribution units. The power divider body achieves the stacked three-dimensional layout of all the power distribution units through a low-temperature co-fired ceramic process.

[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the multi-level hierarchical tree-like symmetrical structure includes a first symmetrical structure and a second symmetrical structure that are mutually symmetrical. The first symmetrical structure includes a branch circuit of a first power distribution unit, a second power distribution unit, a fourth power distribution unit, and a fifth power distribution unit, all of which are disposed on the bottom plate inside the power distributor housing. The second symmetrical structure includes another branch circuit of a first power distribution unit, a third power distribution unit, a sixth power distribution unit, and a seventh power distribution unit, all of which are disposed on the bottom plate inside the power distributor housing. The two branch circuits of the first power distribution unit are arranged side by side, the two branch circuits of the second power distribution unit are arranged side by side on one side of one branch circuit of the first power distribution unit, the two branch circuits of the fourth power distribution unit are arranged side by side on the side of the two branch circuits of the second power distribution unit away from the first power distribution unit, and the two branch circuits of the fifth power distribution unit are arranged side by side on the side of the two branch circuits of the fourth power distribution unit away from the second power distribution unit.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the 1-to-8 power divider further includes a plurality of surface resistors disposed on the top plate of the power divider housing, and each surface resistor is connected at both ends to the two output terminals of the two branch circuits of one of the power distribution units; the surface resistors and the power distribution units have a one-to-one correspondence.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the first stage of the multi-stage tree-like symmetrical structure includes a first power distribution unit; the second stage includes a second power distribution unit and a third power distribution unit, whose input terminals are respectively connected to the output terminals of two branch circuits of the first power distribution unit; the third stage includes a fourth power distribution unit and a fifth power distribution unit, whose input terminals are respectively connected to the output terminals of two branch circuits of the second power distribution unit, and a sixth power distribution unit and a seventh power distribution unit, whose input terminals are respectively connected to the output terminals of two branch circuits of the third power distribution unit. The input terminal of the first power distribution unit serves as the input terminal of the 1-to-8 power divider, and the two branch circuit output terminals of the fourth power distribution unit, the fifth power distribution unit, the sixth power distribution unit, and the seventh power distribution unit all serve as the output terminals of the 1-to-8 power divider.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, each branch circuit of the power distribution unit includes two inductors and one capacitor. The two inductors are connected in series, one end of the capacitor is connected between the two inductors, and the other end is grounded.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, all the inductors are vertical spiral inductors, and the two inductors in each branch circuit are at least partially overlapped, with both inductors in each branch circuit positioned above the capacitor.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the 1-to-8 power divider further includes a grounding metal plate disposed on the bottom plate inside the power divider housing, the grounding metal plate constituting the grounding electrode plate of all one-end grounding capacitors.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, at least one of the total inductance, total capacitance, and surface resistance of the power distribution units in each stage of the multi-stage hierarchical tree-like symmetrical structure is different, and the one-to-eight power divider outputs eight channels of the same output power.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the inductor and capacitor in each power distribution unit are connected by metal connecting posts, as are the inductor and the surface resistor.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the 1-to-8 power divider further includes an input terminal, eight output terminals, and multiple ground terminals disposed on the inner side of the power divider housing. The input terminal is connected to the input terminal of the first power distribution unit, and the eight output terminals are respectively connected to the two-way branch circuit output terminals of the fourth power distribution unit, the fifth power distribution unit, the sixth power distribution unit, and the seventh power distribution unit.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, one or more embodiments of the above solutions may have the following advantages or beneficial effects: The 1-to-8 power divider provided in this invention achieves miniaturization by cascading multiple lumped 1-to-2 power divider units into a tree-like symmetrical structure and using a low-temperature co-fired ceramic process to complete the stacked three-dimensional layout of these power divider units. Through the placement and arrangement of each power divider unit, as well as the positional structure and connection settings of each component, the coupling effects between components are reduced, resulting in good amplitude balance, phase balance, and phase isolation for the 1-to-8 power divider, further reducing its size. Integrating a surface resistor on the housing surface solves the problem of large space requirements associated with traditional external surface resistors, meeting the requirements for device miniaturization and high integration. This 1-to-8 power divider addresses the challenge of simultaneously achieving miniaturization, high performance, high reliability, and low cost in multi-channel power dividers used in satellite communications and other fields.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with the embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the 1-to-8 power divider described in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Figure 2 The diagram shows the positional layout of each power distribution unit in the 1-to-8 power divider described in this application embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the 1-to-8 power divider described in the embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the internal structure of the 1-to-8 power divider described in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a side view of the internal structure of the 1-to-8 power divider described in this application embodiment.

[0023] Figure 6 The diagram shown is an example of the isolation resistor and terminal settings in the 1-to-8 power divider described in this application embodiment.

[0024] Figure 7 The diagram shows the input / output VSWR curves of an example of a 1-to-8 power divider product described in this application embodiment.

[0025] Figure 8 The diagram shows an isolation curve of an example of an 8-to-1 power divider product described in this application.

[0026] Figure 9 The diagram shown is an insertion loss curve of an example of an 8-to-1 power divider product described in this application embodiment.

[0027] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a schematic of the output port amplitude balance curve of an example of a 1-to-8 power divider product described in this application embodiment.

[0028] Figure 11 The diagram shown is a schematic of the output port phase balance curve of an example of a 1-to-8 power divider product described in this application embodiment.

[0029] Specific element symbol explanation: 100-Power divider housing, 200-First symmetrical structure, 300-First symmetrical structure, 400-Power divider body, 401-First power distribution unit, 402-Second power distribution unit, 403-Third power distribution unit, 404-Fourth power distribution unit, 405-Fifth power distribution unit, 406-Sixth power distribution unit, 407-Seventh power distribution unit, 04-Branch circuit. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0031] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] With the rapid evolution of modern wireless communication technology, high integration, miniaturization, and broadband have become core trends in the development of electronic information technology. This also places stringent requirements on component design, demanding miniaturization, thinness, low power consumption, high performance, and low cost. In the field of 1-to-8 power dividers, existing foreign products mostly adopt a planar structure design using PCB transmission lines, resulting in a relatively large size. Domestically, although such power dividers are widely used in microwave and millimeter-wave systems, mainstream solutions also rely on PCB microstrip or stripline circuits, and their large size makes it difficult to adapt to the requirements of system integration. Especially for 1-to-8 power dividers covering frequencies below 2GHz, their size is often even larger due to the physical characteristics of longer wavelengths in the low-frequency band, which differs significantly from the development trend of system miniaturization and integration. Therefore, research on miniaturization technology for 1-to-8 power dividers has significant practical significance and application value.

[0034] Based on this, this application improves the 1-to-8 power splitter in the related technology. The 1-to-8 power splitter of this application can be widely used in satellite communication, radar systems, radio frequency transceiver links and other fields.

[0035] refer to Figure 1 As shown, the 1-to-8 power splitter of this application embodiment includes a power splitter housing 100 and a power splitter body 400 disposed within the power splitter housing 100. The power splitter body 400 includes multiple 1-to-2 power splitting units. All 1-to-2 power splitting units are lumped power splitting units, and the multiple 1-to-2 power splitting units are connected in a hierarchical manner to form a multi-level hierarchical tree-like symmetrical structure. Specifically, the power splitter body 400 achieves the stacked three-dimensional layout of multiple power splitting units through a low-temperature co-fired ceramic process. At this time, the power splitter housing 100 is a ceramic substrate formed by a low-loss low-temperature co-fired ceramic medium. Moreover, the specific 1-to-2 power splitting units can be Wilkinson 1-to-2 power splitters, or other reasonable models of 1-to-2 power splitters; this embodiment does not impose any fixed limitations.

[0036] Power distribution units fabricated using low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology offer significant advantages in performance, cost, and size. LTCC technology allows for multi-layer structures, flexible selection of dielectric constants, and internal embedding, enabling the design of power distribution units with specific dielectric constants through either multi-layer lumped or distributed structures. This embodiment of the 1-to-8 power divider utilizes LTCC technology to achieve a stacked three-dimensional layout of multiple power distribution units, effectively reducing the size of the 1-to-8 power divider and meeting the requirements of miniaturization, low cost, and high performance in wireless communication systems.

[0037] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2As shown, the multi-level hierarchical tree-like symmetrical structure is a three-level hierarchical tree-like symmetrical structure. In this case, the power divider body 400 includes seven 1-to-2 power distribution units, namely the first power distribution unit 401, the second power distribution unit 402, the third power distribution unit 403, the fourth power distribution unit 404, the fifth power distribution unit 405, the sixth power distribution unit 406, and the seventh power distribution unit 407. The three-level hierarchical tree-like symmetrical structure includes a first symmetrical structure 200 and a second symmetrical structure 300, which are mutually symmetrical and both are disposed on the inner bottom plate of the power divider housing 100. Since the seven power distribution units are all 1-to-2 power distribution units, each power distribution unit includes two branch circuits 04. Based on this, the first symmetrical structure 200 includes a branch circuit 04 of the first power distribution unit 401, a second power distribution unit 402, a fourth power distribution unit 404, and a fifth power distribution unit 405, all disposed on the inner bottom plate of the power distributor housing 100. The second symmetrical structure 300 includes another branch circuit 04 of the first power distribution unit 401, a third power distribution unit 403, a sixth power distribution unit 406, and a seventh power distribution unit 407, all disposed on the inner bottom plate of the power distributor housing 100.

[0038] In the first symmetrical structure 200, each power distribution unit is arranged sequentially on the inner bottom plate of the power distributor housing 100 in a direction parallel to the inner bottom plate of the power distributor housing. Specifically, the two branch circuits 04 of the first power distribution unit 401 are arranged side by side; the two branch circuits 04 of the second power distribution unit 402 are arranged side by side behind one branch circuit 04 of the first power distribution unit 401; the two branch circuits 04 of the fourth power distribution unit 404 are arranged side by side behind the two branch circuits 04 of the second power distribution unit 402, that is, the two branch circuits 04 of the fourth power distribution unit 404 are arranged side by side on the side away from the first power distribution unit 401; the two branch circuits 04 of the fifth power distribution unit 405 are arranged side by side behind the two branch circuits 04 of the fourth power distribution unit 404, that is, the two branch circuits 04 of the fifth power distribution unit 405 are arranged side by side on the side away from the second power distribution unit 404. That is, the one branch circuit 04 of the first power distribution unit 401, the two branch circuits 04 of the second power distribution unit 402, the two branch circuits 04 of the fourth power distribution unit 404, and the two branch circuits 04 of the fifth power distribution unit 405 are arranged sequentially in one direction.

[0039] Since the second symmetrical structure 300 and the first symmetrical structure 200 are face-to-face symmetrical, when the rear power distribution unit in the first symmetrical structure 200 is positioned behind the front power distribution unit, the two branch circuits 04 of the third power distribution unit 403 are arranged side-by-side behind the other branch circuit 04 of the first power distribution unit 401; the two branch circuits 04 of the sixth power distribution unit 406 are arranged side-by-side behind the two branch circuits 04 of the third power distribution unit 403; and the two branch circuits 04 of the seventh power distribution unit 407 are arranged side-by-side behind the two branch circuits 04 of the sixth power distribution unit 406. That is, the power distribution units in the second symmetrical structure 300 are oriented in the same direction as the power distribution units in the first symmetrical structure 200.

[0040] It should be noted that the power distribution units in the first symmetrical structure 200 and the second symmetrical structure 300 can also be arranged in other directions, and no fixed restrictions are imposed on them here.

[0041] Further, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the above three-level hierarchical symmetrical structure specifically includes a first-order structure, a second-order structure, and a third-order structure. The first stage includes a first power distribution unit 401; the second stage includes a second power distribution unit 402 and a third power distribution unit 403, specifically, the input terminal of the second power distribution unit 402 is connected to the output terminal of one branch circuit 04 of the first power distribution unit 401, and the input terminal of the third power distribution unit 403 is connected to the output terminal of another branch circuit 04 of the first power distribution unit 401; the third stage includes a fourth power distribution unit 404, a fifth power distribution unit 405, a sixth power distribution unit 406, and a seventh power distribution unit 407, specifically, the input terminal of the fourth power distribution unit 404 is connected to the output terminal of one branch circuit 04 of the second power distribution unit 402, the input terminal of the fifth power distribution unit 405 is connected to the output terminal of another branch circuit 04 of the second power distribution unit 402, the input terminal of the sixth power distribution unit 406 is connected to the output terminal of one branch circuit 04 of the third power distribution unit 403, and the input terminal of the seventh power distribution unit 407 is connected to the output terminal of another branch circuit 04 of the third power distribution unit 402.

[0042] The input terminal of the first power distribution unit 401 serves as the input terminal of the 1-to-8 power divider. The two branch circuits 04 output terminals of the fourth power distribution unit 404, the two branch circuits 04 output terminals of the fifth power distribution unit 405, the two branch circuits 04 output terminals of the sixth power distribution unit 406, and the two branch circuits 04 output terminals of the seventh power distribution unit 407 serve as the eight output terminals of the 1-to-8 power divider.

[0043] Specifically, the first power distribution unit 401 splits the input signal into two, the second power distribution unit 402 and the third power distribution unit 403 split the signal into four, and the fourth power distribution unit 404, the fifth power distribution unit 405, the sixth power distribution unit 406 and the seventh power distribution unit 407 split the signal into eight, so as to achieve the purpose of the one-to-eight power divider to split the input signal into eight.

[0044] This embodiment optimizes the three-dimensional layout design to reduce coupling interference between components. The power distribution units of each order compensate for the length difference of the traces between the power distribution units by using serpentine or irregular bending methods to ensure amplitude balance and phase balance. This enables the eight-way power divider to have good performance and meet the application requirements of miniaturization and high integration of the one-to-eight power divider.

[0045] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 As shown, each branch circuit 04 of each power distribution unit includes two inductors and one capacitor, and the two inductors and one capacitor are connected in a T-type LC circuit, that is, one end of the capacitor is connected between the two inductors, and the other end of the capacitor is directly grounded. Since each power distribution unit includes two branch circuits 04 connected in parallel, each power distribution unit includes two T-type LC circuits connected in parallel.

[0046] Specifically, one branch circuit 04 of the first power distribution unit 401 includes inductors L1 and L2 and capacitor C1. Inductors L1 and L2 are connected in series, one end of capacitor C1 is connected between inductors L1 and L2, and the other end of capacitor C1 is grounded. Another branch circuit 04 of the first power distribution unit 401 includes inductors L3 and L4 and capacitor C2. Inductors L3 and L4 are connected in series, one end of capacitor C2 is connected between inductors L3 and L4, and the other end of capacitor C2 is grounded. Similarly, the second power distribution unit 402 includes one T-type LC circuit composed of inductors L5 and L6 and capacitor C3, and another T-type LC circuit composed of inductors L7 and L8 and capacitor C4. The two T-type LC circuits are connected in parallel. The third power distribution unit 403 includes one T-type LC circuit composed of inductor L9, inductor L10 and capacitor C5, and another T-type LC circuit composed of inductor L11, inductor L12 and capacitor C6, with the two T-type LC circuits connected in parallel.

[0047] The fourth power distribution unit 404 includes one T-type LC circuit composed of inductors L13 and L14 and capacitor C7, and another T-type LC circuit composed of inductors L15 and L16 and capacitor C8, with the two T-type LC circuits connected in parallel. The fifth power distribution unit 405 includes one T-type LC circuit composed of inductors L17 and L18 and capacitor C9, and another T-type LC circuit composed of inductors L19 and L20 and capacitor C10, with the two T-type LC circuits connected in parallel. The sixth power distribution unit 406 includes one T-type LC circuit composed of inductors L21 and L22 and capacitor C11, and another T-type LC circuit composed of inductors L23 and L24 and capacitor C12, with the two T-type LC circuits connected in parallel. The seventh power distribution unit 407 includes one T-type LC circuit composed of inductor L25, inductor L26 and capacitor C13, and another T-type LC circuit composed of inductor L27, inductor L28 and capacitor C14, with the two T-type LC circuits connected in parallel.

[0048] It should be noted that the power distribution unit can also be configured as a lumped type 1-to-2 power divider with other structures, that is, the branch circuit 04 of the power distribution unit can also be configured with other structures, and this application does not impose any fixed restrictions on it.

[0049] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, based on the above branch circuit 04 structure, all inductors are set to be vertical spiral inductors to improve the product quality factor; two inductors belonging to the same branch circuit 04 are arranged vertically and at least partially overlapped to reduce the area occupied by the branch circuit 04. Simultaneously, this embodiment also sets all capacitors in the branch circuit 04 to be MIM (Metal-Insulator-Metal) capacitors, and a grounding metal plate GND is provided on the bottom plate inside the power divider housing 100. The grounding metal plate GND is grounded and serves as the grounding electrode plate for all capacitors in the branch circuit 04. This arrangement reduces material usage and component size, thereby reducing the area occupied by the branch circuits. Furthermore, the inductors and capacitors in each branch circuit 04 are connected by metal connecting posts to achieve a three-dimensional stacked layout of components.

[0050] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 6As shown, the power divider housing 100 of the 1-to-8 power divider also has multiple surface resistors on its top plate surface. Each surface resistor has surface resistor terminals at both ends for electrical connection with other components. Furthermore, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the surface resistors and the power distribution units. Each surface resistor is connected between the output terminals of the two branch circuits 04 of a power distribution unit, and each surface resistor is positioned above its corresponding power distribution unit to facilitate connection between components. Specifically, each surface resistor is connected to its corresponding inductor via metal connecting posts to achieve a three-dimensional stacked layout of components.

[0051] Furthermore, when there are seven surface resistors, the seven surface resistors are surface resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7. Surface resistor R1 has surface resistor terminals REND1 and REND2, surface resistor R2 has surface resistor terminals REND3 and REND4, surface resistor R3 has surface resistor terminals REND5 and REND6, surface resistor R4 has surface resistor terminals REND7 and REND8, surface resistor R5 has surface resistor terminals REND9 and REND10, surface resistor R6 has surface resistor terminals REND11 and REND12, and surface resistor R7 has surface resistor terminals REND13 and REND14.

[0052] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the three-stage hierarchical tree-like symmetrical structure, the first stage has 6 metal connecting pillars, namely metal connecting pillars D1-D6; the second stage has 8 metal connecting pillars, namely metal connecting pillars D7-D14; and the third stage has 18 metal connecting pillars, namely metal connecting pillars D15-D32. It should be noted that some metal connecting posts are used to connect two inductors and one capacitor (e.g., D2, D5, D8, D10, D12, D13, D16, D18, D20, D22, D23, D25, D29, and D30), some metal connecting posts are used to connect inductors and surface resistors (e.g., D1 and D3, D4 and D6, D7, D9, D11, D14, D15, D17, D19, D21, D24, D26, D28, and D31), and some metal connecting posts are used to facilitate wiring transfer at the three-dimensional level (e.g., D27 and D32).

[0053] This embodiment sets a surface isolation resistor on the surface of the 1-to-8 power divider, which solves the problem of large space occupation by the external isolation resistor in the traditional 1-to-8 power divider, further reducing the circuit board space occupied by the product and meeting the requirements of device miniaturization and high integration.

[0054] To achieve the layout of each power distribution unit in a three-tiered tree-like symmetrical structure and ensure that all output terminals of the 1-to-8 power divider output the same power, at least one of the total inductance, total capacitance, and isolation resistance values ​​of each stage of the three-tiered tree-like symmetrical structure can be different. For example, the first power distribution unit of the first stage and the second power distribution unit of the second stage may have different positions and wiring on the power divider housing base plate. To ensure that the eight outputs of the 1-to-8 power divider are equal, at least one of the total inductance, total capacitance, and isolation resistance values ​​of the first and second power distribution units can be adjusted to achieve or assist in achieving the same output power for the eight outputs of the 1-to-8 power divider. However, the inductors, capacitors, and connections contained in each power distribution unit are identical. This arrangement improves the design flexibility and practicality of the 1-to-8 power divider.

[0055] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 6 As shown, the 1-to-8 power divider of this embodiment also includes an input terminal A, eight output terminals, and multiple grounding terminals disposed on the inner side of the power divider housing 100. The input terminal A is connected to the input terminal of the first power distribution unit 401. The eight output terminals are respectively connected to the output terminals of the fourth power distribution unit 404, the fifth power distribution unit 405, the sixth power distribution unit 406, and the two branch circuits of the fifth power distribution unit 405. All grounding terminals are respectively connected to the grounding metal plate GND. The 1-to-8 power divider of this embodiment also includes a mark Z disposed on the surface of the power divider housing 100 for standardized identification, guidance of use, and traceability management.

[0056] It should be noted that the aforementioned terminals and mark Z can also be placed in other reasonable locations within the power divider housing 100, and no fixed restrictions are imposed on them here.

[0057] The 1-to-8 power divider of this invention fully integrates the miniaturization characteristics of lumped components with the inherent advantages of a 1-to-2 power divider, creating a lightweight, compact, and high-performance product. This product effectively solves the pain points of traditional 1-to-8 power dividers in radio frequency communication systems, such as their large size and the space occupied by external isolation resistors. While achieving a lightweight and compact design, it also features low insertion loss, excellent isolation, high temperature resistance, low cost, strong stability, and high reliability. It precisely meets the core requirements of high integration and miniaturization in modern wireless communication and has excellent market application prospects.

[0058] To illustrate the performance of the 1-to-8 power divider in this embodiment, the following example of a 1-to-8 power divider with the above structure will be used to verify and illustrate its performance.

[0059] Specifically, in this example of an 8-to-1 power divider, the power divider housing 100 is made of a ceramic substrate. The internal electrodes are composed of 28 inductors, 14 capacitors, a grounding metal plate GND, and all metal connecting posts. The surface electrodes are composed of 14 surface resistor terminal electrodes corresponding to 7 surface resistors. The terminal electrodes are composed of 1 input terminal A, 8 output terminals, and 9 grounding terminals (G1-G9).

[0060] When obtaining multiple power distribution units using a low-loss co-fired ceramic process, a low-loss low-temperature co-fired ceramic medium is used as the substrate. The internal electrodes are made of low-temperature silver paste with a sintering temperature ≤900℃, a silver content of 85%±10%, and a silver layer thickness of 10±3μm. The end electrodes consist of a three-layer structure: the innermost layer is silver paste with a silver content of 60%±20% and a sintering temperature ≤800℃; the middle layer is a nickel layer; and the outermost layer is a tin layer. The surface electrodes are also made of low-temperature silver paste with a sintering temperature ≤900℃, a silver content of 85%±10%, and a silver layer thickness of 15±3μm. The surface resistivity consists of a low-temperature resistivity paste and a resistivity protective glaze. The resistivity paste has a sheet resistance of 50 ohms and a sintering temperature ≤850℃, while the resistivity protective glaze has a sintering temperature ≤525℃. It should be noted that other reasonable low-temperature co-fired ceramic process parameters can also be used to fire an 8-to-1 power distributor; no fixed limitations are imposed here.

[0061] Figure 7 The diagram shows the input-output VSWR curves for this example of an 8-to-1 power divider. Figure 8 The diagram shows the isolation curve of this 1-to-8 power divider example; Figure 9 The diagram shows the insertion loss curve for this example of an 8-to-1 power divider. Figure 10 The diagram shows the output port amplitude balance curve of this example of a 1-to-8 power divider. Figure 11 The diagram shows the output port phase balance curve of this 1-to-8 power divider example. As can be seen from the diagram, this 1-to-8 power divider can achieve frequency coverage of 1.5GHz to 2.7GHz, with a relative bandwidth of approximately 57%. Within this frequency range, the input VSWR ≤ 2.0, the output port VSWR ≤ 1.5, the isolation between output ports ≥ 13.5dB, the insertion loss (including the theoretical 9dB) ≤ 11dB, the amplitude balance ≤ 1.2dB, and the phase balance ≤ 2.5°.

[0062] This invention, an eight-way power divider, specifically addresses the problems of traditional products' large size and excessive space occupied by external isolation resistors, perfectly meeting the application requirements of device miniaturization and high integration. It also effectively resolves the challenge of balancing miniaturization with high performance, high reliability, and low cost in multi-channel power dividers for RF front-ends in satellite and other communication fields. By optimizing the three-dimensional layout design to reduce the coupling effect between components, the eight outputs achieve excellent amplitude balance, phase balance, and isolation. Achieving miniaturization while maintaining excellent performance makes it highly valuable for market promotion and application prospects.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0064] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this application. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this application, and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0065] Furthermore, this application uses specific terms to describe embodiments of the application. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of the application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or more in different locations in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of the application can be appropriately combined.

[0066] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description of the present application and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present application sometimes combines multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of the application requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of the single embodiments disclosed above.

[0067] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A 1-to-8 power divider, characterized in that, The device includes a power divider housing and a power divider body disposed within the power divider housing. The power divider body includes multiple lumped power distribution units connected in a multi-level, tree-like, symmetrical structure. All the power distribution units are one-to-two power distribution units. The power divider body achieves a stacked three-dimensional layout of all the power distribution units through a low-temperature co-fired ceramic process.

2. The 1-to-8 power divider according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-level hierarchical tree-like symmetrical structure includes a first symmetrical structure and a second symmetrical structure that are mutually symmetrical. The first symmetrical structure includes a branch circuit of a first power distribution unit, a second power distribution unit, a fourth power distribution unit, and a fifth power distribution unit, all of which are disposed on the bottom plate inside the power distributor housing. The second symmetrical structure includes another branch circuit of a first power distribution unit, a third power distribution unit, a sixth power distribution unit, and a seventh power distribution unit, all of which are disposed on the bottom plate inside the power distributor housing. The two branch circuits of the first power distribution unit are arranged side by side, the two branch circuits of the second power distribution unit are arranged side by side on one side of one branch circuit of the first power distribution unit, the two branch circuits of the fourth power distribution unit are arranged side by side on the side of the two branch circuits of the second power distribution unit away from the first power distribution unit, and the two branch circuits of the fifth power distribution unit are arranged side by side on the side of the two branch circuits of the fourth power distribution unit away from the second power distribution unit.

3. The 1-to-8 power divider according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 1-to-8 power divider also includes multiple surface resistors disposed on the top plate of the power divider housing. Each surface resistor is connected at both ends to the two output terminals of the two branch circuits of one of the power distribution units. The surface resistors and the power distribution units have a one-to-one correspondence.

4. The 1-to-8 power divider according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first stage of the multi-stage tree-shaped symmetrical structure includes a first power distribution unit; the second stage includes a second power distribution unit and a third power distribution unit, whose input terminals are respectively connected to the output terminals of the two branch circuits of the first power distribution unit; the third stage includes a fourth power distribution unit and a fifth power distribution unit, whose input terminals are respectively connected to the output terminals of the two branch circuits of the second power distribution unit; and a sixth power distribution unit and a seventh power distribution unit, whose input terminals are respectively connected to the output terminals of the two branch circuits of the third power distribution unit. The input terminal of the first power distribution unit serves as the input terminal of the 1-to-8 power divider, and the two branch circuit output terminals of the fourth power distribution unit, the fifth power distribution unit, the sixth power distribution unit, and the seventh power distribution unit all serve as the output terminals of the 1-to-8 power divider.

5. The 1-to-8 power divider according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each branch circuit of the power distribution unit includes two inductors and one capacitor. The two inductors are connected in series, one end of the capacitor is connected between the two inductors, and the other end is grounded.

6. The 1-to-8 power divider according to claim 5, characterized in that, All the inductors are vertical spiral inductors, and the two inductors in each branch circuit are arranged with at least partial overlap, with both inductors in each branch circuit positioned above the capacitor.

7. The 1-to-8 power divider according to claim 5, characterized in that, The 1-to-8 power divider also includes a grounding metal plate disposed on the bottom plate inside the power divider housing, the grounding metal plate constituting the grounding electrode plate of all one-end grounding capacitors.

8. The 1-to-8 power divider according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the multi-stage tree-like symmetrical structure, at least one of the total inductance, total capacitance, and surface resistance of the power distribution units in each stage is different, and the one-to-eight power divider outputs eight channels of the same output power.

9. The 1-to-8 power divider according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inductors and capacitors in each of the power distribution units are connected by metal connecting posts, as are the inductors and the surface resistors.

10. The 1-to-8 power divider according to claim 5, characterized in that, The 1-to-8 power divider also includes an input terminal, eight output terminals, and multiple grounding terminals disposed on the inner side of the power divider housing. The input terminal is connected to the input terminal of the first power distribution unit, and the eight output terminals are respectively connected to the two-way branch circuit output terminals of the fourth power distribution unit, the fifth power distribution unit, the sixth power distribution unit, and the seventh power distribution unit.

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