Annular coupler

Abstract

The invention provides a ring coupler. The ring coupler comprises a ring conductor, a first bandwidth adjusting part, a first port, a second port and a third port, the annular conductor comprises a first strip-shaped conductor, a second strip-shaped conductor, a third strip-shaped conductor and a fourth strip-shaped conductor. The first strip conductor has a first terminal and a second terminal. The second strip conductor has a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is connected with the third terminal through the third strip-shaped conductor, and the second terminal is connected with the fourth terminal through the fourth strip-shaped conductor. The first bandwidth adjustment portion includes a fifth strip conductor, a sixth strip conductor, and a seventh strip conductor. The seventh strip conductor has a fifth terminal and a sixth terminal. The fifth terminal is connected with the third terminal through a fifth strip-shaped conductor, and the sixth terminal is connected with the fourth terminal through a sixth strip-shaped conductor. The first port is connected with the fifth terminal. The second port connects the first terminal. The third port is connected with the second terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical component, and more particularly to a ring coupler. Background Technology

[0002] A ring coupler, also known as a balun or hybrid ring coupler, is ideal for combining two input signals into a single output signal or splitting one input signal into two output signals. However, current ring couplers often exhibit phase errors at the output. Therefore, improving the phase error of ring couplers is a crucial issue in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a ring coupler that can reduce the phase error between the two output signals of the ring coupler.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a ring coupler comprising a ring conductor, a first bandwidth adjustment section, a first port, a second port, and a third port. The ring conductor comprises a first strip conductor, a second strip conductor, a third strip conductor, and a fourth strip conductor. The first strip conductor has a first terminal and a second terminal. The second strip conductor has a third terminal and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is connected to the third terminal via the third strip conductor. The second terminal is connected to the fourth terminal via the fourth strip conductor. The first bandwidth adjustment section comprises a fifth strip conductor, a sixth strip conductor, and a seventh strip conductor. The seventh strip conductor has a fifth terminal and a sixth terminal. The fifth terminal is connected to the third terminal via the fifth strip conductor. The sixth terminal is connected to the fourth terminal via the sixth strip conductor. The first port is connected to the fifth terminal. The second port is connected to the first terminal. The third port is connected to the second terminal. The electrical lengths from the first terminal through the first strip conductor to the second terminal, from the third terminal through the second strip conductor to the fourth terminal, and from the fifth terminal through the seventh strip conductor to the sixth terminal are all substantially 1 / 2. The electrical length from the first terminal through the third strip conductor to the third terminal, and the electrical length from the second terminal through the fourth strip conductor to the fourth terminal, are both substantially 1 / 4. The electrical length from the third terminal through the fifth strip conductor to the fifth terminal, and the electrical length from the fourth terminal through the sixth strip conductor to the sixth terminal, are both substantially n / 2, where n is a positive integer.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, n is an even number.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned annular coupler further includes a fourth port. The fourth port is connected to the center of the first strip conductor.

[0007] In embodiments of the present invention, the first port, second port, and third port are used to connect to at least one external system, wherein the at least one external system has a load impedance. The impedance of the second strip conductor is 1.2 times the load impedance. The impedance of the seventh strip conductor is 0.8 times the load impedance. The impedances of the fifth and sixth strip conductors are both 2.8 times the load impedance.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned annular coupler further includes a second bandwidth adjustment section. The second bandwidth adjustment section includes an eighth strip conductor, a ninth strip conductor, and a tenth strip conductor. The tenth strip conductor has a seventh terminal and an eighth terminal. The seventh terminal is connected to a fifth terminal via the eighth strip conductor. The eighth terminal is connected to a sixth terminal via the ninth strip conductor. A first port is connected to the seventh terminal and to the fifth terminal via the eighth strip conductor.

[0009] In embodiments of the present invention, the first port, second port, and third port are used to connect at least one external system, wherein the at least one external system has a load impedance. The impedance of the tenth strip conductor is 0.8 times the load impedance. The impedance of the seventh strip conductor is 1.4 times the load impedance. The impedances of the fifth, sixth, eighth, and ninth strip conductors are 2.8 times the load impedance.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the electrical length from the seventh terminal through the tenth strip conductor to the eighth terminal is substantially 1 / 2. The electrical length from the fifth terminal through the eighth strip conductor to the seventh terminal and the electrical length from the sixth terminal through the ninth strip conductor to the eighth terminal are both substantially m / 2, where m is a positive integer.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, m is an even number.

[0012] In embodiments of the present invention, m and n are equal.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned annular coupler further includes a third bandwidth adjustment section. The third bandwidth adjustment section includes an eleventh strip conductor, a twelfth strip conductor, and a thirteenth strip conductor. The thirteenth strip conductor has a ninth terminal and a tenth terminal. The ninth terminal is connected to a seventh terminal via the eleventh strip conductor. The tenth terminal is connected to an eighth terminal via the twelfth strip conductor. A first port is connected to the ninth terminal and is connected to a fifth terminal via the eleventh and eighth strip conductors.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the impedance of the seventh and tenth strip conductors is 1.4 times the load impedance. The impedance of the thirteenth strip conductor is 0.8 times the load impedance. The impedances of the fifth, sixth, eighth, ninth, eleventh, and twelfth strip conductors are 2.8 times the load impedance.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the electrical length from the ninth terminal through the thirteenth strip conductor to the tenth terminal is substantially 1 / 2. The electrical length from the seventh terminal through the eleventh strip conductor to the ninth terminal and the electrical length from the eighth terminal through the twelfth strip conductor to the tenth terminal are both substantially k / 2, where k is a positive integer.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, k is an even number.

[0017] In embodiments of the present invention, k, m, and n are equal.

[0018] Based on the above, the present invention uses a strip conductor of a specific length to form a bandwidth adjustment section, and combines a ring conductor and one or more bandwidth adjustment sections to form a multi-stage ring coupler. The ring coupler can reduce the phase error between the two output signals of the ring coupler. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ring coupler is shown;

[0020] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a second-order ring coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a third-order ring coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a fourth-order ring coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figures 5 to 8 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a second-order ring coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figures 9 to 12 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figures 13 to 16 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a fourth-order ring coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 17 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a seventh-order ring coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figures 18 to 19 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 20This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same element symbols are used in the drawings and description to denote the same or similar parts.

[0030] In the following embodiments, two components that are “connected” to each other are directly connected to each other, and two components that are “electrically connected” to each other are directly or indirectly connected to each other (e.g., the two components are connected to each other through a third component).

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ring coupler 100 is shown. The ring coupler 100 may be a structure formed by a single ring conductor #1. Accordingly, the ring coupler 100 may be referred to as a first-order ring coupler, a balancing device, or a hybrid ring coupler. The ring conductor #1 is, for example, a circle or parallelogram formed by strip conductors 11, 12, 13, and 14, wherein strip conductor 12 is an opposite side of strip conductor 11, and strip conductor 14 is an opposite side of strip conductor 13. Further, strip conductor 11 has terminals E1 and E2. Strip conductor 12 has terminals E3 and E4. Terminal E1 is connected to terminal E3 via strip conductor 13. Terminal E2 is connected to terminal E4 via strip conductor 14. Those skilled in the art will understand that the ring coupler mentioned in this invention can be composed of waveguides, microstrip lines disposed on single-layer or multi-layer substrates, coaxial cables, or other devices suitable for use as microwave or millimeter-wave signal circuits.

[0032] The ring coupler 100 may include four ports made of conductor: port P1, port P2, port P3, and port P4. Port P1 can be connected to terminal E3, ports P2 and P3 can be connected to terminals E1 and E2 respectively, and port P4 can be connected to the center of the strip conductor 11. The electrical length from terminal E1 through the strip conductor 11 to terminal E2, or from terminal E3 through the strip conductor 12 to terminal E4, may be 1 / 2. The electrical length from terminal E1 through the strip conductor 13 to terminal E3, or from terminal E2 through the strip conductor 14 to terminal E4, may be 1 / 4. In various embodiments of the present invention, the electrical length is defined as the ratio of the physical length of the signal path (e.g., conductor) to the wavelength λ corresponding to the center operating frequency of the ring coupler 100. The wavelength referred to here is not the vacuum wavelength, but the characteristic wavelength of the signal in the signal path / waveguide structure. The electrical length between ports P1 and P2 can be equal to 1 / 4 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E1 through strip conductor 13 to terminal E3). In other words, a signal with this operating frequency travels exactly one-quarter of its wavelength when transmitted from port P1 to port P2. The electrical length between ports P1 and P3 can be equal to 3 / 4 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E3 through strip conductor 12 to terminal E4 plus the electrical length from terminal E2 through strip conductor 14 to terminal E4). The electrical length between ports P1 and P4 can be equal to 1 / 2 (e.g., the electrical length from the first terminal E1 through strip conductor 13 to terminal E3 plus half the electrical length from terminal E1 through strip conductor 11 to terminal E2). The electrical length between ports P2 and P3 can be equal to 1 / 2 (e.g., the electrical length from the first terminal E1 through strip conductor 11 to the second terminal E2). The electrical length between port P2 and port P4 can be equal to 1 / 4 (e.g., half the electrical length from terminal E1 through strip conductor 11 to terminal E2). The electrical length between port P3 and port P4 can be equal to 1 / 4 (e.g., half the electrical length from terminal E1 through strip conductor 11 to terminal E2).

[0033] The ring coupler 100 can be used to split an input signal into two output signals. For example, when an input signal is input to the ring coupler 100 from port P1, the ring coupler 100 can split the input signal into two output signals and output two output signals with the same amplitude through ports P2 and P3 respectively. The output signal output from port P2 and the output signal output from port P3 have a phase difference of 180 degrees, and port P4 is isolated and no signal is output from port P4.

[0034] Ring coupler 100 can be used to combine two input signals into a single output signal. For example, when two input signals are input to ring coupler 100 from ports P2 and P3 respectively, ring coupler 100 can combine the two input signals into a single output signal. Port P4 can act as a sum port or Σ port, and the output signal from port P4 is the sum of the two input signals. Port P1 can act as a Δ port, and the output signal from port P1 is the difference between the two input signals.

[0035] The ring coupler 100 can connect a load via port P1, port P2, port P3, or port P4. In one embodiment, port P1, port P2, port P3, or port P4 is used to connect at least one external system (not shown), and the external system has a load impedance. The impedance of strip conductors 11, 12, 13, or 14 in the ring conductor #1 can be 1.2 times the load impedance. For example, if the load impedance is 50 ohms, the impedance of the ring conductor #1 can be 60 ohms.

[0036] In one embodiment, one or more additional bandwidth adjustment units may be added to the structure of the ring coupler 100 to form an A-order ring coupler comprising one ring conductor and (A-1) bandwidth adjustment units, where A is any positive integer. “a” is defined as the index of the order of the ring conductor or bandwidth adjustment unit in the A-order ring coupler, and a = 1, 2, ..., A. For example, a = 1 represents the first component of the A-order ring coupler, which is a ring conductor (i.e., ring conductor #1 directly connected to port P2, port P3, or port P4); a = 2 represents the second component of the A-order ring coupler, which is a bandwidth adjustment unit (i.e., bandwidth adjustment unit #2 directly connected to ring conductor #1 and passing through ring conductor #1, port P2, port P3, or port P4); and a = A represents the A-th component of the A-order ring coupler, which is a bandwidth adjustment unit (i.e., bandwidth adjustment unit #A directly connected to port P1).

[0037] The phase error caused by an A-order ring coupler can be smaller than the phase error caused by ring coupler 100. For example, an additional bandwidth adjustment unit can be added to the structure of ring coupler 100 to form a second-order ring coupler, such as... Figure 2A As shown.

[0038] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a second-order ring coupler 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Compared to, Figure 1The ring coupler 100 shown may further include an additional bandwidth adjustment section #2. The bandwidth adjustment section #2 is, for example, a U-shaped conductor formed by strip conductors 22, 23, and 24, wherein strip conductor 23 is an opposite side of strip conductor 24. Strip conductor 24 has terminals E5 and E6. Terminal E5 is connected to terminal E3 via strip conductor 23. Terminal E6 is connected to terminal E4 via strip conductor 24.

[0039] Port P1 can connect to terminal E5, port P2 can connect to terminal E1, and port P3 can connect to terminal E2. Port P4 can connect to the center of strip conductor 11. Port P1 can be electrically connected to strip conductor 12 of ring conductor #1 via bandwidth adjustment unit #2. Ports P2, P3, or P4 can be electrically connected to strip conductor 23 and strip conductor 24 of bandwidth adjustment unit #2 via ring conductor #1. The electrical length from terminal E5 through strip conductor 22 to terminal E6 is substantially 1 / 2, and the electrical length from terminal E3 through strip conductor 23 to terminal E5 or from terminal E4 through strip conductor 24 to terminal E6 is substantially n / 2. When n is a positive integer, meaning the electrical length of strip conductor 23 (i.e., from terminal E3 through strip conductor 23 to terminal E5) and the electrical length of strip conductor 24 (i.e., from terminal E4 through strip conductor 24 to terminal E6) are both integer multiples of half the wavelength λ / 2, the ring coupler 200 can have better performance. To make the electrical length of strip conductor 23 or strip conductor 24 reach n / 2, strip conductor 23 or strip conductor 24 can be a conductor with a meandering structure.

[0040] Ring coupler 200 is a second-order ring coupler formed by adding an additional bandwidth adjustment section #2 to the structure of ring coupler 100 (i.e., A=2). The electrical length between port P1 and port P2 can be equal to (2n+1) / 4 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E3 plus the electrical length from terminal E3 to terminal E5). The electrical length between port P1 and port P3 can be equal to (2n+3) / 4 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E5 to terminal E6 plus the electrical lengths from terminal E2 to terminal E4 and from terminal E4 to terminal E6). The electrical length between port P1 and port P4 can be equal to (n+1) / 2 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E3 plus the electrical length from terminal E3 to terminal E5 and half the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E2). The electrical length between port P2 and port P3 can be equal to 1 / 2 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E2). The electrical length between port P2 and port P4 can be equal to 1 / 4 (e.g., half the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E2). The electrical length between port P3 and port P4 can be equal to 1 / 4 (e.g., half the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E2).

[0041] The ring coupler 200 can connect a load via port P1, port P2, port P3, or port P4. In one embodiment, port P1, port P2, port P3, or port P4 is used to connect at least one external system (not shown), and the external system has a load impedance. The impedance of strip conductors 11, 12, 13, or 14 in the ring conductor #1 can be 1.2 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 22 in the bandwidth adjustment section #2 can be 0.8 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 23 or 24 in the bandwidth adjustment section #2 can be 2.8 times the load impedance.

[0042] For example, if the load impedance is 50 ohms, then the impedance of the ring conductor #1 can be 60 ohms, the impedance of the strip conductor 22 can be 40 ohms, and the impedance of the strip conductor 23 or the strip conductor 24 can be 140 ohms.

[0043] In one embodiment, the ring coupler 200 may not have a port P4, or the port P4 of the ring coupler 200 may not be connected to any load (e.g., port P4 is not connected to an external system), such as Figure 2B As shown, when an input signal is input to the ring coupler 200 from port P1, the ring coupler 200 can split the input signal into two output signals, and output two output signals with the same amplitude through ports P2 and P3 respectively, wherein the output signal output from port P2 and the output signal output from port P3 have a phase difference of 180 degrees. On the other hand, when two input signals are input to the ring coupler 200 from ports P2 and P3 respectively, port P1 can act as a Δ port, and the output signal output from port P1 is the difference between the two input signals.

[0044] An additional bandwidth adjustment unit can be added to the structure of the ring coupler 200 to form a third-order ring coupler, such as... Figure 3 As shown. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a third-order ring coupler 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Compared to, Figure 2A The structure of the ring coupler 200 shown is illustrated. The ring coupler 300 may further include a bandwidth adjustment unit #3.

[0045] The bandwidth adjustment unit #3 is, for example, a U-shaped conductor formed by strip conductors 32, 33, and 34, wherein strip conductor 34 is the opposite side of strip conductor 33. Strip conductor 32 has terminals E7 and E8. Terminal E7 is connected to terminal E5 via strip conductor 33. Terminal E8 is connected to terminal E6 via strip conductor 34.

[0046] Port P1 can connect to terminal E7 and to terminal E5 via strip conductor 33. Ports P2 and P3 can connect to terminals E1 and E2 respectively, and port P4 can connect to the center of strip conductor 11. Port P1 can be electrically connected to strip conductor 22 of bandwidth adjustment unit #2 via bandwidth adjustment unit #3, and ports P2, P3, or P4 can be electrically connected to strip conductor 33 and strip conductor 34 of bandwidth adjustment unit #3 via ring conductor #1 and bandwidth adjustment unit #2. The electrical length from terminal E7 through strip conductor 32 to terminal E8 is substantially 1 / 2, and the electrical length from terminal E5 through strip conductor 33 to terminal E7 or from terminal E6 through strip conductor 34 to terminal E8 is substantially 1 / 2 m. When m is a positive integer, meaning the electrical length of strip conductor 33 (i.e., from terminal E5 through strip conductor 33 to terminal E7) and the electrical length of strip conductor 34 (i.e., from terminal E6 through strip conductor 34 to terminal E8) are both integer multiples of half the wavelength λ / 2, the ring coupler 300 can have better performance. To make the electrical length of strip conductor 33 or strip conductor 34 reach m / 2, strip conductor 33 or strip conductor 34 can be a conductor with a meandering structure.

[0047] Ring coupler 300 is a third-order ring coupler formed by adding two additional bandwidth adjustment sections #2 and #3 to the structure of ring coupler 100 (i.e., A=3). The electrical length between port P1 and port P2 can be equal to (2n+2m+1) / 4 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E3 plus the electrical length from terminal E3 to terminal E5 plus the electrical length from terminal E5 to terminal E7). The electrical length between port P1 and port P3 can be equal to (2m+2n+3) / 4 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E7 to terminal E8 plus the electrical lengths from terminal E2 to terminal E4, terminal E4 to terminal E6, and terminal E6 to terminal E8). The electrical length between port P1 and port P4 can be equal to (m+n+1) / 2 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E3 plus the electrical length from terminal E3 to terminal E5 plus the electrical length from terminal E5 to terminal E7 plus half the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E2). The electrical length between ports P2 and P3 can be equal to 1 / 2 (e.g., the electrical length between terminals E1 and E2). The electrical length between ports P2 and P4 can be equal to 1 / 4 (e.g., half the electrical length between terminals E1 and E2). The electrical length between ports P3 and P4 can be equal to 1 / 4 (e.g., half the electrical length between terminals E1 and E2).

[0048] The ring coupler 300 can connect a load via port P1, port P2, port P3, or port P4. In one embodiment, port P1, port P2, port P3, or port P4 is used to connect at least one external system (not shown), and the external system has a load impedance. The impedance of strip conductors 11, 12, 13, or 14 in the ring conductor #1 can be 1.2 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 22 in the bandwidth adjustment section #2 can be 0.8 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 23 or 24 in the bandwidth adjustment section #2 can be 2.8 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 32 in the bandwidth adjustment section #3 can be 1.4 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 33 or 34 in the bandwidth adjustment section #3 can be 2.8 times the load impedance.

[0049] For example, if the load impedance is 50 ohms, then the impedance of the ring conductor #1 can be 60 ohms, the impedance of the strip conductor 22 can be 40 ohms, the impedance of the strip conductor 23 or the strip conductor 24 can be 140 ohms, the impedance of the strip conductor 32 can be 70 ohms, and the impedance of the strip conductor 33 or the strip conductor 34 can be 140 ohms.

[0050] In one embodiment, the ring coupler 300 may not have a port P4, or the port P4 of the ring coupler 300 may not be connected to any load (e.g., port P4 is not connected to an external system).

[0051] An additional bandwidth adjustment unit can be added to the structure of the ring coupler 300 to form a fourth-order ring coupler, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a fourth-order ring coupler 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Compared to, Figure 3 The structure of the ring coupler 300 shown is illustrated. The ring coupler 400 may further include a bandwidth adjustment unit #4.

[0052] The bandwidth adjustment unit #4 is, for example, a U-shaped conductor formed by strip conductors 42, 43, and 44, wherein strip conductor 44 is the opposite side of strip conductor 43. Strip conductor 42 has terminals E9 and E10. Terminal E9 is connected to terminal E7 via strip conductor 43. Terminal E10 is connected to terminal E8 via strip conductor 44.

[0053] Port P1 can connect to terminal E9 and is connected to terminal E5 via strip conductor 43 and strip conductor 33. Ports P2 and P3 can connect to terminals E1 and E2 respectively, and port P4 can connect to the center of strip conductor 11. Port P1 can be electrically connected to the strip conductor 32 of bandwidth adjustment unit #3 via bandwidth adjustment unit #4, and ports P2, P3, or P4 can be electrically connected to the strip conductor 43 and strip conductor 44 of bandwidth adjustment unit #4 via ring conductor #1, bandwidth adjustment unit #2, and bandwidth adjustment unit #3. The electrical length from terminal E9 through strip conductor 42 to terminal E10 is substantially 1 / 2. The electrical length from terminal E7 through strip conductor 43 to terminal E9 and the electrical length from terminal E8 through strip conductor 44 to terminal E10 are both substantially k / 2. When k is a positive integer, meaning the electrical length of strip conductor 43 (i.e., from terminal E7 through strip conductor 43 to terminal E9) or strip conductor 44 (i.e., from terminal E8 through strip conductor 44 to terminal E10) is an integer multiple of half the wavelength λ / 2, the ring coupler 400 can have better performance. To make the electrical length of strip conductor 43 or strip conductor 44 reach k / 2, strip conductor 43 or strip conductor 44 can be a conductor with a meandering structure.

[0054] Ring coupler 400 is a fourth-order ring coupler formed by adding three additional bandwidth adjustment sections #2, #3, and #4 to the structure of ring coupler 100 (i.e., A=4). The electrical length between port P1 and port P2 can be equal to (2n+2m+2k+1) / 4 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E3 plus the electrical length from terminal E3 to terminal E5 plus the electrical length from terminal E5 to terminal E7 plus the electrical length from terminal E7 to terminal E9). The electrical length between port P1 and port P3 can be equal to (2n+2m+2k+3) / 4 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E9 to terminal E10 plus the electrical lengths from terminal E2 to terminal E4, terminal E4 to terminal E6, terminal E6 to terminal E8, and terminal E8 to terminal E10). The electrical length between port P1 and port P4 can be equal to (n+m+k+1) / 2 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E3 plus the electrical length from terminal E3 to terminal E5 plus the electrical length from terminal E5 to terminal E7 plus the electrical length from terminal E7 to terminal E9 plus half the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E2). The electrical length between port P2 and port P3 can be equal to 1 / 2 (e.g., the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E2). The electrical length between port P2 and port P4 can be equal to 1 / 4 (e.g., half the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E2). The electrical length between port P3 and port P4 can be equal to 1 / 4 (e.g., half the electrical length from terminal E1 to terminal E2).

[0055] It is worth noting that the A-order ring coupler of the present invention can exceed the fourth order. For example, one or more additional bandwidth adjustment units #b (b is a positive integer greater than 4) can be configured between and connect the bandwidth adjustment unit #4 and the port P1, wherein the one or more additional bandwidth adjustment units #b have the same structure or impedance as the bandwidth adjustment unit #4, and the connection method between the one or more additional bandwidth adjustment units #b and the bandwidth adjustment unit #4 can be the same as the connection method between the bandwidth adjustment unit #4 and the bandwidth adjustment unit #3.

[0056] The ring coupler 400 can connect a load via port P1, port P2, port P3, or port P4. In one embodiment, port P1, port P2, port P3, or port P4 is used to connect at least one external system (not shown), and the external system has a load impedance. The impedance of strip conductors 11, 12, 13, or 14 in ring conductor #1 can be 1.2 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 22 in bandwidth adjustment section #2 can be 0.8 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 23 or 24 in bandwidth adjustment section #2 can be 2.8 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 32 in bandwidth adjustment section #3 can be 1.4 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 33 or 34 in bandwidth adjustment section #3 can be 2.8 times the load impedance. The impedance of strip conductor 42 in bandwidth adjustment section #4 (or bandwidth adjustment section #b) can be 1.4 times the load impedance. The impedance of the strip conductor 43 or strip conductor 44 of the bandwidth adjustment section #4 (or bandwidth adjustment section #b) can be 2.8 times the load impedance.

[0057] For example, if the load impedance is 50 ohms, then the impedance of the bandwidth adjustment unit #1 can be 60 ohms, the impedance of strip conductor 22 can be 40 ohms, the impedance of strip conductor 23 or strip conductor 24 can be 140 ohms, the impedance of strip conductor 32 can be 70 ohms, and the impedance of strip conductor 33 or strip conductor 34 can be 140 ohms. The impedance of strip conductor 42 can be 70 ohms. The impedance of strip conductor 43 or strip conductor 44 can be 140 ohms.

[0058] In one embodiment, the ring coupler 400 may not have a port P4, or the port P4 of the ring coupler 400 may not be connected to any load (e.g., port P4 is not connected to an external system).

[0059] Figure 5 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a second-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 200 having strip conductors 23 and 24 with electrical lengths of 1 / 4) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 510 represents the S-parameter S. 11(That is: the input reflection coefficient or return loss of port P1), curve 520 represents the S-parameter S. 21 (That is, the insertion loss of the signal from port P1 to port P2), curve 530 represents the S-parameter S. 31 (That is, the insertion loss of the signal from port P1 to port P3). Curve 540 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3, and points 51 and 52 are the intersections of the three curves at -5dB. Referring to points 51 and 52, the effective operating bandwidth of the second-order ring coupler is approximately between 18.5GHz and 27.5GHz, and the phase error is only about 1 degree.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a second-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 200 having strip conductors 23 and 24 with electrical lengths of 1 / 2) with n=1, as shown in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 610 represents the S-parameter S. 11 Curve 620 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 630 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 640 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 61 and 62 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 63 and 64 are the values ​​of curve 610 at -10 dB. Referring to points 61 and 62, the effective operating frequency band of the second-order ring coupler is approximately between 15 GHz and 31 GHz, with a phase error of only about 2.5 degrees. Referring to points 63 and 64, in the frequency band of 15.5 GHz–30.5 GHz, the S-parameter S of the second-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain.

[0061] Figure 7 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a second-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 200 having strip conductors 23 and 24 with electrical lengths of 3 / 4) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 710 represents the S-parameter S. 11 Curve 720 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 730 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 740 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3, and points 71 and 72 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB. Referring to points 71 and 72, the effective operating frequency band of the second-order ring coupler is approximately between 19.5 GHz and 26.5 GHz, with a phase error of only about 2.5 degrees.

[0062] Figure 8This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a second-order ring coupler with n=2 (e.g., a ring coupler 200 having strip conductors 23 and 24 with an electrical length of 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 810 represents the S-parameter S. 11 Curve 820 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 830 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 840 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 81 and 82 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 83 and 84 are the values ​​of curve 810 at -10 dB. Referring to points 81 and 82, the effective operating frequency band of the second-order ring coupler is approximately between 17.5 GHz and 28.5 GHz, with a phase error of only about 2 degrees. Referring to points 83 and 84, in the frequency band of 19 GHz–27 GHz, the S-parameter S of the second-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain.

[0063] Figure 9 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 300 having strip conductors 23, 24, 33, and 34 with an electrical length of 1 / 4) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 910 represents the S-parameter S. 11 Curve 920 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 930 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 940 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 91 and 92 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 93 and 94 are the values ​​of curve 910 at -10 dB. Referring to points 91 and 92, the effective operating frequency band of the third-order ring coupler is approximately between 19 GHz and 27 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0 degrees. Referring to points 93 and 94, in the frequency band of 21 GHz–25 GHz, the S-parameter S of the third-order ring coupler is... 11 It has good gain.

[0064] Figure 10 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 300 having strip conductors 23, 24, 33, and 34 with an electrical length of 1 / 2) of n=m=1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 1010 represents the S-parameter S 11 Curve 1020 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1030 represents the S-parameter S. 31Curve 1040 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1001 and 1002 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1003 and 1004 are the values ​​of curve 1010 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1001 and 1002, the effective operating frequency band of the third-order ring coupler is approximately between 14.5 GHz and 31.5 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0.5 degrees. Referring to points 1003 and 1004, in the frequency band of 15 GHz–31 GHz, the S-parameter S of the third-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain.

[0065] Figure 11 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 300 having strip conductors 23, 24, 33, and 34 with an electrical length of 3 / 4) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 1110 represents the S-parameter S. 11 Curve 1120 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1130 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 1140 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1101 and 1102 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1103 and 1104 are the values ​​of curve 1110 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1101 and 1102, the effective operating frequency band of the third-order ring coupler is approximately between 20.5 GHz and 25.5 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0 degrees. Referring to points 1103 and 1104, in the frequency band of 21.5 GHz–24.5 GHz, the S-parameter S of the third-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain.

[0066] Figure 12 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 300 having strip conductors 23, 24, 33, and 34 with an electrical length of 1) with n = m = 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 1210 represents the S-parameter S 11 Curve 1220 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1230 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 1240 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1201 and 1202 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1203 and 1204 are the values ​​of curve 1210 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1201 and 1202, the effective operating frequency band of the third-order ring coupler is approximately between 17 GHz and 29 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0 degrees. Referring to points 1203 and 1204, in the frequency band of 18 GHz–28 GHz, the S-parameter S of the third-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain.

[0067] Figure 13 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a fourth-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 400 having strip conductors 23, 24, 33, 34, 43, and 44 with an electrical length of 1 / 4) with n = m = k = 0.5 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 1310 represents the S-parameter S 11 Curve 1320 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1330 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 1340 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1301 and 1302 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1303, 1304, 1305, and 1306 are the values ​​of curve 1310 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1301 and 1302, the effective operating frequency band of the fourth-order ring coupler is approximately between 18.5 GHz and 27.5 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0 degrees. Referring to points 1303, 1304, 1305, and 1306, the S-parameters S of the fourth-order ring coupler are [values ​​missing] in the frequency bands 19 GHz–22 GHz and 24 GHz–27 GHz. 11 It has good gain.

[0068] Figure 14 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a fourth-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 400 having strip conductors 23, 24, 33, 34, 43, and 44 with an electrical length of 1 / 2) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 1410 represents the S-parameter S 11 Curve 1420 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1430 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 1440 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1401 and 1402 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1403 and 1404 are the values ​​of curve 1410 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1401 and 1402, the effective operating frequency band of the fourth-order ring coupler is approximately between 15 GHz and 31 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0.5 degrees. Referring to points 1403 and 1404, in the frequency band of 15.5 GHz–30.5 GHz, the S-parameter S of the fourth-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain.

[0069] Figure 15 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a fourth-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 400 having strip conductors 23, 24, 33, 34, 43, and 44 with an electrical length of 3 / 4) with n = m = k = 1.5 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 1510 represents the S-parameter S 11Curve 1520 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1530 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 1540 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1501 and 1502 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1503, 1504, 1505, and 1506 are the values ​​of curve 1510 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1501 and 1502, the effective operating frequency band of the fourth-order ring coupler is approximately between 20 GHz and 26 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0 degrees. Referring to points 1503, 1504, 1505, and 1506, the S-parameters S of the fourth-order ring coupler are [value missing] in the frequency bands 20.5 GHz–22.5 GHz and 23.5 GHz–25.5 GHz. 11 It has good gain.

[0070] Figure 16 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a fourth-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 400 having strip conductors 23, 24, 33, 34, 43, and 44 with an electrical length of 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 1610 represents the S-parameter S. 11 Curve 1620 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1630 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 1640 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1601 and 1602 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1603 and 1604 are the values ​​of curve 1610 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1601 and 1602, the effective operating frequency band of the fourth-order ring coupler is approximately between 16.5 GHz and 30.5 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0 degrees. Referring to points 1603 and 1604, in the frequency band of 18.5 GHz–29 GHz, the S-parameter S of the fourth-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain.

[0071] Figure 17 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a seventh-order ring coupler with n=m=k=1, as shown in an embodiment of the present invention, where curve 1710 represents the S-parameter S. 11 Curve 1720 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1730 represents the S-parameter S. 31Curve 1740 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1701 and 1702 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1703 and 1704 are the values ​​of curve 1710 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1701 and 1702, the effective operating frequency band of the seventh-order ring coupler is approximately between 14.5 GHz and 31.5 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0 degrees. Referring to points 1703 and 1704, in the frequency band of 15.5 GHz–30.5 GHz, the S-parameter S of the seventh-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain. (From) Figures 13 to 17 It is evident that, compared to a fourth-order ring coupler, a seventh-order ring coupler does not significantly improve gain and phase error within the effective operating frequency band. Therefore, users may consider using a lower-cost fourth-order ring coupler instead of a seventh-order ring coupler when designing circuits.

[0072] Figure 18 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 300 having strip conductors 23 and 24 with an electrical length of 1 / 2 and strip conductors 33 and 34 with an electrical length of 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 1810 represents the S-parameter S 11 Curve 1820 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1830 represents the S-parameter S. 31 Curve 1840 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1801 and 1802 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1803 and 1804 are the values ​​of curve 1810 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1801 and 1802, the effective operating frequency band of the third-order ring coupler is approximately between 16 GHz and 30 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0 degrees. Referring to points 1803 and 1804, in the frequency band of 19 GHz–27 GHz, the S-parameter S of the third-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain.

[0073] Figure 19 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler (e.g., a ring coupler 300 having strip conductors 23 and 24 with an electrical length of 1 and strip conductors 33 and 34 with an electrical length of 1 / 2) according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein curve 1910 represents the S-parameter S 11 Curve 1920 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 1930 represents the S-parameter S. 31Curve 1940 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 1901 and 1902 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 1903 and 1904 are the values ​​of curve 1910 at -10 dB. Referring to points 1901 and 1902, the effective operating frequency band of the third-order ring coupler is approximately between 17 GHz and 29 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0 degrees. Referring to points 1903 and 1904, in the frequency band of 19 GHz–27 GHz, the S-parameter S of the third-order ring coupler... 11 It has good gain.

[0074] Based on the above Figures 5 to 16 and Figures 18 to 19 From the content, it can be seen that when the electrical lengths of the strip conductors 23, 24, 33, 34, and 43 meet specific specifications, in addition to the advantage of extremely small phase error, the effective operating frequency range that the ring coupler can handle is also wider. Specifically, when n, m, or k are even numbers, the ring coupler provided by this invention can balance low phase error and a wide effective operating frequency range.

[0075] It is worth noting that the impedance of each conductor in the ring coupler (e.g., 100, 200, 300, or 400) can be adjusted by the user according to their needs, and this invention does not limit this adjustment. Taking a third-order ring coupler 300 as an example, in one embodiment, in the ring conductor #1 of the ring coupler 300, the impedance of strip conductor 11 can be 70 ohms, the impedance of strip conductor 12 can be 30 ohms, and the impedances of strip conductors 13 and 14 can be 60 ohms. In the bandwidth adjustment section #2, the impedance of strip conductor 22 can be 35 ohms, and the impedances of strip conductors 23 and 24 can be 77 ohms. In the bandwidth adjustment section #3, the impedance of strip conductor 32 can be 40 ohms, and the impedances of strip conductors 33 and 34 can be 85 ohms. The S-parameters of the ring coupler 300 having the above impedance configuration are as follows: Figure 20 As shown.

[0076] Figure 20 This is a simulation diagram of the S-parameters of a third-order ring coupler 300 with n = m = 0.5, as shown in an embodiment of the present invention, where curve 2010 represents the S-parameter S. 11 Curve 2020 represents the S-parameter S. 21 Curve 2030 represents the S-parameter S. 31Curve 2040 represents the phase difference between port P2 and port P3. Points 2001 and 2002 are the intersections of the three curves at -5 dB, and points 2003 and 2004 are the values ​​of curve 2010 at -10 dB. Referring to points 2001 and 2002, the effective operating frequency band of the ring coupler 300 is approximately between 17.2 GHz and 28.8 GHz, with a phase error of only about 0.4 degrees. Referring to points 2003 and 2004, in the frequency band of 18 GHz–28 GHz, the S-parameter S of the ring coupler 300 is... 11 It has good gain.

[0077] In summary, this invention combines a ring conductor and one or more bandwidth adjustment sections to form a multi-stage ring coupler, and the bandwidth adjustment section may include a strip conductor of a specific length. Compared to conventional ring couplers, the two output signals of the ring coupler of this invention have smaller phase errors.

[0078] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention 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 or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A ring coupler, comprising: Ring conductor, including: The first strip conductor has a first terminal and a second terminal; The second strip conductor has a third terminal and a fourth terminal; The third strip conductor; and Fourth strip conductor; The first terminal is connected to the third terminal via the third strip conductor, and the second terminal is connected to the fourth terminal via the fourth strip conductor; The first bandwidth adjustment unit includes: The fifth strip conductor; The sixth strip conductor; and The seventh strip conductor has a fifth and a sixth terminal; The fifth terminal is connected to the third terminal via the fifth strip conductor, and the sixth terminal is connected to the fourth terminal via the sixth strip conductor; The first port connects to the fifth terminal; The second port connects to the first terminal; and The third port connects to the second terminal; The electrical lengths from the first terminal through the first strip conductor to the second terminal, from the third terminal through the second strip conductor to the fourth terminal, and from the fifth terminal through the seventh strip conductor to the sixth terminal are all substantially 1 / 2. The electrical length from the first terminal through the third strip conductor to the third terminal and the electrical length from the second terminal through the fourth strip conductor to the fourth terminal are both substantially 1 / 4. The electrical length from the third terminal through the fifth strip conductor to the fifth terminal, and the electrical length from the fourth terminal through the sixth strip conductor to the sixth terminal, are both essentially n / 2, where n is a positive integer.

2. The ring coupler according to claim 1, wherein n is an even number.

3. The ring coupler according to claim 1 further includes a fourth port connected to the center of the first strip conductor.

4. The ring coupler according to claim 1, wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are used to connect to at least one external system, the at least one external system having a load impedance, the impedance of the second strip conductor is 1.2 times the load impedance, the impedance of the seventh strip conductor is 0.8 times the load impedance, and the impedances of the fifth strip conductor and the sixth strip conductor are both 2.8 times the load impedance.

5. The annular coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second bandwidth adjustment unit, including: Eighth strip conductor; Ninth strip conductor; as well as The tenth strip conductor has a seventh and an eighth terminal; The seventh terminal is connected to the fifth terminal via the eighth strip conductor, and the eighth terminal is connected to the sixth terminal via the ninth strip conductor. The first port is connected to the seventh terminal and is connected to the fifth terminal through the eighth strip conductor.

6. The ring coupler of claim 5, wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are for connecting to at least one external system having a load impedance, wherein the impedance of the tenth strip conductor is 0.8 times the load impedance, the impedance of the seventh strip conductor is 1.4 times the load impedance, and the impedances of the fifth strip conductor, the sixth strip conductor, the eighth strip conductor, and the ninth strip conductor are 2.8 times the load impedance.

7. The ring coupler according to claim 5, wherein the electrical length from the seventh terminal through the tenth strip conductor to the eighth terminal is substantially 1 / 2, and the electrical length from the fifth terminal through the eighth strip conductor to the seventh terminal and the electrical length from the sixth terminal through the ninth strip conductor to the eighth terminal are both substantially m / 2, where m is a positive integer.

8. The ring coupler according to claim 7, wherein m is an even number.

9. The ring coupler according to claim 7, wherein m and n are equal.

10. The ring coupler according to claim 5, further comprising a third bandwidth adjustment unit, including: Eleventh strip conductor; The twelfth strip conductor; as well as The thirteenth strip conductor has a ninth terminal and a tenth terminal; The ninth terminal is connected to the seventh terminal via the eleventh strip conductor, and the tenth terminal is connected to the eighth terminal via the twelfth strip conductor. The first port is connected to the ninth terminal, and is connected to the fifth terminal via the eleventh strip conductor and the eighth strip conductor.

11. The ring coupler of claim 10, wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are configured to connect to at least one external system having a load impedance, wherein the impedance of the seventh strip conductor and the tenth strip conductor is 1.4 times the load impedance, the impedance of the thirteenth strip conductor is 0.8 times the load impedance, and the impedance of the fifth strip conductor, the sixth strip conductor, the eighth strip conductor, the ninth strip conductor, the eleventh strip conductor, and the twelfth strip conductor is 2.8 times the load impedance.

12. The ring coupler of claim 10, wherein the electrical length from the ninth terminal through the thirteenth strip conductor to the tenth terminal is substantially 1 / 2, and the electrical length from the seventh terminal through the eleventh strip conductor to the ninth terminal and the electrical length from the eighth terminal through the twelfth strip conductor to the tenth terminal are both substantially k / 2, where k is a positive integer.

13. The ring coupler according to claim 12, wherein k is an even number.

14. The ring coupler according to claim 12, wherein k, m and n are equal.

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