Broadband terahertz directional coupler

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-port directional coupler (100) for broadband communication applications, comprising: a half mirror (110), the half mirror comprising: a first dielectric plate (101) and a second dielectric plate (102); wherein the first dielectric plate (101) and the second dielectric plate (102) are arranged adjacent in a first plane, and wherein the first dielectric plate (101) and the second dielectric plate (102) each comprise at least one port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-port directional coupler for broadband communication applications, and to an apparatus including a multi-port directional coupler. Background Technology

[0002] Multiport directional couplers are key components in many radio frequency (RF) systems, such as communication transceivers and instrumentation devices, such as sensors and vector signal analyzers.

[0003] For example, when inserted between two radio frequency devices A and B, a multiport directional coupler allows for independent and simultaneous sampling and monitoring of signals from A to B and from B to A.

[0004] One drawback of current multiport directional couplers is that they are frequency-limited due to their design and manufacturing techniques, and they may also suffer from significant insertion loss and coupling loss. Summary of the Invention

[0005] question

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved multi-port directional coupler and apparatus for broadband communication applications.

[0007] In particular, the present invention aims to improve the bandwidth and frequency range of multi-port directional couplers.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a more efficient multi-port directional coupler for broadband communications with reduced insertion loss and coupling loss. Furthermore, the present invention aims to reduce the manufacturing cost of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0009] Solution

[0010] According to the present invention, the objective is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments and further improvements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] An exemplary multiport directional coupler for broadband communication applications may include a half-reflector, wherein the half-reflector may include a first dielectric plate and a second dielectric plate, wherein the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate may be arranged adjacent to each other in a first plane, and wherein each of the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate may include at least one port.

[0013] In this document, the term semi-reflective mirror or dielectric mirror can be understood, among other things, as a component of a multiport directional coupler that reflects a portion of an incident signal (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) signal) and simultaneously transmits the remaining portion of the incident signal (e.g., an RF signal), wherein the ratio of the reflected portion to the transmitted portion of the incident signal can be any ratio greater than 0, for example, the ratio of the reflected portion to the transmitted portion of the incident signal can be 1 or less than 1 or greater than 1.

[0014] The term dielectric plate can refer, among other things, to a planar disk made of a dielectric material, such as a rectangular disk. However, other non-rectangular shapes are also conceivable for the dielectric plate of the multi-port directional coupler exemplarily described herein. Furthermore, the dielectric plate of the multi-port directional coupler exemplarily described herein may comprise a single layer or multiple layers of the same dielectric material, or multiple layers of different dielectric materials.

[0015] The term port can refer to a component that is capable of receiving and transmitting electromagnetic signals (such as RF signals).

[0016] The term broadband communication in this document may be understood, among other things, to include ultra-wideband communication, wherein, for example, the bandwidth capable of transmitting communication signals is at least 500 MHz or greater.

[0017] The term "broadband communications applications" can refer, among other things, to instrumentation, sensing, and communication applications. More specifically, these applications can refer to 6G / 7G communications, millimeter-wave and submillimeter-wave frequency transceivers, vector network analyzers, spectral and image sensing applications, radio frequency (RF) characterization and measurement instrumentation systems, test and measurement equipment, and data and inspection networks.

[0018] The multiport directional couplers described above and by way of example herein provide a simplified and robust design that allows for easier and more cost-effective fabrication of multiport directional couplers.

[0019] Furthermore, the multiport directional couplers described above and by way of example herein are more efficient than current multiport directional couplers and have lower insertion and coupling losses compared to common multiport directional couplers.

[0020] Moreover, among other things, the multi-port directional couplers described above and by way of example herein provide ultra-wideband bandwidth for frequency bands covering coaxial connector standards (e.g., up to 110 GHz or up to 220 GHz) and frequency bands covering rectangular waveguide standards (e.g., WR08, from 90 GHz to 140 GHz), and even up to 400 GHz and above.

[0021] For example, the multi-port directional coupler described above and by way of example herein may have a lower cutoff frequency of 65 GHz or lower and an upper cutoff frequency of up to 300 GHz or higher.

[0022] For example, it is possible that the operating frequency of the multi-port directional coupler described above and by way of example herein can be in the range of 1 GHz to 1 THz.

[0023] The multiport directional coupler described above and by way of example herein may further include a first rod arranged in a second plane and a second rod arranged in a third plane, wherein the first plane, the second plane and the third plane may be parallel to each other, and wherein the first plane may be located between the second plane and the third plane.

[0024] In other words, the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane can all be different from each other and can be parallel to each other. The first plane can have the same distance from the second plane and the third plane, for example, the same vertical distance.

[0025] A longitudinal axis of the first rod / the longitudinal axis of the second rod / the longitudinal axes can be arranged to be parallel to each other and opposite to each other.

[0026] Furthermore, the longitudinal axes of the first and second rods can be arranged parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis located between the first side of the first dielectric plate and the first side of the second dielectric plate.

[0027] The first and second rods may be arranged, for example, spaced apart from the first and second dielectric plates.

[0028] However, it is also possible that the first and second rods may be in at least partial physical contact with at least one of the dielectric plates of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0029] The dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate of the multi-port directional coupler described above and by way of example herein may be equal to the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate.

[0030] This exemplary configuration of the multi-port directional coupler or the semi-reflector may also be referred to herein as a substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration.

[0031] The ratio of the reflected portion to the transmitted portion of a signal (e.g., the incident signal of a multi-port directional coupler) can be set or controlled, among other things, by possible gaps between dielectric plates, and / or the thickness of the dielectric plates, and / or the shape and geometry of possible rods (e.g., the length or radius of the rods), and / or by the spatial arrangement / or orientation of possible rods and dielectric plates (e.g., the distance between possible rods and dielectric plates).

[0032] In the exemplary configuration, the ratio of the reflected portion of the signal to the transmitted portion of the signal can be 50%:50%, or 1.

[0033] However, the ratio of the reflected portion of a signal to the transmitted portion can also be different from 1.

[0034] Alternatively, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate may be different from that of the second dielectric plate. For example, the first and second dielectric plates may comprise different dielectric materials with different dielectric constants, and / or may comprise dielectric materials with different effective dielectric constants, such as dielectric plate materials with different structures (e.g., different porosities).

[0035] This exemplary configuration of the multi-port directional coupler or the semi-reflector may also be referred to herein as the Snell's law semi-reflector configuration.

[0036] In this paper, the term dielectric constant can be understood, among other things, as a measure of the polarizability of a dielectric material. The term dielectric constant will be represented hereafter by the Greek letter ε (the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet).

[0037] In addition, the term dielectric constant can refer to either absolute dielectric constant or relative dielectric constant, wherein the relative dielectric constant can be defined as the ratio of the relative dielectric constant to the vacuum dielectric constant (denoted as εo and defined to be exactly 1, i.e., unit 1).

[0038] Making the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate the same as or different from that of the second dielectric plate can limit or constrain the propagation of signals to a two-dimensional plane, such as the plane inside the dielectric plate.

[0039] This reduces the insertion loss between the ports of the multi-port directional coupler, because in the exemplary dielectric constant configuration, the insertion loss is proportional only to the distance between the ports, rather than proportional to the square of the distance as is the case where the signal propagates in three-dimensional free space.

[0040] For any configuration of the multiport directional coupler, the dielectric constant of the dielectric plate can be greater than 1. More specifically, for the multiport directional coupler exemplarily described herein, the dielectric constant of the dielectric plate can be between 1 and 8. However, a dielectric constant greater than 8 is also possible.

[0041] The dielectric substrate may, for example, comprise silicon / organosilicon materials. The use of silicon / organosilicon materials can facilitate the manufacturing process of multi-port directional couplers.

[0042] However, other materials, such as semiconductor materials or plastic materials, can also be envisioned.

[0043] The multiport directional couplers described above and in this article can have a thickness smaller than the operating wavelength λ for a particular broadband communication application.

[0044] Among other things, the thickness can be set to improve the performance of the multi-port directional coupler in a specific frequency band or sub-band.

[0045] For example, in any configuration of a multi-port directional coupler, such as the substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration or the Snell's law semi-reflector configuration, the thickness of the dielectric plate can be equal to or less than 500 µm, for example, in the range of 100 µm to 250 µm.

[0046] Furthermore, the thickness of the dielectric plate can be selected based on the dielectric constant of the dielectric plate, wherein for a smaller dielectric constant, the thickness of the dielectric plate is increased, and for a larger / higher dielectric constant, the thickness of the dielectric plate is decreased.

[0047] For example, when using a dielectric substrate made of silicon / organosilicon material with a thickness of 500 µm, good performance of multi-port directional couplers can be obtained from operating frequencies of 60 GHz to 600 GHz. For example, if a higher operating frequency is desired, the dielectric substrate can have a thickness in the range of 100 µm to 250 µm.

[0048] As previously indicated, the multiport directional coupler described above and by way of example herein, in any configuration, such as the substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration or the Snell's law semi-reflector configuration, may include: • A first rod arranged in a second plane and a second rod arranged in a third plane, wherein the first plane (a plane in which the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate may be arranged adjacently) and the second and third planes may be parallel to each other (or substantially parallel to each other), and wherein the first plane may be located between the second and third planes.

[0049] In other words, the presence of the possible first rod / pin and the possible second rod / pin is entirely optional for any configuration of the multiport directional coupler; that is, the presence of the possible rod / pin is optional, particularly for the substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration and for the Snell's law semi-reflector configuration. However, the optional rod / pin can only be used to improve the performance of the multiport directional coupler at lower frequencies (e.g., below 200 GHz).

[0050] Furthermore, a longitudinal axis of the first rod / the axial axis and a longitudinal axis of the second rod / the longitudinal axis can be arranged to be parallel to each other and opposite to each other.

[0051] Additionally, the longitudinal axes of the first and second rods can be arranged parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis located between the first side of the first dielectric plate and the first side of the second dielectric plate.

[0052] The multi-port directional coupler described above and by way of example herein may include a gap, such as an air gap, that can be formed or disposed between a first side of a first dielectric plate and a first side of a second dielectric plate. Furthermore, the longitudinal axes of the first and second rods may be arranged parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis located in the gap.

[0053] The first side of the dielectric plate may be the lateral sides of the dielectric plates opposite each other, and the first side of the first dielectric plate may be arranged adjacent to the first side of the second dielectric plate, wherein the two dielectric plates are located in the same plane, that is, in the first plane of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0054] In addition to the dielectric constant of the dielectric plates, the optional and exemplary gap between the dielectric plates arranged adjacent to each other in the first plane can further enhance the ratio of the reflected portion to the transmitted portion of the control signal (e.g., an incident signal of a multi-port directional coupler / the incident signal).

[0055] For completeness, it should be noted that, regardless of the presence of the rod, the possible gaps (e.g., air gaps) that can be formed or disposed between the first side / first side of the first dielectric plate and the first side / first side of the second dielectric plate can exist in all configurations of the multi-port directional couplers described above and herein.

[0056] In particular, the possible gap (e.g., air gap) that may be formed between the first side / first side of the first dielectric plate and the first side / first side of the second dielectric plate may exist in the exemplary substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration of the possible multi-port directional coupler or the exemplary Snell's law semi-reflector configuration.

[0057] Furthermore, the possible gaps (e.g., air gaps) could disrupt well-constrained high frequencies.

[0058] In this document, well-constrained high frequency can be understood as a frequency at which most (e.g., majority) of the power of an electromagnetic wave signal (e.g., an incident signal, such as an RF signal) resides / propagates within the dielectric substrate of the multi-port directional coupler. An exemplary high frequency could refer to a frequency greater than 200 GHz.

[0059] The term interruption can, among other things, refer to the process of at least partially reflecting an electromagnetic wave signal / the electromagnetic wave signal (e.g., an incident signal, such as an RF signal).

[0060] The possible gap may, among other things, facilitate the reflection (e.g., partial reflection / the partial reflection) of electromagnetic wave signals at the possible gap or at the interface between dielectric plates.

[0061] More specifically, the possible gap can be electrically small in size, which can ensure a frequency-independent response, especially for the high frequencies.

[0062] In this document, the term "electrically small size gap" can be understood as a gap with a width smaller than the operating wavelength λ of a given broadband communication application for a multi-port directional coupler. More specifically, the possible gaps (e.g., air gaps) may have a width less than λ / 4, or less than λ / 5, or less than λ / 10.

[0063] Another exemplary configuration of the multi-port directional coupler or semi-reflector may include a third dielectric plate arranged such that it passes through the possible gap between a first side of the first dielectric plate and a first side of the second dielectric plate. Furthermore, the possible third dielectric plate may completely or at least partially fill the possible gap between the first and second dielectric plates.

[0064] In this document, the expression "through" can refer to a situation where a portion of the third dielectric plate (e.g., the first half) is located on one side (e.g., above or to the side) of the first plane in which the first and second dielectric plates are arranged, and another portion of the third dielectric plate (e.g., the second half) is located on the other side (e.g., below or to the side) of the first plane.

[0065] Furthermore, the third dielectric plate may have an orientation perpendicular to / orthogonal to the first and second dielectric plates of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0066] For example, assuming an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system with orthogonal axes X, Y, Z (such as that indicated by reference numeral 109 in the figures of this application), and exemplarily placing the origin of said orthogonal coordinate system at the center of the multi-port directional coupler described herein, the possible third dielectric plate may be located in the YZ plane, and the first and second dielectric plates may be located in the YX plane, as in... Figure 2d The example is illustrated below.

[0067] In other words, the cross-section of a multi-port directional coupler with three dielectric plates can be cross-shaped.

[0068] The possible, exemplary third dielectric can be a lossy dielectric. More specifically, the third dielectric can have a dielectric conductivity σ of less than 10,000 S / m (Siemens per meter), for example, the dielectric conductivity σ can be between 0 S / m and 10,000 S / m.

[0069] Similar to the first and second dielectric plates, the possible third dielectric plate may have a rectangular shape.

[0070] The exemplary possible three-and-a-half-plate reflector configuration may also be referred to as a possible lossy plate configuration of a multi-port directional coupler.

[0071] This exemplary possible three-plate half-mirror configuration (like all other half-mirror configurations / multi-port directional coupler configurations described herein) also provides ultra-wideband communication capabilities, but its performance is even more frequency-independent.

[0072] Therefore, this possible three-plate half-mirror configuration may be particularly advantageous for communication and / or sensing and / or instrumentation applications, as the need for equalization can be mitigated. However, it should be noted that all the exemplary essentially broadband half-mirror configurations or Snell's law half-mirror configurations of the multi-port directional couplers described above and herein are also applicable to the aforementioned applications.

[0073] It should also be noted that in all the above-described and exemplary semi-reflector / multi-port directional coupler configurations described herein, such as in a three-plate semi-reflector configuration, or in a substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration, or in a Snell's law semi-reflector configuration, the first and second dielectric plates can have the lowest possible dielectric conductivity σ, preferably σ is 0 S / m or close to 0 S / m, that is, the first and second dielectric plates can preferably have a high resistivity ρ, which is the reciprocal of the conductivity σ.

[0074] For example, the dielectric plate may include or may be made of a silicon / organosilicon material having a low dielectric conductivity σ (e.g., a dielectric conductivity σ of 0 S / m or close to 0 S / m).

[0075] This can help reduce signal loss for signals traveling / propagating through the first and second dielectric plates of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0076] For completeness, it should also be noted that, apart from the possible three-plate half-mirror configuration, in all the above-described and exemplary essentially broadband half-mirror configurations or Snell's law half-mirror configurations of the multi-port directional coupler, and regardless of the presence of the rod, it is possible that no gap or almost no gap is formed at the interface between a first side / first side of the first dielectric plate and a first side / first side of the second dielectric plate.

[0077] For example, it is possible that no gap or almost no gap is formed at the interface between a first side of the first dielectric plate and a first side of the second dielectric plate, and wherein the longitudinal axes of the first rod and the second rod are arranged parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis disposed along the interface between the first side of the first dielectric plate and the first side of the second dielectric plate.

[0078] Similarly, for example, it is possible that no gap or almost no gap is formed at the interface between a first side / first side of the first dielectric plate and a first side / first side of the second dielectric plate, and the multi-port directional coupler does not include any rods.

[0079] As indicated above, it is also possible that a possible gap between the first side of the first dielectric plate and the first side of the second dielectric plate can be completely or at least partially filled by a third dielectric plate passing through the gap.

[0080] In this article, the statement that "almost no gap is formed" can be understood, among other things, as meaning that there is no gap within the manufacturing tolerance.

[0081] In this document, the term interface can be understood, among other things, as the area between opposing first sides of dielectric plates arranged adjacent to each other in a first plane. More specifically, the term interface can be understood, among other things, as the contact area or contact surface between a first side of a first dielectric plate and a first side of a second dielectric plate, wherein the first side of the first dielectric plate and the first side of the second dielectric plate may be in direct physical contact.

[0082] In this exemplary gapless multiport directional coupler, i.e., a multiport directional coupler in which there is no gap between the directly opposite sides of the dielectric plates arranged adjacent to each other in the first plane, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate may be different from that of the second dielectric plate.

[0083] This can improve the ratio of the reflected portion to the transmitted portion of the control signal (e.g., the incident signal of a multi-port directional coupler).

[0084] As explained further below, this can further enhance the multiplexer (combiner) function and / or demultiplexer (splitter) function of the multiport directional coupler.

[0085] The first and second rods of the previously described multi-port directional coupler may have cylindrical shapes. However, other shapes are also conceivable, such as those with non-circular cross-sections.

[0086] The two possible rods can have the same shape, the same spatial dimensions, and can be made of the same material.

[0087] However, it is also possible that the two possible rods may have different shapes and / or different spatial dimensions, and / or may include different materials.

[0088] The term "rod" can also be understood as referring to a pin or bar, among other things.

[0089] The materials of the first rod and the second rod can include conductive materials, such as metallic materials.

[0090] The possible rods, pins, or bars can, among other things, be used to enhance signal reflection at lower frequencies.

[0091] In addition, the possible rods, pins, or bars can, among other things, interrupt poorly constrained low frequencies.

[0092] In this document, poorly constrained low frequency can be understood as a frequency at which a significant portion (e.g., the majority) of the power of the electromagnetic wave signal (e.g., the incident signal, such as an RF signal) resides / propagates outside / outside the dielectric plate of the multi-port directional coupler. An exemplary low frequency can refer to a frequency below 200 GHz.

[0093] As previously indicated, the term interruption may, among other things, refer to the process of at least partially reflecting one / the electromagnetic wave signal (e.g., an incident signal, such as an RF signal).

[0094] In other words, the term "interruption" can be understood as a division of the power of an electromagnetic wave signal.

[0095] The possible rods, pins, or bars can facilitate the reflection (e.g., partial reflection) of electromagnetic wave signals on the outside / outside of the dielectric plate of the multi-port directional coupler, especially for the poorly constrained low frequencies.

[0096] Furthermore, the possible rods, pins, or bars can improve the frequency response performance of multi-port directional couplers, particularly the ultra-wideband frequency-independent response of multi-port directional couplers.

[0097] The possible rods, pins, or bars may include rigid, non-flexible materials and may be low-loss materials, such as metals like aluminum or brass.

[0098] This, among other things, avoids the occurrence of unwanted vibrations, thereby preventing unwanted microphone effects that could be detrimental to the performance of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0099] The multi-port directional coupler described above and by way of example herein can be configured such that both the first and second dielectric plates are planar plates and both have a rectangular shape.

[0100] The multi-port directional coupler described above and by way of example herein may have two orthogonal axes of symmetry. For example, the first axis of symmetry may be located in a first plane and may coincide with the axis of the interface or with the gap between the first and second dielectric plates, and the second axis of symmetry may be orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry.

[0101] For example, assuming an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system with orthogonal axes X, Y, Z (such as that indicated by reference numeral 109 in the figures of this application), and exemplarily placing the origin of said orthogonal coordinate system at the center of the multiport directional coupler described herein, the XY plane may be a plane of symmetry. The XZ plane and / or the ZY plane may also be planes of symmetry of the multiport directional coupler described herein.

[0102] This potential symmetry avoids performance loss by preventing unwanted higher-order mode excitation in the vertical planes within the dielectric substrate. Furthermore, this potential symmetry facilitates and simplifies the fabrication of multi-port directional couplers.

[0103] The multi-port directional coupler described above and by way of example herein can be configured as a four-port directional coupler including four ports, wherein each of the two adjacent dielectric plates (i.e., the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate) may include two ports.

[0104] In this exemplary four-port configuration, the first port can be configured as an input port, the second port can be configured as a transmission port, the third port can be configured as a coupling port, and the fourth port can be configured as an isolation port.

[0105] However, it is also possible for a multi-port directional coupler to have more than four ports.

[0106] It is also possible that a multi-port directional coupler may have only three ports, where the first port can be configured as an input port, the second port can be configured as a transmission port, and the third port can be configured as a coupling port, and none of the ports are configured as isolation ports.

[0107] In addition, it is also possible that the multiport directional coupler described above and by way of example herein has four or more ports, wherein no port is configured as an isolation port, but wherein, in addition to having a port configured as an input port and another port configured as a transmission port, the multiport directional coupler may include a plurality of additional ports that can be configured as coupling ports.

[0108] For example, it is possible for a multi-port directional coupler to have a first port configured as an input port, a second port configured as a transmission port, a port not configured as an isolation port, and one or two or more ports configured as coupling ports.

[0109] The possible port allocation and spatial arrangement can follow the symmetry of the multi-port directional coupler described above. However, it is also possible that the possible port allocation and spatial arrangement deviate from the exemplary symmetry.

[0110] However, even if the possible port allocation and spatial arrangement are asymmetrical, the arrangement of the dielectric plates and / or the possible arrangement of the rods can still follow / obey the exemplary symmetry of a multi-port directional coupler with two orthogonal axes of symmetry.

[0111] In an exemplary case, the multi-port directional coupler may have more than four ports, wherein the first dielectric plate includes two ports and the second dielectric plate includes more than two ports.

[0112] For example, the first dielectric board may include a first port configured as an input port and a second port configured as a transmission port, and the second dielectric board may include a port configured as an isolation port and at least two other ports configured as coupling ports.

[0113] As indicated above, the presence of an isolated port is optional.

[0114] Therefore, in another example, the first dielectric plate may include a first port configured as an input port and a second port configured as a transmission port, and the second dielectric plate may include at least two additional ports configured as coupling ports.

[0115] In these examples, a multi-port directional coupler may include two or more ports configured as coupling ports, and the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate may be different from that of the second dielectric plate.

[0116] For example, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate can be higher than that of the second dielectric plate. Alternatively, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate can be lower than that of the second dielectric plate.

[0117] For example, the ratio of the dielectric constants of the two dielectric plates can be set / selected to be less than 1 for one of the bandwidth limits and greater than 1 for the other bandwidth limit, i.e., the ratio of the dielectric constants can be between 0 and infinity along the bandwidth of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0118] The exemplary configuration of a multi-port directional coupler having multiple ports configured as coupling ports on a dielectric plate (i.e., a second dielectric plate) can provide frequency multiplexer / demultiplexer functionality, wherein the at least two coupling ports can receive / collect electromagnetic wave signals (e.g., RF signals) of different frequencies.

[0119] This advantageously utilizes the fact that the first dielectric plate, having a dielectric constant different from that of the second dielectric plate, can lead to a frequency-dependent propagation direction according to Snell's law.

[0120] In other words, signals of different frequencies (e.g., RF signals) can propagate from the interface or gap between the first and second dielectric plates toward multiple coupling ports at different angles / directions, for example in... Figure 2c The example is illustrated below.

[0121] The dielectric constants and / or materials of the two dielectric plates can also be set or selected to maximize the angular separation / angular distance between different signal paths toward different coupling ports.

[0122] In other words, the potential undesirable frequency dependence of multiport directional couplers can be transformed into an advantage for applications that can benefit from multiport directional couplers with frequency multiplexer / demultiplexer functionality.

[0123] Furthermore, each of the exemplary ports of the multi-port directional coupler can be configured as a dielectric rod waveguide port.

[0124] The multiport directional coupler described above and by way of example herein may further include a plurality of signal transmitters, wherein each signal transmitter may be spatially associated with a designated port of the multiport directional coupler.

[0125] At least one signal transmitter or all of the signal transmitters may be configured to collimate electromagnetic wave signals (e.g., RF signals) received from an external source (e.g., an external dielectric rod waveguide) and to inject the received electromagnetic wave signals into at least one dielectric plate (e.g., a first dielectric plate and / or a second dielectric plate) in the dielectric substrate.

[0126] In particular, at least one or all signal transmitters can be configured to inject the received electromagnetic wave signals into at least one dielectric plate in the form of a single two-dimensional beam for all operating frequencies of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0127] According to the reciprocity theorem of antenna systems, the signal transmitter can also be configured to receive / collect signals (e.g., RF signals) incident from other ports of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0128] For example, each port of a multi-port directional coupler (e.g., in an exemplary four-port configuration or in a configuration with more than three or more four ports) can be connected to another port via a reflected signal path and to another port via a transmitted signal path.

[0129] The aforementioned multi-port directional coupler (e.g., a multi-port directional coupler with three, four or more ports) may also have the following configuration: wherein the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate are planar plates with a rectangular shape, and wherein possible signal transmitters and ports are located at or near the corners of the dielectric plates.

[0130] Different ports can be located at different corners of the first and second dielectric plates. However, it is also possible for multiple ports to be located at or near the corners of the dielectric plates. For example, multiple coupling ports can be located at or near the same corner of a dielectric plate (e.g., the second dielectric plate).

[0131] For example, in the exemplary case of a multiport directional coupler having multiplexer / demultiplexer functionality as previously described, the multiport directional coupler may include multiple coupling ports located at or near the same corner of a dielectric plate (e.g., a second dielectric plate).

[0132] The corner may be a corner of the dielectric plate that is neither located on the first side of the first dielectric plate nor on the first side of the second dielectric plate, that is, the corner is not located at the interface or gap between the dielectric plates.

[0133] Furthermore, at least one or all of the ports in any of the above possible multi-port directional coupler configurations can be configured as dielectric waveguide ports.

[0134] The possible signal transmitter can be one of the following types: a total internal reflection reflector (e.g., a total internal reflection parabolic reflector), a planar elliptical mirror or a planar mirror, and / or a tapered dielectric rod waveguide.

[0135] In other words, the possible curve formed by the intersection of the dielectric plate and the possible signal transmitter reflector can be parabolic, elliptical, or planar.

[0136] The possible signal transmitters may also each include multiple mirrors with the same or different configurations, such as signal transmitters with elliptical mirrors and parabolic mirrors.

[0137] Furthermore, in all the exemplary configurations of the multiport directional couplers described above and herein, at least one port or all ports of the exemplary multiport directional coupler can be configured as a dielectric rod waveguide.

[0138] As previously indicated, the exemplary multiport directional coupler can be configured such that the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate have the same size, the same shape, and the same dimensions.

[0139] Furthermore, in the possibility that the exemplary multi-port directional coupler also has a first rod / pin and a second rod / pin, the first rod / pin and the second rod / pin may have the same size, the same shape and the same dimensions.

[0140] Making the first rod / pin and the second rod / pin symmetrical (i.e. having the same size, shape, and dimensions) can, among other things, improve the frequency-independent performance of the multi-port directional coupler and avoid exciting unwanted higher-order modes in the vertical plane of the dielectric.

[0141] However, it is also possible that the first rod / pin and the second rod / pin and / or the dielectric plate may have different sizes, different shapes and different dimensions.

[0142] An exemplary device for a broadband communication application may include at least one multiport directional coupler as described above and herein, wherein the at least one multiport directional coupler or semi-reflector may have any of the features described above in any configuration, such as a multiport directional coupler in the exemplary substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration or in the exemplary Snell's law semi-reflector configuration, or a multiport directional coupler in the exemplary three-plate or lossy plate configuration. For completeness, it should be noted that the exemplary three-plate or lossy plate configuration may require a gap between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate, such that the exemplary third dielectric plate can at least partially pass through the gap.

[0143] Exemplary devices for broadband communication applications may, among others, be one of the following types: network analyzer (e.g., vector network analyzer), transceiver, spectrometer, or image detector. Attached Figure Description

[0144] The following figures provide illustrative examples: Figure 1a: An exemplary multiport directional coupler in an exemplary essentially broadband semi-reflector configuration; Figure 1b : An exemplary multiport directional coupler in an exemplary Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration; Figure 2a Alternative exemplary multiport directional couplers in an exemplary essentially broadband semi-reflector configuration; Figure 2b Alternative exemplary multiport directional couplers in the exemplary Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration; Figure 2c Alternative exemplary multiport directional coupler with frequency multiplexer / demultiplexer functionality in an exemplary Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration; Figure 2d Alternative exemplary multiport directional couplers in exemplary three-board or lossy board configurations; Figure 3 : An alternative exemplary multi-port directional coupler with an exemplary total internal reflection parabolic reflector; Figure 4 : An alternative exemplary multi-port directional coupler with an exemplary tapered dielectric rod waveguide; Figure 5 Example graph of S-parameters for an exemplary multi-port directional coupler.

[0145] These figures are provided to exemplify certain exemplary technical aspects of some features of the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0146] Figure 1a A simplified perspective view of an exemplary multiport directional coupler 100 for broadband communication applications is shown, which may include any of the features discussed above.

[0147] For example, a multi-port directional coupler 100 may include a half-reflector 110, which may include a first dielectric plate 101 and a second dielectric plate 102.

[0148] The first dielectric plate 101 and the second dielectric plate 102 can be arranged adjacent to each other in the first plane.

[0149] For example, the first plane in which dielectric plates 101 and 102 are arranged adjacent to each other as shown can be a plane that can be oriented parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0150] A gap 105 (e.g., an air gap) may be formed between dielectric plates 101 and 102, particularly between a first side 101a of the first dielectric plate 101 and a first side 102a of the second dielectric plate 102. The sides 101a and 102a of the dielectric plates 101 and 102 may be arranged opposite each other.

[0151] The possible gap 105 may extend along the entire length of the sides 101a, 102a of the dielectric plates 101, 102, and the width of the possible gap may be constant along the entire length of the gap 105.

[0152] An exemplary multiport directional coupler 100 may further include a first rod 103 arranged in a second plane and a second rod 104 arranged in a third plane.

[0153] The second and third planes are different from each other, but can be parallel to each other. In addition, the second and third planes can also be oriented to be parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of the exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0154] However, the first plane is also different from both the second and third planes, wherein the first plane is located between the second and third planes.

[0155] In other words, referring to the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109, the second plane can be located above the first plane, and the third plane can be located below the first plane.

[0156] The first plane can be at the same distance from the second and third planes, for example, the same absolute distance (e.g., the distance measured along the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109).

[0157] The longitudinal axis 103a of the first rod 103 and the longitudinal axis 104a of the second rod 104 can be arranged to be parallel to each other and opposite to each other.

[0158] In the exemplary configuration shown, the longitudinal axis 103a of the first rod 103 is located in the second plane, and the longitudinal axis 104a of the second rod 104 is located in the third plane.

[0159] In the exemplary configuration shown, rods 103 and 104 have no physical contact with dielectric plates 101 and 102.

[0160] The longitudinal axis 103a of the first rod 103 and the longitudinal axis 104a of the second rod 104 can be arranged parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis 105a located between the first side 101a of the first dielectric plate 101 and the first side 102a of the second dielectric plate 102. In other words, the longitudinal axis 105a can be located in the gap 105 and in the first plane.

[0161] The size, shape, and dimensions of the first dielectric plate 101 can be the same as those of the second dielectric plate 102. Similarly, the size, shape, and dimensions of the first rod 103 can be the same as those of the second rod 104.

[0162] However, it is also possible that the first rod / pin 103 and the second rod / pin 104 and / or the dielectric plates 101, 102 may have different sizes, shapes and dimensions.

[0163] An exemplary multiport directional coupler 100 may have two orthogonal axes of symmetry. For example, the first axis of symmetry may coincide with the longitudinal axis 105a located in the gap 105, and the second axis of symmetry may be defined as orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry.

[0164] The dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate 101 may be equal to or different from the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate 102.

[0165] exist Figure 1a In the example shown, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate 101 is equal to the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate 102.

[0166] Therefore, the exemplary multiport directional coupler 100 can be regarded as an example representing a multiport directional coupler in a substantially broadband half-mirror configuration.

[0167] For completeness, it should be noted that the first dielectric plate 101 and the second dielectric plate 102 may each include at least one port, wherein the port may further include a signal transmitter, for example in Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c , Figure 3 exemplified in .

[0168] However, for the sake of simplicity and... Figure 1a Easier to read, in Figure 1a These possible ports of dielectric boards 101 and 102 are not shown in the diagram.

[0169] Reference numeral 106 exemplarily illustrates the direction of an incident signal (e.g., an RF signal) that can initially propagate through a first dielectric plate 101. At a gap 105, and due to the gap 105 and due to rods 103, 104, a portion of the incident signal is reflected back in the direction indicated by reference numeral 107, and a portion (e.g., the remainder) passes through the gap and is transmitted through a second dielectric plate 102 in the direction indicated by reference numeral 108.

[0170] Figure 1b A simplified perspective view of another exemplary multiport directional coupler 200 for broadband communication applications is shown, which may also include any of the features discussed above.

[0171] The multiport directional coupler 200 for broadband communication is very similar to the multiport directional coupler 100; however, it has the following two differences.

[0172] First, the multi-port directional coupler 200 may include a half-reflector 210, which may include a first dielectric plate 201 and a second dielectric plate 202 with different dielectric constants. For example, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate 201 may be lower or higher than the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate 202.

[0173] Second, no gap is formed between the first side 201a of the first dielectric plate 201 and the first side 202a of the second dielectric plate 202.

[0174] In other words, the first side 201a of the first dielectric plate 201 and the first side 202a of the second dielectric plate 202 can be in direct physical contact along a region or contact surface, which can also be referred to as an interface / interface 205 between the first side 201a of the first dielectric plate 201 and the first side 202a of the second dielectric plate 202.

[0175] Alternatively, it is also possible that a gap (e.g., an air gap) is formed or provided between the first side 201a of the first dielectric plate 201 and the first side 202a of the second dielectric plate 202.

[0176] Reference numeral 205a exemplarily denotes a longitudinal axis located in a first plane along the interface. The first plane may be a plane that can be oriented parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0177] The first plane and the orthogonal coordinate system 109 can be connected with Figure 1a The same as in [the previous sentence].

[0178] Apart from the two differences mentioned above, the multi-port directional coupler 200 can be used with Figure 1a The multi-port directional coupler 100 is basically the same.

[0179] The first dielectric plate 201 and the second dielectric plate 202 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the first plane, which may be a plane that can be oriented parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0180] An exemplary multiport directional coupler 200 may further include a first rod 203 arranged in a second plane and a second rod 204 arranged in a third plane.

[0181] The second and third planes are different from each other, but can be parallel to each other. In addition, the second and third planes can also be oriented to be parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of the exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0182] The first, second, and third planes can all be parallel to each other. However, the planes can all be different from each other, wherein the first plane can be located between the second and third planes.

[0183] The second and third planes can each be at the same distance from the first plane, for example, the same absolute distance (e.g., the distance measured along the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109), wherein the second plane is above the first plane and the third plane is below the first plane.

[0184] The longitudinal axis 203a of the first rod 203 and the longitudinal axis 204a of the second rod 204 can be arranged to be parallel to each other and opposite to each other.

[0185] In the exemplary configuration shown, the longitudinal axis 203a of the first rod 203 is located in the second plane, and the longitudinal axis 204a of the second rod 204 is located in the third plane.

[0186] In the exemplary configuration shown, rods 203 and 204 have no physical contact with dielectric plates 201 and 202.

[0187] The longitudinal axis 203a of the first rod 203 and the longitudinal axis 204a of the second rod 204 can be arranged to be parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis 205a of the interface 205 located between the first side 201a of the first dielectric plate 201 and the first side 202a of the second dielectric plate 202.

[0188] The size, shape, and dimensions of the first dielectric plate 201 can be the same as those of the second dielectric plate 202. Similarly, the size, shape, and dimensions of the first rod 203 can be the same as those of the second rod 204.

[0189] However, it is also possible that the first rod / pin 203 and the second rod / pin 204 and / or the dielectric plates 201, 202 may have different sizes, shapes and dimensions.

[0190] As with the multiport directional coupler 100, the exemplary multiport directional coupler 200 may have two orthogonal axes of symmetry.

[0191] For example, the first axis of symmetry may coincide with the longitudinal axis 205a located at the interface 205 between the two dielectric plates 201, 202, and the second axis of symmetry may be defined as orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry.

[0192] The exemplary multiport directional coupler 200 can be viewed as an example of a multiport directional coupler in a Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration.

[0193] For completeness, it should be noted that the first dielectric plate 201 and the second dielectric plate 202 may each include at least one port. However, for simplicity and ease of use... Figure 1b Easier to read, in Figure 1b These possible ports of dielectric boards 201 and 202 are not shown in the diagram.

[0194] Reference numeral 206 exemplarily illustrates the direction of an incident signal (e.g., an RF signal) that can initially propagate through the first dielectric plate 201. At interface 205, and due to the different dielectric constants of dielectric plates 201 and 202, and due to rods 203 and 204, a portion of the incident signal is reflected back in the direction indicated by reference numeral 207, and a portion (e.g., the remainder) passes through interface 205 and is transmitted through the second dielectric plate 202 in the direction indicated by reference numeral 208.

[0195] Figure 2a A simplified perspective view of another exemplary multiport directional coupler 300 for broadband communication applications is shown, which may also include any of the features discussed above.

[0196] The exemplary multiport directional coupler 300 can be viewed as another example of a multiport directional coupler in a substantially broadband half-mirror configuration, similar to multiport directional coupler 100.

[0197] The multi-port directional coupler 300 may include a half-reflector 310, which may include a first dielectric plate 301 and a second dielectric plate 302.

[0198] The first dielectric plate 301 and the second dielectric plate 302 may be arranged adjacently in a first plane, wherein the first plane may be oriented to be parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, Z.

[0199] Figure 2a The orthogonal coordinate system 109 can be compared with Figure 1a and Figure 1b They are in the same orthogonal coordinate system.

[0200] A gap 305 (e.g., an air gap) may be formed between dielectric plates 301 and 302, particularly between a first side 301a of the first dielectric plate 301 and a first side 302a of the second dielectric plate 302. The sides 301a and 302a of the dielectric plates 301 and 302 may be arranged opposite each other.

[0201] The possible gap 305 may extend along the entire length of the sides 301a, 302a of the dielectric plates 301, 302, and the width of the possible gap may be constant along the entire length of the gap 305.

[0202] An exemplary multiport directional coupler 300 may further include a first rod 303 arranged in a second plane and a second rod 304 arranged in a third plane.

[0203] The first, second, and third planes may all be parallel to each other. However, the planes may all be different from each other, wherein the first plane may be located between the second and third planes.

[0204] In other words, referring to the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109, the second plane can be located above the first plane, and the third plane can be located below the first plane.

[0205] The second and third planes can each be at the same distance from the first plane, for example, the same absolute distance (e.g., the distance measured along the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109).

[0206] The longitudinal axis 303a of the first rod 303 and the longitudinal axis 304a of the second rod 304 can be arranged to be parallel to each other and opposite to each other.

[0207] In the exemplary configuration shown, the longitudinal axis 303a of the first rod 303 is located in the second plane, and the longitudinal axis 304a of the second rod 304 is located in the third plane.

[0208] In the exemplary configuration shown, rods 303 and 304 have no physical contact with dielectric plates 301 and 302.

[0209] The longitudinal axis 303a of the first rod 303 and the longitudinal axis 304a of the second rod 304 can be arranged parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis 305a located between the first side 301a of the first dielectric plate 301 and the first side 302a of the second dielectric plate 302. In other words, the longitudinal axis 305a can be located in the gap 305 between the dielectric plates 301 and 302 and in the first plane.

[0210] The size, shape, and dimensions of the first dielectric plate 301 can be the same as those of the second dielectric plate 302. Similarly, the size, shape, and dimensions of the first rod 303 can be the same as those of the second rod 304.

[0211] However, it is also possible that the first rod / pin 303 and the second rod / pin 304 and / or the dielectric plates 301, 302 may have different sizes, shapes and dimensions.

[0212] An exemplary multiport directional coupler 300 may have two orthogonal axes of symmetry. For example, the first axis of symmetry may coincide with the longitudinal axis 305a located in the gap 305, and the second axis of symmetry may be defined as orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry.

[0213] The dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate 301 may be equal to or different from the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate 302.

[0214] exist Figure 2a In the example shown, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate 301 is equal to the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate 302.

[0215] Therefore, the exemplary multiport directional coupler 300 can be viewed as another example representing a multiport directional coupler in a substantially broadband half-mirror configuration.

[0216] Furthermore, the exemplary multiport directional coupler 300 can be viewed as an example of a four-port directional coupler including four ports 311 (P1), 312 (P2), 313 (P3), and 314 (P4), wherein each of two adjacent dielectric plates 301 and 302 includes two ports.

[0217] In the example shown, the first dielectric plate 301 includes an exemplary first port 311 (P1) and an exemplary second port 312 (P2), and the second dielectric plate 302 includes an exemplary third port 313 (P3) and an exemplary fourth port 314 (P4).

[0218] In the example shown, the first port 311 (P1) is configured as an input port, the second port 312 (P2) is configured as a transmission port, the third port 313 (P3) is configured as a coupling port, and the fourth port 314 (P4) is configured as an isolation port.

[0219] The port configurations shown are merely exemplary; other port configurations are also conceivable, such as where the second port 312 (P2), the third port 313 (P3), or the fourth port (P4) is configured as an input port, and the ports that are not input ports are configured as transmission ports, coupling ports, or isolation ports. In other words, configuring one port as an input port automatically sets / determines the configuration of the remaining ports as transmission ports, coupling ports, or isolation ports.

[0220] For example, if the goal is to enable bidirectional communication between ports P1 and P2, then port P3 receives a signal proportional to the signal traveling from port P1 to port P2. Simultaneously, port P4 can extract a signal proportional to the signal traveling from port P2 to port P1.

[0221] Ports 311, 312, 313, 314 of each dielectric plate 301, 302 are exemplaryly arranged at or near the corners of the exemplary rectangular dielectric plates 301, 302, wherein the corners are neither located on the first side 301a of the first dielectric plate 301 nor on the first side 302a of the second dielectric plate 302.

[0222] Ports 311, 312, 313, and 314 can each include a signal transmitter.

[0223] In the example shown, the first port 311 (P1) includes a first signal transmitter 311a, the second port 312 (P2) includes a second signal transmitter 312a, the third port 313 (P3) includes a third signal transmitter 313a, and the fourth port 314 (P4) includes a fourth signal transmitter 314a.

[0224] At least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to collimate electromagnetic wave signals (e.g., RF signals) received from an external source (e.g., an external dielectric rod waveguide).

[0225] Furthermore, the at least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to inject the received electromagnetic wave signal into at least one dielectric plate in the dielectric plate.

[0226] In particular, the at least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to inject the received electromagnetic wave signals into at least one dielectric plate in the dielectric plate in the form of a single two-dimensional beam for all operating frequencies of the multi-port directional coupler 300.

[0227] Furthermore, according to the reciprocity theorem of antenna systems, the at least one or all signal transmitters can be configured to receive / collect signals (e.g., RF signals) incident from other ports of the multi-port directional coupler and propagating through dielectric plates 301, 302.

[0228] Due to the specific exemplary arrangement of the ports, signal transmitters, dielectric plates, and rods of the multi-port directional coupler 300, well-defined single signal paths between ports can be achieved; in particular, signal paths between the input port (P1) and the transmission port (P2) and between the input port (P1) and the coupling port (P3) can be achieved.

[0229] In the exemplary configuration shown, the signal transmitter 311a of the first port 311 (P1, input port) transmits / injects an incident signal (i.e., a received electromagnetic wave signal, such as an RF signal) received from an external source (not shown) into the first dielectric plate 301 at an exemplary injection angle 315, as indicated by arrow 306.

[0230] At gap 305, a portion of the incident / injected signal 306 is reflected back in the direction indicated by the arrow with reference numeral 307 toward transmission port 312 (P2), where it is collected / received by signal transmitter 312a.

[0231] Another portion (e.g., the remainder) of the incident / injected signal 306 passes through the gap 305 and through the second dielectric plate 302 in the direction indicated by the arrow with reference numeral 308 toward the coupling port 313 (P3), where it is collected / received by the signal transmitter 313a.

[0232] Therefore, the combination of arrows 306 and 307 indicates an exemplary signal path from input port 311 (P1) to transmission port 312 (P2), and the combination of arrows 306 and 308 indicates an exemplary signal path from input port 311 (P1) to coupling port 313 (P4).

[0233] In the exemplary configuration shown, no signal is received at isolation port 314 (P4).

[0234] For completeness, it should be noted that the angle at which the electromagnetic wave signal travels inside / through dielectric plates 301, 302 is merely exemplary. For example, the signal transmitter 311a may also travel at a different angle. Figure 2a The exemplary injection angle 315 shown is used to inject the received signal.

[0235] Figure 2b A simplified perspective view of another exemplary multiport directional coupler 400 for broadband communication applications is shown, which may also include any of the features discussed above.

[0236] The multiport directional coupler 400 for broadband communication is very similar to the multiport directional coupler 300; however, it has the following two differences.

[0237] First, the multi-port directional coupler 400 may include a half-reflector 410, which may include a first dielectric plate 401 and a second dielectric plate 402 with different dielectric constants. For example, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate 401 may be lower or higher than the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate 402.

[0238] Second, no gap is formed between the first side 401a of the first dielectric plate 401 and the first side 402a of the second dielectric plate 402.

[0239] In other words, the first side 401a of the first dielectric plate 401 and the first side 402a of the second dielectric plate 402 can be in direct physical contact along a region or contact surface.

[0240] The area or contact surface may also be referred to as an interface / interface 405 between the first side 401a of the first dielectric plate 401 and the first side 402a of the second dielectric plate 402.

[0241] Alternatively, it is also possible that a gap (e.g., an air gap) is formed or provided between the first side 401a of the first dielectric plate 401 and the first side 402a of the second dielectric plate 402.

[0242] Therefore, the multiport directional coupler 400 can be viewed as an example of a multiport directional coupler in a Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration.

[0243] Reference numeral 405a exemplarily indicates the longitudinal axis in a first plane along the interface between the first side 401a of the first dielectric plate 401 and the first side 402a of the second dielectric plate 402.

[0244] The first plane may be a plane that can be oriented parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0245] The first plane and the orthogonal coordinate system 109 can be connected with Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 2a The same as in [the previous sentence].

[0246] In addition to the two differences mentioned above, the multi-port directional coupler 400 can be used with Figure 2a The multi-port directional coupler 300 is basically the same.

[0247] Therefore, the first dielectric plate 401 and the second dielectric plate 402 can be arranged adjacently in a first plane, wherein the first plane can be oriented to be parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, Z.

[0248] An exemplary multiport directional coupler 400 may further include a first rod 403 arranged in a second plane and a second rod 404 arranged in a third plane.

[0249] The first, second, and third planes can all be parallel to each other. However, the planes can all be different from each other, wherein the first plane can be located between the second and third planes.

[0250] In other words, referring to the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109, the second plane can be located above the first plane, and the third plane can be located below the first plane.

[0251] The second and third planes can each be at the same distance from the first plane, for example, the same absolute distance (e.g., the distance measured along the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109).

[0252] The longitudinal axis 403a of the first rod 403 and the longitudinal axis 404a of the second rod 404 can be arranged to be parallel to each other and opposite to each other.

[0253] In the exemplary configuration shown, the longitudinal axis 403a of the first rod 403 is located in the second plane, and the longitudinal axis 404a of the second rod 404 is located in the third plane.

[0254] In the exemplary configuration shown, rods 403 and 404 have no physical contact with dielectric plates 401 and 402.

[0255] The longitudinal axis 403a of the first rod 403 and the longitudinal axis 404a of the second rod 404 can be arranged to be parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis 405a of the interface 405 located between the first side 401a of the first dielectric plate 401 and the first side 402a of the second dielectric plate 402.

[0256] The size, shape, and dimensions of the first dielectric plate 401 can be the same as those of the second dielectric plate 402. Similarly, the size, shape, and dimensions of the first rod 403 can be the same as those of the second rod 404.

[0257] However, it is also possible that the first rod / pin 403 and the second rod / pin 404 and / or the dielectric plates 401, 402 may have different sizes, shapes and dimensions.

[0258] Similar to the case of the multiport directional coupler 300, the exemplary multiport directional coupler 400 may have two orthogonal axes of symmetry. For example, the first axis of symmetry may coincide with the longitudinal axis 405a extending along the interface 405 between the two dielectric plates 401, 402, and the second axis of symmetry may be defined as orthogonal to the first axis of symmetry.

[0259] Similar to Figure 2a Multiport directional coupler 300, Figure 2b The multi-port directional coupler 400 can be viewed as an example of a four-port directional coupler including four ports 411 (P1), 412 (P2), 413 (P3), and 414 (P4), wherein each of two adjacent dielectric plates 401 and 402 includes two ports.

[0260] In the example shown, the first port 411 (P1) is configured as an input port, the second port 412 (P2) is configured as a transmission port, the fourth port 414 (P4) is configured as an isolation port, and the third port 413 (P3) is configured as a coupling port.

[0261] The port configurations shown are merely exemplary; other port configurations are also conceivable, such as where the second port 412 (P2), the third port 413 (P3), or the fourth port (P4) is configured as an input port, and the ports that are not input ports are configured as transmission ports, coupling ports, or isolation ports. In other words, configuring one of the ports as an input port automatically sets / determines the configuration of the remaining ports as transmission ports, coupling ports, or isolation ports.

[0262] Ports 411, 412, 413, 414 of each dielectric plate 401, 402 are exemplaryly arranged at or near the corners of the exemplary rectangular dielectric plates 401, 402, wherein the corners are neither located on the first side 401a of the first dielectric plate 401 nor on the first side 402a of the second dielectric plate 402.

[0263] Ports 411, 412, 413, and 414 can each include a signal transmitter.

[0264] In the example shown, the first port 411 (P1) includes a first signal transmitter 411a, the second port 412 (P2) includes a second signal transmitter 412a, the third port 413 (P3) includes a third signal transmitter 413a, and the fourth port 414 (P4) includes a fourth signal transmitter 414a.

[0265] At least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to collimate electromagnetic wave signals (e.g., RF signals) received from an external source (e.g., an external dielectric rod waveguide).

[0266] Furthermore, the at least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to inject the received electromagnetic wave signal into at least one dielectric plate in the dielectric plate.

[0267] In particular, the at least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to inject the received electromagnetic wave signals into at least one dielectric plate in the dielectric plate in the form of a single two-dimensional beam for all operating frequencies of the multi-port directional coupler 400.

[0268] Furthermore, according to the reciprocity theorem of antenna systems, the at least one or all signal transmitters can be configured to receive / collect signals (e.g., RF signals) incident from other ports of the multi-port directional coupler and propagating through dielectric plates 401, 402.

[0269] Due to the specific exemplary arrangement of the ports, signal transmitters, dielectric plates, and rods of the multi-port directional coupler 400, well-defined single signal paths between ports can be achieved; in particular, signal paths between the input port (P1) and the transmission port (P2) and between the input port (P1) and the coupling port (P3) can be achieved.

[0270] In the exemplary configuration shown, the signal transmitter 411a of the first port 411 (P1, input port) transmits / injects an incident signal (i.e., a received electromagnetic wave signal, such as an RF signal) received from an external source (not shown) into the first dielectric plate 401 at an exemplary injection angle 415, as indicated by arrow 406.

[0271] At the interface 405 between the first sides 401a and 402a of dielectric plates 401 and 402, or along the interface 405 of the first sides 401a and 402a of dielectric plates 401 and 402, a portion of the incident / injected signal 406 is reflected back in the direction indicated by the arrow with reference numeral 407 toward the transmission port 412 (P2), where it is collected / received by the signal transmitter 412a.

[0272] Another portion (e.g., the remainder) of the incident / injected signal 406 passes through interface 405 and through the second dielectric plate 402 in the direction indicated by the arrow with reference numeral 408 toward coupling port 413 (P3), where it is collected / received by signal transmitter 413a.

[0273] Therefore, the combination of arrows 406 and 407 indicates an exemplary signal path from input port 411 (P1) to transmission port 412 (P2), and the combination of arrows 406 and 408 indicates an exemplary signal path from input port 411 (P1) to coupling port 413 (P4).

[0274] In the exemplary configuration shown, no signal is received at isolation port 414 (P4).

[0275] For completeness, it should be noted that the angle at which the electromagnetic wave signal travels inside / through dielectric plates 401, 402 is merely exemplary; for example, the signal transmitter 411a may also travel at a different angle. Figure 2b The exemplary injection angle 415 shown is used to inject the received signal.

[0276] Figure 2c A simplified perspective view of another exemplary multiport directional coupler 800 for broadband communication applications is shown, which may also include any of the features discussed above.

[0277] The multi-port directional coupler 800 for broadband communication is very similar to or the same as the multi-port directional coupler 400, except that the number and configuration of the ports on the second dielectric plate 802 are different.

[0278] Therefore, the multi-port directional coupler 800 may include a half-reflector 810, which may include a first dielectric plate 801 and a second dielectric plate 802 with different dielectric constants. For example, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate 801 may be lower or higher than the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate 802.

[0279] Furthermore, the first dielectric plate 801 and the second dielectric plate 802 may be arranged adjacently in a first plane, wherein the first plane may be oriented to be parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0280] A gap may be formed or provided between the first side 801a of the first dielectric plate 801 and the first side 802a of the second dielectric plate 802, or no gap may be formed or provided.

[0281] The exemplary multiport directional coupler 800 can be viewed as another example of a multiport directional coupler in a Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration.

[0282] An exemplary multiport directional coupler 800 may further include a first rod 803 arranged in a second plane and a second rod 804 arranged in a third plane.

[0283] The first, second, and third planes can all be parallel to each other. However, the planes can all be different from each other, wherein the first plane can be located between the second and third planes.

[0284] In other words, referring to the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109, the second plane can be located above the first plane, and the third plane can be located below the first plane.

[0285] The second and third planes can each be at the same distance from the first plane, for example, the same absolute distance (e.g., the distance measured along the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109).

[0286] The longitudinal axis of the first rod 803 and the longitudinal axis of the second rod 804 can be arranged to be parallel to each other and opposite to each other.

[0287] In the exemplary configuration shown, the longitudinal axis of the first rod 803 is located in the second plane, and the longitudinal axis of the second rod 804 is located in the third plane.

[0288] In the exemplary configuration shown, rods 803 and 804 have no physical contact with dielectric plates 801 and 802.

[0289] The size, shape, and dimensions of the first dielectric plate 801 can be the same as those of the second dielectric plate 802. Similarly, the size, shape, and dimensions of the first rod 803 can be the same as those of the second rod 804.

[0290] However, it is also possible that the first rod / pin 803 and the second rod / pin 804 and / or the dielectric plates 801, 802 may have different sizes, shapes and dimensions.

[0291] The port configuration of the first dielectric board 801 can be compared with... Figure 2b The port configuration of the first dielectric board 401 of the multi-port directional coupler 400 is similar or the same.

[0292] In the example shown, the first port 811 (P1) is configured as an input port, and the second port 812 (P2) is configured as a transmission port.

[0293] Similarly Figure 2b Similar to or the same as the multi-port directional coupler 400, the second dielectric plate 802 may include a port 814 (P4) configured as an isolated port. As previously noted, the presence of the isolated port is optional; that is, the port 814 (P4) configured as an isolated port is merely optional.

[0294] However, with Figure 2b Unlike the multi-port directional coupler 400, the second dielectric plate 802 can have multiple coupling ports.

[0295] In the example shown, the multi-port directional coupler 800 has three coupling ports, namely the first coupling port 813 (P3), the second coupling port 813' (P3'), and the third coupling port 813'' (P3'').

[0296] The number of coupling ports mentioned is merely exemplary; any other number greater than two is possible.

[0297] In other words, apart from the difference in the number and configuration of ports on the second dielectric board 802, the multi-port directional coupler 800 can be used with... Figure 2b The same as the multi-port directional coupler 400.

[0298] Each of ports 811, 812, 814, 813, 813' and 813'' may include signal transmitters 811a, 812a, 814a, 813a, 813a' and 813a''.

[0299] In the exemplary configuration shown, the signal transmitter 811a of the first port 811 (P1, input port) transmits / injects an incident signal (i.e., a received electromagnetic wave signal, such as an RF signal) received from an external source (not shown) into the first dielectric plate 801 at an exemplary injection angle, as indicated by arrow 806.

[0300] At the interface 805 between the first sides 801a and 802a of dielectric plates 801 and 802, or along the first sides 801a and 802a of dielectric plates 801 and 802, a portion of the incident / injected signal 806 is reflected back in the direction indicated by the arrow with reference numeral 807 toward the transmission port 812 (P2), where it is collected / received by the signal transmitter 812a.

[0301] Another portion (e.g., the remainder) of the incident / injected signal 806 passes through interface 805 and is transmitted through the second dielectric plate 802.

[0302] Because the second dielectric plate 802 has a dielectric constant different from that of the first dielectric plate 801, the propagation direction of the portion of the signal that passes through the interface 805 is frequency-dependent. Therefore, signals of different frequencies propagate from the interface 805 into the second dielectric plate 802 at different angles / directions, as indicated by arrows 808, 808', and 808''.

[0303] For example, the dielectric constant of plate 802 can be higher or lower than that of plate 801.

[0304] Then, the signal transmitted through interface 805 and having frequency-dependent propagation directions 808, 808' and 808'' can be received and collected by different coupling ports 813 (P3), 813' (P3') and a third coupling port 813'' (P3'').

[0305] In the example shown, the signal with direction 808 is received / collected by the first coupling port 813 (P3), the signal with direction 808' is received / collected by the second coupling port 813' (P3'), and the signal with direction 808'' is received / collected by the third coupling port 813'' (P3'').

[0306] In this way, the multi-port directional coupler 800 can provide frequency multiplexer (combiner) / demultiplexer (splitter) functions.

[0307] For completeness, it should be noted that in the exemplary configuration shown, no signal is received at isolation port 814 (P4).

[0308] Figure 2d A simplified perspective view of another exemplary multiport directional coupler 900 for broadband communication applications is shown, which may also include any of the features discussed above and herein.

[0309] The multiport directional coupler 900 for broadband communication is very similar to the multiport directional coupler 200; however, it has the following differences.

[0310] A gap 905 (e.g., an air gap) is formed or provided between the first side 901a of the first dielectric plate 901 and the first side 902a of the second dielectric plate 902.

[0311] In addition to having two dielectric plates 901, 902 arranged adjacent to each other in a first plane (which may be a plane that can be oriented parallel to the plane spanned by the X and Y axes of an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, Z), the multi-port directional coupler 900 also has a third dielectric plate 903.

[0312] The third dielectric plate 903 is arranged such that it passes through the gap 905, and the third dielectric plate 903 has an orientation that is perpendicular / orthogonal to both the first dielectric plate 901 and the second dielectric plate 902.

[0313] For example, the third dielectric plate 903 may be located in a plane that is parallel to or coincides with a plane spanned by the Y and Z axes of an exemplary orthogonal coordinate system 109 having orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0314] The thickness of the third dielectric plate 903 can be equal to or less than the width of the gap 905.

[0315] Similarly, the third dielectric plate 903 may have an extension (e.g., width or length) corresponding to the length of the gap 905.

[0316] Therefore, dielectric plate 903 can partially or completely fill the gap 905 across its entire width and / or length.

[0317] When the origin of the orthogonal coordinate system 109 is placed at the center of the described multi-port directional coupler 900, the possible third dielectric plate 903 can be located in the YZ plane, and the first dielectric plate 901 and the second dielectric plate 902 can be located in the YX plane.

[0318] The third dielectric plate 903 can form the symmetry plane of the multi-port directional coupler 900, wherein the first half 903a of the third dielectric plate 903 can be located above the dielectric plates 901 and 902 (i.e., measured along the positive Z-axis), and the second half 903b of the third dielectric plate 903 can be located below the dielectric plates 901 and 902 (i.e., measured along the negative Z-axis).

[0319] Therefore, the cross-section of the multi-port directional coupler 900 can be cross-shaped.

[0320] Similar to the first dielectric plate 901 and the second dielectric plate 902, the possible third dielectric plate 903 may have a rectangular shape.

[0321] The multi-port directional coupler 900 does not have any rods or pins. In particular, the multi-port directional coupler 900 does not have any rods or pins arranged to clamp dielectric plates 901, 902.

[0322] The exemplary third dielectric 903 may be a lossy dielectric. More specifically, the third dielectric 903 may have a dielectric conductivity σ of less than 10,000 S / m (Siemens per meter), for example, the dielectric conductivity σ may be between 0 S / m and 10,000 S / m.

[0323] The exemplary multiport directional coupler 900 shown can be understood as representing a possible lossy board configuration of a multiport directional coupler.

[0324] Apart from the differences discussed above, the multiport directional coupler 900 may be similar to or the same as the multiport directional coupler 200.

[0325] Therefore, the first dielectric plate 901 and the second dielectric plate 902 of the semi-reflective mirror 910 can have different dielectric constants. For example, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate 901 can be lower or higher than the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate 902.

[0326] The size, shape, and dimensions of the first dielectric plate 901 can be the same as those of the second dielectric plate 902.

[0327] The two halves or sides 903a, 903b of the third dielectric plate 903 may also have the same size, shape and dimensions as the first dielectric plate 901 and the second dielectric plate 902.

[0328] This can in particular facilitate the manufacturing process of the multi-port directional coupler 200.

[0329] In any case, the size, shape and dimensions of the third dielectric plate 903 can be set or selected such that it can collect most of the signal power of the incident signal 906 (e.g., an RF signal), such as more than 50% or more than 90% of the signal power of the incident signal 906.

[0330] For completeness, it should be noted that the first dielectric plate 901 and the second dielectric plate 902 may each include at least one port, wherein the port may further include a signal transmitter, for example in Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c , Figure 3 exemplified in .

[0331] However, for the sake of simplicity and... Figure 2d Easier to read, in Figure 2d These possible ports of dielectric boards 901 and 902 are not shown in the diagram.

[0332] Reference numeral 906 exemplarily illustrates the direction of an incident signal (e.g., an RF signal) that can initially propagate through a first dielectric plate 901. At gap 905, and due to the different dielectric constants of dielectric plates 901 and 902, and due to a third dielectric plate 903, a portion of the incident signal is reflected back in the direction indicated by reference numeral 907, and a portion (e.g., the remainder) is transmitted across gap 905 and through the third dielectric plate 903 and through the second dielectric plate 902 in the direction indicated by reference numeral 908.

[0333] Figure 3 A simplified perspective view of another exemplary multiport directional coupler 500 for broadband communication applications is shown, which may also include any of the features discussed above.

[0334] Figure 3 The orthogonal coordinate system 109 can be compared with Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c They are in the same orthogonal coordinate system.

[0335] However, Figure 3 The perspective shown is at a different angle than the previous ones. Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c The angle of the perspective view, which is also determined by Figure 3 The orthogonal coordinate system 109 relative to Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c The different orientations of the coordinate system indicate this.

[0336] Alternatively, the orthogonal coordinate system 109 can be oriented such that the X-axis is parallel to the line connecting ports P2 and P3 (or ports P1 and P4), the Y-axis is parallel to the axes of rods 503 and 504, and the Z-axis is orthogonal to the surfaces of dielectric plates 501 and 502.

[0337] The exemplary multiport directional coupler 500 can be viewed as another example of a multiport directional coupler in a substantially broadband half-mirror configuration, similar to multiport directional coupler 300.

[0338] However, as explained further below, the configuration of ports 511, 512, 513, 514 and their signal transmitters 511a, 512a, 513a, 514a can also be applied to the possible Snell's law semi-reflector configuration of the multi-port directional coupler 400.

[0339] The multi-port directional coupler 500 may include a half-reflector 510, which may include a first dielectric plate 501 and a second dielectric plate 502.

[0340] The first dielectric plate 501 and the second dielectric plate 502 can be arranged adjacent to each other in the first plane.

[0341] The first dielectric plate 501 and the second dielectric plate 502 may have the same dielectric constant.

[0342] However, it is also possible, for example in a possible Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration, that the first dielectric plate 501 and the second dielectric plate 502 may have different dielectric constants.

[0343] A gap 505 (e.g., an air gap) may be formed between dielectric plates 501 and 502, particularly between the first side 501a of the first dielectric plate 501 and the first side 502a of the second dielectric plate 502.

[0344] The sides 501a and 502a of dielectric plates 501 and 502 can be arranged opposite each other.

[0345] Alternatively, for example in a possible Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration of the multi-port directional coupler 500, it is possible that no gap is formed between the first side 501a of the first dielectric plate 501 and the first side 502a of the second dielectric plate 502.

[0346] In other words, the first side 501a of the first dielectric plate 501 and the first side 502a of the second dielectric plate 502 can be in direct physical contact along a region or contact surface.

[0347] The area or contact surface may also be referred to as the interface between the first side 501a of the first dielectric plate 501 and the first side 502a of the second dielectric plate 502.

[0348] Whether the multiport directional coupler 500 is in a substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration or a Snell's law semi-reflector configuration, the multiport directional coupler 500 may include a first rod 503 arranged in a second plane and a second rod 504 arranged in a third plane.

[0349] The first plane (i.e. the plane in which dielectric plates 501 and 502 are arranged adjacent to each other), the second plane in which the first rod 503 is arranged, and the third plane in which the second rod 504 is arranged can all be parallel to each other.

[0350] However, the planes can all be different from each other, wherein the first plane can be located between the second plane and the third plane.

[0351] The second and third planes can each be at the same distance from the first plane, for example, the same absolute distance (e.g., the distance measured along an orthogonal axis perpendicular to the first plane).

[0352] The longitudinal axes of the first and second rods can be arranged to be parallel and opposite to each other.

[0353] In the exemplary configuration shown, the longitudinal axis of the first rod 503 is located in the second plane, and the longitudinal axis of the second rod 504 is located in the third plane.

[0354] In the exemplary configuration shown, rods 503 and 504 have no physical contact with dielectric plates 501 and 502.

[0355] The longitudinal axis of the first rod 503 and the longitudinal axis of the second rod 504 can be arranged to be parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis in the gap 505 between dielectric plates 501 and 502.

[0356] Alternatively, for example in a Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration, the longitudinal axis of the first rod 503 and the longitudinal axis of the second rod 504 can be arranged parallel to and opposite to the interface between the first side 501a of the first dielectric plate 501 and the first side 502a of the second dielectric plate 502.

[0357] The size, shape, and dimensions of the first dielectric plate 501 can be the same as those of the second dielectric plate 502. Similarly, the size, shape, and dimensions of the first rod 503 can be the same as those of the second rod 504.

[0358] However, it is also possible that the first rod / pin 503 and the second rod / pin 504 and / or the dielectric plates 501, 502 may have different sizes, shapes and dimensions.

[0359] and Figure 2a and Figure 2b The multi-port directional couplers 300 and 400 are similar. Figure 3The multi-port directional coupler 500 can be viewed as an example of a four-port directional coupler including four ports 511 (P1), 512 (P2), 513 (P3), and 514 (P4), wherein each of two adjacent dielectric plates 501 and 502 includes two ports.

[0360] exist Figure 3 In the example, an exemplary scale 516 is provided for the exemplary maximum length of the multi-port directional coupler 500, the exemplary length being 73.08 mm between ports 511 and 514, and the same as the length between ports 512 and 513.

[0361] It should be emphasized that this absolute scale is merely illustrative, as are the relative scales in the preceding figures.

[0362] In the example shown, the first port 511 (P1) is configured as an input port, the second port 512 (P2) is configured as a transmission port, the third port 513 (P3) is configured as a coupling port, and the fourth port 514 (P4) is configured as an isolation port.

[0363] The port configurations shown are merely exemplary; other port configurations are also conceivable, such as where the second port 512 (P2), the third port 513 (P3), or the fourth port 514 (P4) is configured as an input port, and the ports that are not input ports are configured as transmission ports, coupling ports, or isolation ports. In other words, configuring one port as an input port automatically sets / determines the configuration of the remaining ports as transmission ports, coupling ports, or isolation ports.

[0364] Ports 511, 512, 513, 514 of each dielectric plate 501, 502 are exemplaryly arranged at or near the corners of the exemplary rectangular dielectric plates 501, 502, wherein the corners are neither located on the first side 501a of the first dielectric plate 501 nor on the first side 502a of the second dielectric plate 502.

[0365] All ports 511, 512, 513, and 514 of the multi-port directional coupler 500 are configured, by way of example, as dielectric rod waveguide ports or channel waveguide ports.

[0366] Ports 511, 512, 513, and 514 can each include a signal transmitter.

[0367] In the example shown, the first port 511 (P1) includes a first signal transmitter 511a, the second port 512 (P2) includes a second signal transmitter 512a, the third port 513 (P3) includes a third signal transmitter 513a, and the fourth port 514 (P4) includes a fourth signal transmitter 514a.

[0368] At least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to collimate electromagnetic wave signals (e.g., RF signals) received by the port from an external source (e.g., from other waveguides that may be connected to the waveguide port).

[0369] Furthermore, the transmitter can be configured to inject received electromagnetic wave signals into at least one dielectric plate in the dielectric plate in the form of a single two-dimensional beam for all operating frequencies of the multi-port directional coupler 500.

[0370] Furthermore, according to the reciprocity theorem of antenna systems, the at least one or all signal transmitters can be configured to receive / collect signals (e.g., RF signals) incident from other ports of the multi-port directional coupler and propagating through dielectric plates 501, 502.

[0371] The signal paths between ports can be used, among other things, with a multi-port directional coupler 300. Figure 2a ) or 400 ( Figure 2b ) or 600 ( Figure 4 The signal paths described by the ports are similar or identical.

[0372] In the example shown, all signal transmitters 511a, 512a, 513a, and 514a are configured as total internal reflection parabolic reflectors.

[0373] The exemplary signal transmitters 511a, 512a, 513a, and 514a configured as total internal reflection parabolic reflectors can be characterized, among other things, by each having curved cleaved edges 511aa, 512aa, 513aa, and 514aa.

[0374] However, it is also possible that the signal transmitter is a non-parabolic total internal reflection reflector or a tapered dielectric rod waveguide (see [link]). Figure 4 ).

[0375] By tuning the semi-reflector 510, a specific directionality can be set, which can be defined as the ratio of the signal amplitude of the transmission port 512 (P2) to that of the coupling port 513 (P3).

[0376] The exemplary multiport directional coupler 500 described herein can, among other things, be tuned to enable the same signal amplitude in the transmission port 512 (P2) and the coupling port 513 (P3).

[0377] The term "tuning" in this document can be understood as tuning or changing the spatial dimensions of the semi-reflector of a multi-port directional coupler. Specifically, this can include changing the diameter of the rod, and / or changing the distance between the rod and the dielectric plate, and / or changing the width of the possible gap between the dielectric plates. Furthermore, this can include changing the length of the rod and / or the length of the possible gap between the dielectric plates.

[0378] Figure 4 A simplified perspective view of another exemplary multiport directional coupler 600 for broadband communication applications is shown, which may also include any of the features discussed above.

[0379] Figure 4 The orthogonal coordinate system 109 can be compared with Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 3 The orthogonal coordinate systems are the same, and the viewing angle and orientation of the exemplary multiport directional coupler 600 may be similar to or the same as those of the exemplary multiport directional couplers 100, 200, 300, and 400.

[0380] The exemplary multiport directional coupler 600 can be viewed as another example of a multiport directional coupler in a substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration, similar to multiport directional coupler 300 or multiport directional coupler 500.

[0381] However, as explained further below, the configuration of ports 611, 612, 613, 614 and their signal transmitters 611a, 612a, 613a, 614a can also be applied to the possible Snell's law semi-reflector configuration of the multi-port directional coupler 600 or the multi-port directional coupler 500.

[0382] The multi-port directional coupler 600 may include a half-reflector 610, which may include a first dielectric plate 601 and a second dielectric plate 602.

[0383] The first dielectric plate 601 and the second dielectric plate 602 can be arranged adjacent to each other in the first plane.

[0384] The first dielectric plate 601 and the second dielectric plate 602 may have the same dielectric constant.

[0385] However, it is also possible, for example in a possible Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration, that the first dielectric plate 601 and the second dielectric plate 602 may have different dielectric constants.

[0386] A gap 605 (e.g., an air gap) may be formed between dielectric plates 601 and 602, particularly between the first side 601a of the first dielectric plate 601 and the first side 602a of the second dielectric plate 602.

[0387] The sides 601a and 602a of dielectric plates 601 and 602 can be arranged opposite each other.

[0388] Alternatively, for example in a possible Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration of a multi-port directional coupler 600, it is possible that no gap is formed between the first side 601a of the first dielectric plate 601 and the first side 602a of the second dielectric plate 602.

[0389] In other words, the first side 601a of the first dielectric plate 601 and the first side 602a of the second dielectric plate 602 can be in direct physical contact along a region or contact surface.

[0390] The area or contact surface may also be referred to as an interface between the first side 601a of the first dielectric plate 601 and the first side 602a of the second dielectric plate 602.

[0391] Whether the multiport directional coupler 600 is in a substantially broadband semi-reflector configuration or a Snell's law semi-reflector configuration, the multiport directional coupler 600 may include a first rod 603 arranged in a second plane and a second rod 604 arranged in a third plane.

[0392] The first plane (i.e. the plane in which dielectric plates 601 and 602 are arranged adjacent to each other), the second plane in which the first rod 603 is arranged, and the third plane in which the second rod 604 is arranged can all be parallel to each other.

[0393] However, the planes can all be different from each other, wherein the first plane can be located between the second plane and the third plane.

[0394] The second and third planes can each be at the same distance from the first plane, for example, the same absolute distance (e.g., the distance measured along the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109).

[0395] In other words, referring to the vertical Z-axis of coordinate system 109, the second plane can be located above the first plane, and the third plane can be located below the first plane.

[0396] The longitudinal axis 603a of the first rod 603 and the longitudinal axis 604a of the second rod 604 can be arranged to be parallel to each other and opposite to each other.

[0397] In the exemplary configuration shown, the longitudinal axis 603a of the first rod 603 is located in the second plane, and the longitudinal axis 604a of the second rod 604 is located in the third plane.

[0398] In the exemplary configuration shown, rods 603 and 604 have no physical contact with dielectric plates 601 and 602.

[0399] The longitudinal axis 603a of the first rod 603 and the longitudinal axis 604a of the second rod 604 can be arranged parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis 605a in the gap 605 between dielectric plates 601 and 602.

[0400] Alternatively, for example, in a Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration, the longitudinal axis 603a of the first rod 603 and the longitudinal axis 604a of the second rod 604 can be arranged parallel to and opposite to the interface between the first side 601a of the first dielectric plate 601 and the first side 602a of the second dielectric plate 602.

[0401] The size, shape, and dimensions of the first dielectric plate 601 can be the same as those of the second dielectric plate 602. Similarly, the size, shape, and dimensions of the first rod 603 can be the same as those of the second rod 604.

[0402] However, it is also possible that the first rod / pin 603 and the second rod / pin 604 and / or the dielectric plates 601, 602 may have different sizes, shapes and dimensions.

[0403] and Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 3 The multi-port directional couplers 300, 400, and 500 are similar. Figure 4 The multi-port directional coupler 600 can be viewed as an example of a four-port directional coupler including four ports 611 (P1), 612 (P2), 613 (P3), and 614 (P4), wherein each of two adjacent dielectric plates 601 and 602 includes two ports.

[0404] In the example shown, the first port 611 (P1) is configured as an input port, the second port 612 (P2) is configured as a transmission port, the third port 613 (P3) is configured as a coupling port, and the fourth port 614 (P4) is configured as an isolation port.

[0405] The port configurations shown are merely exemplary; other port configurations are also conceivable, such as where the second port 612 (P2), the third port 613 (P3), or the fourth port 614 (P4) is configured as an input port, and the ports that are not input ports are configured as transmission ports, coupling ports, or isolation ports. In other words, configuring one of these ports as an input port automatically sets / determines the configuration of the remaining ports as transmission ports, coupling ports, or isolation ports.

[0406] Ports 611, 612, 613, 614 of each dielectric plate 601, 602 are exemplaryly arranged at or near the corners of the exemplary rectangular dielectric plates 601, 602, wherein the corners are neither located on the first side 601a of the first dielectric plate 601 nor on the first side 602a of the second dielectric plate 602.

[0407] All ports 611, 612, 613, and 614 of the multi-port directional coupler 500 can be configured as dielectric rod waveguide ports or channel waveguide ports.

[0408] Ports 611, 612, 613, and 614 can each include a signal transmitter.

[0409] In the example shown, the first port 611 (P1) includes a first signal transmitter 611a, the second port 612 (P2) includes a second signal transmitter 612a, the third port 613 (P3) includes a third signal transmitter 613a, and the fourth port 614 (P4) includes a fourth signal transmitter 614a.

[0410] At least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to collimate electromagnetic wave signals (e.g., RF signals) received by the port from an external source (e.g., from other waveguides that may be connected to the waveguide port).

[0411] Furthermore, the at least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to inject the received electromagnetic wave signal into at least one dielectric plate in the dielectric plate.

[0412] In particular, the at least one or all signal transmitters may be configured to inject received electromagnetic wave signals into at least one dielectric plate in the form of a single two-dimensional beam for all operating frequencies of the multi-port directional coupler 600.

[0413] Furthermore, according to the reciprocity theorem of antenna systems, the at least one or all signal transmitters can be configured to receive / collect signals (e.g., RF signals) incident from other ports of the multi-port directional coupler and propagating through dielectric plates 601, 602.

[0414] The signal paths between these ports can, among other things, be used with a multi-port directional coupler 300. Figure 2a ) or 400 ( Figure 2b ) or 500 ( Figure 3 The signal paths described by the ports are similar or identical.

[0415] In the example shown, all signal transmitters 611a, 612a, 613a, and 614a are configured as tapered dielectric rod waveguides.

[0416] However, it is also possible that the signal transmitter is configured, for example, as a total internal reflection reflector, such as a total internal reflection parabolic reflector (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0417] In the exemplary configuration shown, the signal transmitter 611a of the first port 311 (P1, input port) transmits / injects an incident signal (i.e., a received electromagnetic wave signal, such as an RF signal) received from an external source (not shown) by port 611 into the first dielectric plate 601 at an exemplary injection angle and in an exemplary direction indicated by arrow 606.

[0418] The injected signal has an exemplary signal beamwidth 606a, wherein the beamwidth can diverge as it travels along / within the dielectric plate.

[0419] At the gap 605 between the dielectric plates (or at the interface between the dielectric plates in the case of a possible Snell's law semi-reflector configuration), a portion of the incident / injected signal 606 is reflected back in the direction indicated by the arrow with reference numeral 607 toward the transmission port 612 (P2), where it is collected / received by the signal transmitter 612a.

[0420] The beamwidth 607a of the reflected signal 607 can be greater than / wider than the beamwidth 606a of the injected signal 606. This is due to the use of a tapered dielectric rod waveguide as the signal transmitter.

[0421] Another portion (e.g., the remainder) of the incident / injected signal 606 passes through the gap 605 (or, in the case of a possible Snell's law semi-reflective mirror configuration, the portion passes through the interface between the dielectric plates) and is transmitted through the second dielectric plate 602 in the direction indicated by the arrow with reference numeral 608 toward the coupling port 613 (P3), where it is collected / received by the signal transmitter 613a.

[0422] The beamwidth 607a of the reflected signal 607 can again be greater than / wider than the beamwidth 606a of the injected signal 606. This is again due to the use of a tapered dielectric rod waveguide as the signal transmitter.

[0423] The combination of arrows 606 and 607 indicates an exemplary signal path from input port 611 (P1) to transmission port 612 (P2), and the combination of arrows 606 and 608 indicates an exemplary signal path from input port 611 (P1) to coupling port 613 (P3).

[0424] In the exemplary configuration shown, no signal is received at isolation port 614 (P4) / no signal is received by isolation port 614 (P4).

[0425] Using tapered dielectric rod waveguides instead of total internal reflection parabolic reflectors, among other things, enables a more compact structure and design for multi-port directional couplers.

[0426] This can be particularly beneficial for applications where the slightly higher insertion loss of a tapered dielectric rod waveguide is less relevant compared to a total internal reflection parabolic reflector.

[0427] Figure 5 An exemplary S-parameter graph 700 is shown, illustrating some exemplary performance characteristics of a multiport directional coupler that may have some or all of the features described above and herein.

[0428] The horizontal axis 701 of graph 700 indicates the operating frequency or frequency of the exemplary multiport directional coupler, in gigahertz (GHz), and has an exemplary range of 50 to 450 GHz.

[0429] The vertical axis 702 of the curve represents the S-parameter amplitude, with the unit being decibels (dB).

[0430] Using standard practices in the fields of microwave engineering, antennas, and wireless networks, the measure of how much power of an injected electromagnetic signal (e.g., an RF signal) is reflected or scattered back at the input port (P1) of a multiport directional coupler and is not transmitted or transmitted to the transmission port (P2) of the multiport directional coupler can be represented by the S-parameter S11.

[0431] The S-parameter S21 amplitude |S21|, expressed in dB, can be understood as the electromagnetic wave signal power transmitted from the input port (P1) to the transmission port (P2) of the multi-port directional coupler.

[0432] In other words, S21 represents the relationship between the power of the electromagnetic wave signal at the transmission port (P2) and the power of the electromagnetic wave signal at the input port (P1).

[0433] The S-parameter S31 amplitude |S31|, expressed in dB, can be understood as the electromagnetic wave signal power transmitted from the input port (P1) of the multi-port directional coupler to the coupling port (P3).

[0434] In other words, S31 represents the relationship between the power of the electromagnetic wave signal at the coupling port (P3) and the power of the electromagnetic wave signal at the input port (P1).

[0435] The S-parameter S41 amplitude |S41|, expressed in dB, can be understood as the electromagnetic wave signal power transmitted from the input port (P1) of the multi-port directional coupler to the isolation port (P4).

[0436] In other words, S41 represents the relationship between the power of the electromagnetic wave signal at the isolation port (P4) and the power of the electromagnetic wave signal at the input port (P1).

[0437] In the exemplary S-parameter graph 700, the curve or graph describing the amplitude of the S11 parameter of the exemplary multiport directional coupler as a function of the operating / operating frequency of the multiport directional coupler is indicated by reference numeral 703.

[0438] The curves or graphs describing the amplitude of parameter S21 of an exemplary multiport directional coupler as a function of the operating frequency of the multiport directional coupler are indicated by reference numeral 704.

[0439] The curves or graphs describing the amplitude of the S31 parameter of an exemplary multiport directional coupler as a function of the operating frequency of the multiport directional coupler are indicated by reference numeral 705.

[0440] A curve or graph depicting the amplitude of the S41 parameter of an exemplary multiport directional coupler as a function of the operating frequency of the multiport directional coupler is indicated by reference numeral 706.

[0441] As can be seen in curve 704 of S21, the transmission between ports P1 and P2 remains flat from 90 GHz to at least 450 GHz, with a low insertion loss of less than approximately 5 dB.

[0442] As is clear from curve 705 of S31, the coupling between ports P1 and P3 is almost independent of frequency.

[0443] If the application requires a more frequency-independent (flatter) amplitude response and linear phase response, this can be easily achieved through path calibration due to the smoothness of the curve.

[0444] For example, for a vector network analyzer, the calibration may include measuring multiple reference loads (e.g., short-circuit load, open-circuit load, or matched load) in the instrument to be analyzed to compensate for instrument non-idealities.

[0445] The S11 amplitude is below -10 dB across the entire operating frequency range of the multiport directional coupler and below -20 dB at frequencies above 100 GHz.

[0446] As clearly shown from the S41 curve, the isolation between input port P1 and isolation port P4 is greater than 20 dB across the entire frequency band (i.e., across the entire operating frequency range of the multiport directional coupler).

[0447] These exemplary S-parameter characteristics can represent any of the multiport directional couplers described above, such as multiport directional coupler 500.

[0448] Following Figure 1a , Figure 1b , Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 2c , Figure 2d , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Subsequently, the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate the following exemplary and optional components: 100 Exemplary Multiport Directional Couplers 101 is an exemplary first dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane. 101a An exemplary first side of the first dielectric board 102 An exemplary second dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane 102a Exemplary first side of the second dielectric board 103 Exemplary First Rod / First Pin 103a Exemplary longitudinal axis of the first rod / first pin located in the exemplary second plane 104 Exemplary Second Rod / Second Pin 104a Exemplary longitudinal axis of the second rod / second pin located in the exemplary third plane 105 An exemplary gap (e.g., an air gap) between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. 105a An exemplary longitudinal axis along the gap or interface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. 106 Exemplary Incident Signals 107 Exemplary Reflected Signals 108 Exemplary Transmitted Signals 109 Exemplary Three-Dimensional Orthogonal Coordinate System 110 Exemplary semi-reflective mirror 200 Exemplary Multiport Directional Couplers 201 An exemplary first dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane 201a Exemplary first side of the first dielectric board 202 An exemplary second dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane 202a Exemplary first side of the second dielectric board 203 Exemplary First Rod / First Pin 203a Exemplary longitudinal axis of the first rod / first pin located in the exemplary second plane 204 Exemplary Second Rod / Second Pin 205 An exemplary interface, region, or contact surface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate 205a An exemplary longitudinal axis along the interface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate 204a Exemplary longitudinal axis of the second rod / second pin located in the exemplary third plane 206 Exemplary Incident Signals 207 Exemplary reflected signals 208 Exemplary Transmitted Signals 210 Exemplary semi-reflective mirror 300 Exemplary Multiport Directional Couplers 301 is an exemplary first dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane. 301a Exemplary first side of the first dielectric board 302 is located in an exemplary second dielectric plate in an exemplary first plane. 302a Exemplary first side of the second dielectric board 303 Exemplary First Rod / First Pin 303a is located on the exemplary longitudinal axis of the first rod / first pin in the exemplary second plane. 304 Exemplary Second Rod / Second Pin 304a is located on the exemplary longitudinal axis of the second rod / second pin in the exemplary third plane. 305 An exemplary gap (e.g., an air gap) between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. 305a An exemplary longitudinal axis along the gap or interface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. 306 Exemplary incident signal / Exemplary injected signal An example arrow indicates the injection of the incident signal. 307 Exemplary reflected signal, arrow indicates reflected signal 308 Exemplary transmitted signal, arrow indicating transmitted signal 310 Exemplary semi-reflective mirror 311 Exemplary first port, P1 311a Exemplary First Signal Transmitter 312 Exemplary second port, P2 312a Exemplary Second Signal Transmitter 313 Exemplary third port, P3 313a Exemplary Third Signal Transmitter 314 Exemplary fourth port, P4 314a Exemplary Fourth Signal Transmitter 315 Exemplary injection angle, An exemplary angle at which a signal is injected into dielectric plate 301 400 Exemplary Multiport Directional Couplers 401 is an exemplary first dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane. 401a Exemplary first side of the first dielectric board 402 is located in an exemplary second dielectric plate in an exemplary first plane. 402a Exemplary first side of the second dielectric board 403 Exemplary First Rod / First Pin 403a is located on the exemplary longitudinal axis of the first rod / first pin in the exemplary second plane. 404 Exemplary Second Rod / Second Pin 404a is located on the exemplary longitudinal axis of the second rod / second pin in the exemplary third plane. 405 An exemplary interface, area, or contact surface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate 405a An exemplary longitudinal axis along the interface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate 406 Exemplary incident signal / Exemplary injected signal An example arrow indicates the injection of the incident signal. 407 Exemplary reflected signal, arrow indicates reflected signal 408 Exemplary transmitted signal, arrow indicates transmitted signal 410 Exemplary semi-reflective mirror 411 Exemplary first port, P1 411a Exemplary First Signal Transmitter 412 Exemplary second port, P2 412a Exemplary Second Signal Transmitter 413 Exemplary third port, P3 413a Exemplary Third Signal Transmitter 414 Exemplary fourth port, P4 414a Exemplary Fourth Signal Transmitter 415 Exemplary injection angle, An exemplary angle at which a signal is injected into dielectric plate 401 500 Exemplary Multiport Directional Couplers 501 An exemplary first dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane 501a Exemplary first side of the first dielectric board 502 An exemplary second dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane 502a Exemplary first side of the second dielectric board 503 Exemplary First Rod / First Pin 504 Exemplary Second Rod / Second Pin 505 An exemplary gap (e.g., an air gap) between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate, or an exemplary interface, area, or contact surface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. 510 Exemplary Semi-reflective Mirror 511 Exemplary first port, P1 511a Exemplary First Signal Transmitter 511aa Exemplary curved split edge 512 Exemplary second port, P2 512a Exemplary Second Signal Transmitter 512aa Exemplary curved split edge 513 Exemplary third port, P3 513a Exemplary Third Signal Transmitter 513aa Exemplary curved split edge 514 Exemplary fourth port, P4 514a Exemplary Fourth Signal Transmitter 514aa Exemplary curved split edge 516 Exemplary ruler, exemplary length between ports of different dielectric boards 600 Exemplary Multiport Directional Couplers 601 An exemplary first dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane 601a Exemplary first side of the first dielectric board 602 An exemplary second dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane 602a Exemplary first side of the second dielectric board 603 Exemplary First Rod / First Pin 603a Exemplary longitudinal axis of the first rod / first pin located in the exemplary second plane 604 Exemplary Second Rod / Second Pin 604a Exemplary longitudinal axis of the second rod / second pin located in the exemplary third plane 605 An exemplary gap (e.g., an air gap) between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate, or an exemplary interface, region, or contact surface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. 605a An exemplary longitudinal axis along the gap or interface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate. 606 Exemplary incident signal / Exemplary injected signal An example arrow indicates the injection of the incident signal. 606a Exemplary beamwidth of the injected signal 607 Exemplary reflected signal, arrow indicates reflected signal 607a Exemplary beamwidth of reflected signal 608 Exemplary transmitted signal, arrow indicating transmitted signal Exemplary beamwidth of the 608a transmitted signal 610 Exemplary semi-reflective mirror 611 Exemplary first port, P1 611a Exemplary first signal transmitter, exemplary tapered dielectric rod waveguide 612 Exemplary second port, P2 612a Exemplary second signal transmitter, exemplary tapered dielectric rod waveguide 613 Exemplary third port, P3 613a Exemplary third signal transmitter, exemplary tapered dielectric rod waveguide 614 Exemplary fourth port, P4 614a Exemplary fourth signal transmitter, exemplary tapered dielectric rod waveguide 700 Exemplary Graphs, Exemplary S-parameter Graphs 701 Exemplary horizontal axis in gigahertz (GHz) 702 Example vertical axis in decibels (dB) 703 Exemplary S11 curve, amplitude |S11| 704 Exemplary S21 curve, amplitude |S21| 705 Exemplary S31 curve, amplitude |S31| 705 Exemplary S41 curve, amplitude |S41| 800 Exemplary Multiport Directional Coupler 801 An exemplary first dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane 801a Exemplary first side of the first dielectric board 802 An exemplary second dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane An exemplary first side of the 802a second dielectric board 803 Exemplary First Rod / First Pin 804 Exemplary Second Rod / Second Pin 805 An exemplary interface, region, gap, or contact surface between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate 806 Exemplary incident signal / Exemplary injected signal An example arrow indicates the injection of the incident signal. 807 Exemplary reflected signal, arrow indicates reflected signal 808 Exemplary transmitted signal, arrow indicating transmitted signal, exemplary first transmitted signal at exemplary first frequency. 808' Exemplary transmitted signal, with the arrow indicating the transmitted signal. Exemplary second transmission signal at an exemplary second frequency 808'' Exemplary transmitted signal, with the arrow indicating the transmitted signal. Exemplary third transmission signal at an exemplary third frequency 810 Exemplary semi-reflective mirror 811 Exemplary first port, P1 811a Exemplary First Signal Transmitter 812 Exemplary second port, P2 812a Exemplary Second Signal Transmitter 813 Exemplary first coupling port, P3 813' Exemplary second coupling port, P3' 813'' Exemplary third coupling port, P3'' An exemplary signal transmitter for port 813 (P3) of 813a An exemplary signal transmitter with port 813' (P3') of 813a' An exemplary signal transmitter with port 813a'' (P3'') 814 Exemplary fourth port, P4 An exemplary signal transmitter for port 814 (P4) of 814a 900 Exemplary Multiport Directional Coupler 901 An exemplary first dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane 901a Exemplary first side of the first dielectric board 902 An exemplary second dielectric plate located in an exemplary first plane An exemplary first side of the 902a second dielectric board 903 Exemplary Third Dielectric Board Exemplary first half of the 903a third dielectric board Exemplary second half of the 903b third dielectric board 905 An exemplary interface, region, or gap between the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate 906 Exemplary Incident Signal 907 Exemplary Reflected Signal 908 Exemplary Transmitted Signal 910 Exemplary semi-reflective mirror.

Claims

1. A multi-port directional coupler (100) for broadband communication applications, comprising: A semi-reflective mirror (110), the semi-reflective mirror comprising: A first dielectric plate (101) and a second dielectric plate (102); wherein the first dielectric plate (101) and the second dielectric plate (102) are arranged adjacently in a first plane, and wherein each of the first dielectric plate (101) and the second dielectric plate (102) includes at least one port.

2. The multi-port directional coupler (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein, The dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate (101) is equal to the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate (102), or, wherein the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate (201) is different from the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate (202).

3. The multi-port directional coupler (900) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A gap (905), such as an air gap, is formed between a first side (901a) of the first dielectric plate (901) and a first side (902a) of the second dielectric plate (902), and wherein the multi-port directional coupler (900) further includes a third dielectric plate (903) arranged such that it passes through the gap (905), and wherein the third dielectric plate (903) has an orientation perpendicular to the first dielectric plate (901) and the second dielectric plate (902).

4. The multi-port directional coupler (100, 200) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: A first rod (103) is arranged in a second plane and a second rod (104) is arranged in a third plane; wherein the first plane, the second plane, and the third plane are parallel to each other, and wherein the first plane is located between the second plane and the third plane; Furthermore, the longitudinal axis (103a) of the first rod and the longitudinal axis (104a) of the second rod are arranged to be parallel to each other and opposite to each other; Furthermore, the longitudinal axis (103a) of the first rod and the longitudinal axis (104a) of the second rod are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (105a) located between the first side (101a) of the first dielectric plate and the first side (102a) of the second dielectric plate, and opposite to the longitudinal axis (105a) located between the first side (101a) of the first dielectric plate and the first side (102a) of the second dielectric plate.

5. The multi-port directional coupler (100) according to claim 4, wherein, A gap (105), such as an air gap, is formed between a first side (101a) of the first dielectric plate and a first side (102a) of the second dielectric plate, wherein the longitudinal axis (103a) of the first rod and the longitudinal axis (104a) of the second rod are arranged parallel to and opposite to the longitudinal axis (105a) located in the gap, or, according to claim 1 or claim 2, the multi-port directional coupler (100), wherein no gap or almost no gap is formed at the interface (205) between a first side (201a) of the first dielectric plate and a first side (202a) of the second dielectric plate.

6. The multi-port directional coupler (200) according to any one of claims 1, 2, or 4, wherein, No gap or almost no gap is formed at the interface (205) between a first side (201a) of the first dielectric plate and a first side (202a) of the second dielectric plate, and wherein the longitudinal axis (203a) of the first rod and the longitudinal axis (204a) of the second rod are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (205a) disposed along the interface between the first side (201a) of the first dielectric plate and the first side (202a) of the second dielectric plate, and opposite to the longitudinal axis (205a) disposed along the interface between the first side (201a) of the first dielectric plate and the first side (202a) of the second dielectric plate, and wherein the dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate (201) can be different from the dielectric constant of the second dielectric plate (202).

7. The multi-port directional coupler (100, 200) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, The first rod and the second rod have a cylindrical shape, and / or the materials of the first rod and the second rod include conductive materials, such as metallic materials.

8. The multi-port directional coupler (100, 200, 500, 600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate are planar plates with a rectangular shape, and / or, the operating frequency of the multi-port directional coupler is in the range of 1 GHz to 1 THz, and / or, at least one port of the exemplary multi-port directional coupler is configured as a dielectric rod waveguide, or, all ports of the exemplary multi-port directional coupler are configured as dielectric rod waveguides.

9. A multi-port directional coupler (300, 400, 500, 600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The multi-port directional coupler is configured as a four-port directional coupler including four ports, wherein each of two adjacent dielectric plates includes two ports, and wherein the first port is configured as an input port, the second port is configured as a transmission port, the third port is configured as a coupling port, and the fourth port is configured as an isolation port.

10. The multi-port directional coupler (800) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The dielectric constant of the first dielectric plate (801) is different from that of the second dielectric plate (802), and wherein the first dielectric plate includes a first port configured as an input port (811) and a second port (812) configured as a transmission port, and wherein the second dielectric plate includes at least two additional ports configured as coupling ports (813, 813', 813'').

11. The multi-port directional coupler (300, 400, 500, 600, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of signal transmitters, wherein, Each signal transmitter is spatially associated with a designated port of the multi-port directional coupler, and wherein at least one signal transmitter is configured to collimate electromagnetic wave signals received from an external source, and wherein the at least one signal transmitter is further configured to inject the received electromagnetic wave signals into at least one dielectric plate of the dielectric plates, wherein, in particular, the at least one signal transmitter is configured to inject the received electromagnetic wave signals into at least one dielectric plate of the dielectric plates in the form of a single two-dimensional beam for all operating frequencies.

12. The multi-port directional coupler (300, 400, 500, 600, 800) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate are planar plates with a rectangular shape, and wherein the multi-port directional coupler includes a plurality of ports, each port having a signal transmitter, and wherein the signal transmitter and the port are located at or near a corner of the dielectric plate, wherein the corner is a corner of the dielectric plate that is not located on the first side of the first dielectric plate and not located on the first side of the second dielectric plate; and / or wherein at least one port is configured as a dielectric rod waveguide port.

13. The multi-port directional coupler (300, 400, 500, 600, 800) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein, The signal transmitter is one of the following types: total internal reflection reflector, such as total internal reflection parabolic reflector, planar elliptical mirror or planar mirror, and / or tapered dielectric rod waveguide.

14. A multi-port directional coupler (300, 400, 500, 600, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate have the same size and the same dimensions, or, according to any one of claims 3 to 13, a multi-port directional coupler (300, 400, 500, 600, 800), wherein the first rod and the second rod have the same size and the same dimensions, and wherein the first dielectric plate and the second dielectric plate have the same size and the same dimensions.

15. An apparatus for broadband communication applications, comprising at least one multi-port directional coupler according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The device can be, for example, one of the following types: a network analyzer, such as a vector network analyzer, a transceiver, a spectrometer, or an image detector.

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