Coupler
By adopting the H-shaped cross-arranged coil design and terminal connection method in the hybrid coupler, the problems of large volume and high signal loss are solved, and a more efficient signal coupling effect is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421807084.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-26
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-07-29
AI Technical Summary
The existing hybrid couplers have problems such as large size, serious parasitic coupling and high signal loss during the signal coupling process.
The component design is adopted for input units, output units and intermediate units, wherein each unit includes first and second coils arranged in a generally H-shaped cross-arranged, and the spatial layout of the unit elements is optimized by a specific terminal connection, avoiding parasitic coupling and reducing signal loss.
A smaller size and lower loss coupler design is achieved, improving signal coupling efficiency and performance.
Smart Images
Figure CN223065938U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to electronic circuits and devices adapted to use signals, particularly radio frequency signals. The present disclosure relates to a hybrid coupler, and more particularly to a 90-degree hybrid coupler. Background Art
[0002] A coupler is an electronic device for coupling multiple electronic signals, and the multiple electronic signals are, for example, signals used in a radio frequency field, that is, signals having a frequency between a few hertz and above 300 kHz, for example, between 3 kHz and 300 GHz.
[0003] It is desirable to be able to at least partially improve certain aspects of couplers, particularly hybrid couplers. Summary of the Utility Model
[0004] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a coupler to at least partially solve the above problems existing in the prior art.
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a coupler, comprising: a first component having: an input unit element, an intermediate unit element, and an output unit element, wherein each unit element comprises: a first coil and a second coil, the first coil and the second coil being arranged to generally have an H shape; a first input terminal corresponding to an input node of the first coil; a second input terminal corresponding to an output node of the second coil; a first output terminal corresponding to an output node of the first coil; and a second output terminal corresponding to an input node of the second coil; wherein: the first input terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to the first output terminal of the input unit element, the second input terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to the second output terminal of the input unit element, the first output terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to the first input terminal of the output unit element, and the second output terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to the second input terminal of the output unit element, and wherein the input unit element is spatially positioned between the intermediate unit element and the output unit element.
[0006] According to one or more embodiments, the first input terminal of the input unit element is the first input of the first component, and the second input terminal of the input unit element is the second input of the first component.
[0007] According to one or more embodiments, the first output terminal of the output unit element is the first output of the first component, and the second output terminal of the output unit element is the second output of the first component.
[0008] According to one or more embodiments, the first input of the first component is configured to receive a first signal, and the second input of the first component is configured to receive a second signal, where the second signal is a phase-shifted version of the first signal.
[0009] According to one or more embodiments, the second signal is the first signal phase-shifted by 90 degrees.
[0010] According to one or more embodiments, the second signal is the first signal phase-shifted by 180 degrees.
[0011] According to one or more embodiments, where: the first input terminal of the input unit element is the first input of the first component, and the second input terminal of the input unit element is the second input of the first component, the coupler includes at least one second component identical to the first component, the first output of the first component is coupled to the first input of the second component, and the second output of the first component is coupled to the second input of the second component.
[0012] According to one or more embodiments, all of the unit elements have the same size.
[0013] According to one or more embodiments, the unit elements have different sizes.
[0014] According to one or more embodiments, all of the unit elements are placed in the same plane.
[0015] According to one or more embodiments, all of the unit elements are placed in different planes.
[0016] According to one or more embodiments, the unit elements are placed in a stepped arrangement.
[0017] According to one or more embodiments, the first coil and the second coil of the unit element are windings having a substantially rectangular shape.
[0018] According to one or more embodiments, the first coil and the second coil of the unit element are windings having a substantially Z-shaped shape.
[0019] According to one or more embodiments, the coupler is a reversible coupler.
[0020] According to one or more embodiments, each of the first coil and the second coil includes: a plurality of arms; and a bridge between the plurality of arms.
[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the bridge is perpendicular to the plurality of arms, and the bridge is centered relative to the plurality of arms, and each of the plurality of arms has a length greater than the width of the bridge.
[0022] According to one or more embodiments, a coupler includes: a patterned shield including a plurality of arms positioned at a proximal end of the coupler.
[0023] According to one or more embodiments, the patterned shield is located below one or more tiers of the coupler, above one or more tiers of the coupler, or around the coupler.
[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure can advantageously increase the distance between successive unit elements while optimizing the space loss between the unit elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, will be described in detail in the remainder of the disclosure of specific embodiments given by way of illustration and not limitation, in which:
[0026] Figure 1 An electrical symbol and an equivalent electrical diagram of an embodiment of a hybrid coupler are shown;
[0027] Figure 2 Shows a top view of unit elements forming a coupler according to Figure 1 an embodiment;
[0028] Figure 3 Schematically shows an example of the assembly of Figure 2 the unit elements;
[0029] Figure 4 Schematically shows an embodiment of the component assembly of Figure 1 the coupler forming Figure 2 ;
[0030] Figure 5 Schematically shows another embodiment of a coupler formed using two components of Figure 2 to form Figure 1 ;
[0031] Figure 6 Shows a top view of an actual example of an embodiment of Figure 5 ; and
[0032] Figure 7 Shows a top view of another actual example of an embodiment of Figure 5 ; DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] In the respective figures, the same features are denoted by the same reference numerals. In particular, structural and / or functional features common to the respective embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may be provided with the same structure, dimensions, and material properties.
[0034] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements necessary for understanding the embodiments have been described in detail.
[0035] Unless otherwise stated, when referring to two elements connected together, this means a direct connection without any intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements coupled together, this means that the two elements may be connected or they may be coupled via one or more other elements.
[0036] In the following description, when referring to terms defining an absolute position, such as the terms "edge", "rear", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or a relative position, such as the terms "above", "below", "on", "under", etc., or terms defining a direction, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., the direction of the drawings is referred to unless otherwise stated.
[0037] Unless otherwise stated, the expressions "about", "approximately", "substantially", and "on the order of" mean plus or minus 10%, preferably plus or minus 5%.
[0038] Figure 1 Diagrams (A) and (B) showing a coupler 100 according to an embodiment are shown. Diagram (A) shows the electrical symbol of the coupler 100, and diagram (B) shows the equivalent electrical diagram of the coupler 100.
[0039] According to one embodiment, the coupler 100 is a hybrid coupler. According to a preferred example, the coupler 100 is a 90-degree hybrid coupler. For this purpose, the coupler 100 includes:
[0040] A first input IN100 adapted to receive a first signal;
[0041] A second input CPL100 adapted to receive a second signal;
[0042] A first output OUT100 adapted to transmit a third signal; and
[0043] A second output ISO100 adapted to transmit a fourth signal.
[0044] According to one embodiment, the second signal is equal to the first signal that has been phase-shifted. According to a preferred embodiment, the second signal is equal to the first signal phase-shifted by 90 degrees. According to another example within the capabilities of those skilled in the art, the second signal is equal to the first signal phase-shifted by 180 degrees.
[0045] When the coupler 100 is a 90-degree hybrid coupler, the third signal transmitted by the output OUT100 corresponds to the sum of the signals received at the input, and the fourth signal is a zero signal.
[0046] According to an embodiment, the coupler 100 is reversible and can be a signal separator circuit by inverting the input and output.
[0047] The coupler 100 includes two coils L101 and L102 and two capacitors C101 and C102.
[0048] In Figure 1 , the input terminals of the coils are represented by phase points, while the output terminals do not have phase points. This means that the current flowing through the coils flows from the input terminals to the output terminals.
[0049] According to one embodiment, the input node of the coil L101 is coupled (preferably connected) to the input IN100 of the coupler 100, and the output node of the coil L101 is coupled (preferably connected) to the output OUT100 of the coupler 100. The input node of the coil L102 is coupled, preferably connected to the output ISO100 of the coupler 100, and the output node of the coil L102 is coupled, preferably connected to the output OUT100 of the coupler 100.
[0050] According to an embodiment, the first node of the capacitor C101 is coupled (preferably connected) to the input IN100 of the coupler 100, and the second node of the capacitor C101 is coupled (preferably connected) to the output ISO100 of the coupler 100. According to one embodiment, the first node of the capacitor C102 is coupled (preferably connected) to the input CPL100 of the coupler 100, and the second node of the capacitor C102 is coupled (preferably connected) to the output OUT100 of the coupler 100.
[0051] Combined Figure 2 describes the physical implementation of the coupler 100, and combined Figures 4 to 7 describes the components that form these implementations of the coupler.
[0052] Figure 2 is a top view of the physical implementation of the coupler 100 described in conjunction with Figure 1 More specifically, Figure 2 is a top view of the unit element 100 that can form the coupler 100.
[0053] The unit element 100 includes two coils 201 and 202 arranged in a cross or "x" shape. More specifically, the first coil 201 forms the first branch of the cross or "x", while the second coil 202 forms the second branch of the cross or "x".
[0054] More specifically, the two coils 201 are arranged in the form of a cross shape having a substantially "H" shape. In other words, all the branches of the cross formed by the coils 201 and 202 follow the same direction and are thus parallel to each other. Therefore, Figure 2 the so-called cross shape of the coils 201 and 202 shown takes on a substantially "H" shape.
[0055] The unit element 200 includes two input terminals and two output terminals similar to the input and output of the coupler 100. More specifically, the unit element 200 includes:
[0056] a first input terminal IN200 corresponding to the input node of the coil 201;
[0057] a second input terminal CPL200 corresponding to the output node of the coil 202;
[0058] a first output terminal OUT200 corresponding to the output node of the coil 202; and a second output terminal ISO200 corresponding to the input node of the coil 202.
[0059] The capacitor of the coupler is actually formed between the branches of the cross of the coils 201 and 202. More specifically, the capacitor represents the inherent capacitance of the branches of the cross formed by the coils. According to a variant, the capacitor can be added to the Figure 2 structure disclosed in.
[0060] The dimensions of the unit element 200 can define the electrical characteristics of the coupler, such as the inductance of the coils 201 and 202 and the capacitance of the capacitor. Therefore, the dimensions of the unit element 200 should be adapted to adjust the functionality of the coupler formed thereby.
[0061] The unit element 200 can implement a coupler of the coupler 100 type, but multiple unit elements 200 can also be assembled to obtain a coupler of the coupler 100 type. One advantage of assembling multiple unit elements 200 to form it is that this can limit the bulk of the coupler 100 while being able to give it different shapes. Combining Figure 3 describes a first example of the components of the unit element 200, but this component has disadvantages. Combining Figure 4 describes an embodiment of the component that overcomes these disadvantages.
[0062] Figure 3 A very schematic illustration shows an example of the components 300 of a unit element of the type of unit element 200 described with respect to Figure 2 the above.
[0063] In Figure 3In it, each unit element is very schematically represented by an overall shape in the form of a line. In addition, the current and its direction of the signal applied to the input terminals of the unit element are represented by arrows. Since two different signals are applied to the input of the unit element, two arrow "colors" are used to distinguish them.
[0064] Component 300 forms a coupler of the coupler 100 type described with respect to Figure 1 and thus includes two inputs IN300 and CPL300, and two outputs OUT300 and ISO300.
[0065] Component 300 includes three unit elements, where:
[0066] Input unit element 301;
[0067] Intermediate unit element 302; and
[0068] Output unit element 303.
[0069] The input unit element 301 is characterized in that its input terminals are coupled to the inputs of the component. More specifically, the first input terminal of element 301 is coupled (preferably connected) to the input IN300 of the component, and the second input terminal of element 301 is coupled (preferably connected) to the input CPL300 of the component.
[0070] The output unit element 303 is characterized in that its output terminals are coupled to the output terminals of component 300. More specifically, the first output terminal of element 303 is coupled, preferably connected, to the output OUT300 of component 300, and the second output terminal of element 303 is coupled, preferably connected, to the output ISO300 of component 300.
[0071] The intermediate unit element 302 is characterized in that it is positioned between the input unit element and the output unit elements 301 and 303. More specifically, the first input terminal of element 302 is coupled (preferably connected) to the first output terminal of element 301, and the second input terminal of element 302 is coupled (preferably connected) to the second output terminal of element 301. The first output terminal of element 302 is coupled to (preferably connected to) the first input terminal of element 303, and the second output terminal of element 302 is coupled to (preferably connected to) the second input terminal of element 303.
[0072] A drawback of component 300 is that the positioning of the unit elements presents constraints that may increase the area occupied by component 300. In particular, parasitic coupling phenomena may occur at the junctions between the unit elements. In fact, as described above, the unit elements are formed by coils, and at the junctions between the unit elements, two coils arranged side by side are arranged in parallel, and are crossed by the same current in different directions, asFigure 3 As shown. To avoid these parasitic coupling phenomena, the unit elements must be spaced apart by a distance d300, which increases the volume.
[0073] Figure 4 A very schematic illustration shows an embodiment of a component 400 of a type of unit element with respect to Figure 2 the unit element 200 described.
[0074] The component 400 forms a coupler of the type of coupler 100 described, and thus includes two inputs IN400 and CPL400, and two outputs OUT400 and ISO400. Figure 1 The component 400 includes three unit elements, including:
[0075] an input unit element 401;
[0076] an intermediate unit element 402; and
[0077] an output unit element 403.
[0078] The input unit element 401 is characterized in that its input terminals are coupled to the inputs of the component. More specifically, the first input terminal of the element 401 is coupled (preferably connected) to the input IN400 of the component 400, and the second input terminal of the element 401 is coupled (preferably connected) to the input CPL400 of the component 400.
[0079] The output unit element 403 is characterized in that its output terminals are coupled to the outputs of the component 400. More specifically, the first output terminal of the element 403 is coupled (preferably connected) to the output OUT400 of the component 400, and the second output terminal of the element 403 is coupled (preferably connected) to the output ISO400 of the component 400.
[0080] The intermediate unit element 402 is characterized in that it is coupled to the input and output unit elements 401 and 403. More specifically, the first input terminal of the element 402 is coupled (preferably connected) to the first output terminal of the element 401, and the second input terminal of the element 402 is coupled (preferably connected) to the second output terminal of the element 401. The first output terminal of the element 402 is coupled to (preferably connected to) the first input terminal of the element 403, and the second output terminal of the element 402 is coupled to (preferably connected to) the second input terminal of the element 403.
[0081]
[0082] According to one embodiment, the input unit element 401 is spatially arranged between the intermediate unit element 402 and the output unit element 403. In other words, the input unit element 401 is physically located between the intermediate unit element 402 and the output unit element 403 without modifying the connections between the unit elements.
[0083] This embodiment has several advantages.
[0084] The first advantage is the ability to increase the distance between consecutive unit elements while optimizing the spatial loss between the unit elements. Only a minimum distance d400 is applied between the input unit element and the intermediate unit element to avoid parasitic coupling phenomena with a lower intensity than those present in the Figure 3 component 300.
[0085] The second advantage is the ability to avoid the coils being crossed by the same current, thus avoiding parasitic coupling phenomena.
[0086] The third advantage is that it can avoid having a new coupling between two input signals, which is visible between the unit element 401 and the unit element 403 in the Figure 4 . In fact, as shown in the Figure 4 , two coils are placed side by side, and each coil is crossed by a different current. Adding this coupling can reduce the losses of the coupler formed by the component 400, thus improving its performance.
[0087] In addition, it should also be noted that Figure 4 the unit elements 401, 402, and 403 schematically shown in the
[0088] all have similar dimensions. However, as a variant, the unit elements 401, 402, and 403 can have different dimensions, especially unit elements of different lengths. Figure 4 In addition, in the
[0089] Figure 5 and for the sake of simplicity of understanding, the unit elements 401, 402, and 403 are shown in the same plane. However, those skilled in the art will be able to arrange the unit elements 401, 402, and 403 in a three-dimensional model. Therefore, the unit elements can be arranged one above the other in a stepped arrangement.
[0090] The coupler 500 is very schematically shown according to an embodiment. Figure 4 The coupler 500 includes two components 501 and 502 of the type of the component 400 described in the
[0091] The component 501 includes:
[0092] A first input terminal IN501;
[0093] Second input terminal CPL501;
[0094] First output terminal OUT501; and
[0095] Second output terminal ISO501.
[0096] Component 502 includes:
[0097] First input terminal IN502;
[0098] Second input terminal CPL502;
[0099] First output terminal OUT502; and
[0100] Second output terminal ISO502.
[0101] To form the connector 500, components 501 and 502 are connected "in series". In other words, the output terminal OUT501 of component 501 is coupled to, preferably connected to, the input terminal IN502 of component 502, and the output terminal ISO501 of component 501 is coupled to, preferably connected to, the input terminal CPL502 of component 502.
[0102] Figure 6 and Figure 7 shows a top view of a practical example of the implementation of the coupler 500 described in conjunction with Figure 5 In particular, Figure 6 shows the coupler 600, and Figure 7 shows the coupler 700.
[0103] The difference between couplers 600 and 700 is that coupler 700 has a zigzag coil, while coupler 600 has a generally rectangular coil. These coils have the advantage of improving the coupling performance of coupler 700. In fact, when the unit elements of the components of coupler 700 are folded in a zigzag pattern, the favorable coupling (i.e., the coupling required for the coupler) increases, while the unfavorable coupling (i.e., the coupling to be avoided) decreases.
[0104] Various embodiments and variations have been described. Those skilled in the art will understand that certain features of these various embodiments and variations can be combined, and other variations will occur to those skilled in the art.
[0105] Finally, based on the functional indications given above, the actual implementation of the described embodiments and variants is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.
[0106] A coupler (100; 400; 500; 600; 700) can be generally summarized as including a first component (400; 501), which includes: an input unit element (401), an intermediate unit element (402), and an output unit element (403). Each unit element (200) includes: a first coil (201, 202) and a second coil (202, 201), and the first coil (201, 202) and the second coil (202, 201) are arranged to have a substantially "H" - shaped cross - shape; a first input terminal (IN200), which corresponds to the input node of the first coil (201, 202); a second input terminal (CPL200), corresponding to the output node of the second coil (202, 201); a first output terminal (OUT200), which corresponds to the output node of the first coil (201, 202); a second output terminal (ISO200), which corresponds to the input node of the second coil (202, 201); wherein: the first input terminal of the intermediate unit element (402) is coupled to the first output terminal of the input unit element (401); the second input terminal of the intermediate unit element (402) is coupled to the second output terminal of the input unit element (401); the first output terminal of the intermediate unit element (402) is coupled to the first input terminal of the output unit element (403); the second output terminal of the intermediate unit element (402) is coupled to the second input terminal of the output unit element (403), and wherein the input unit element (401) is spatially located between the intermediate unit element (402) and the output unit element (403).
[0107] The first input terminal of the unit input element (401) can be the first input of the first component (400); the second input terminal of the unit input element (401) can be the second input of the first component (400; 501).
[0108] The first output terminal of the output unit (403) can be the first output of the first component (400); 501), the second output terminal of the output unit element (403) can be the second input of the first component (400; 501).
[0109] The first input of the component can be configured to receive a first signal, and the second input of the component can be configured to receive a second signal that is equal to the first signal with a phase shift.
[0110] The second signal can be the first signal with a 90 - degree phase shift.
[0111] The second signal can be the first signal with a 180 - degree phase shift.
[0112] The first input terminal of the unit input element (401) may be the first input terminal of the first component (400); the second input terminal of the unit input element (401) may be the second input of the first component (400; 501), and wherein the coupler may include at least one second component (400; 502) that is the same as the first component (400; 501), wherein the first output of the first component (400; 501) may be coupled to the first input of the second component (400; 502), and the second output of the first component (400; 501) may be coupled to the second input of the second component (400; 502).
[0113] All of the unit elements may have the same size.
[0114] The unit elements may have different sizes.
[0115] All of the unit elements may be placed in the same plane.
[0116] All of the unit elements may be placed in different planes.
[0117] The unit elements may be placed in a stepped arrangement.
[0118] The first and second coils of the unit element may be windings having a generally rectangular shape.
[0119] The first and second coils of the unit element may be windings having a generally Z-shaped shape.
[0120] The coupler may be a reversible coupler.
[0121] A coupler with higher performance is required.
[0122] A coupler with a smaller volume is required.
[0123] One embodiment overcomes all or some of the disadvantages of known couplers.
[0124] One embodiment provides a coupler with a lower volume.
[0125] One embodiment provides a coupler with less signal loss.
[0126] One embodiment provides a coupler that includes a first component of an input unit element, an intermediate unit element, and an output unit element, each unit element including:
[0127] A first coil and a second coil, the first coil and the coil and the second coil are arranged to have an intersecting shape that is generally H-shaped;
[0128] A first input terminal corresponding to an input node of a first coil;
[0129] A second input terminal corresponding to an output node of a second coil;
[0130] A first output terminal corresponding to an output node of the first coil; and
[0131] A second output terminal corresponding to an input node of the second coil;
[0132] Wherein:
[0133] A first input terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to a first output terminal of the input unit element;
[0134] A second input terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to a second output terminal of the input unit element;
[0135] A first output terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to a first input terminal of the output unit element; and
[0136] A second output terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to a second input terminal of the output unit element, and
[0137] Wherein the input unit element is spatially positioned between the intermediate unit element and the output unit element.
[0138] According to one embodiment, the first input terminal of the input unit element is the first input of the first component, and the second input terminal of the input unit element is the second input of the first component.
[0139] According to one embodiment, the first output terminal of the output unit element is the first output of the first component, and the second output terminal of the output unit element is the second output of the first component.
[0140] According to an embodiment, the first input of the component is configured to receive a first signal, and the second input of the component is configured to receive a second signal equal to the phase-shifted first signal.
[0141] According to one embodiment, the second signal is the first signal phase-shifted by 90 degrees.
[0142] According to an embodiment, the second signal is the first signal phase-shifted by 180 degrees.
[0143] According to one embodiment, the coupler includes at least one second component identical to the first component,
[0144] Wherein the first output of the first component is coupled to the first input of the second component, and
[0145] The second output of the first component is coupled to the second input of the second component.
[0146] According to one embodiment, all of the unit elements have the same size.
[0147] According to one embodiment, the unit elements have different sizes.
[0148] According to one embodiment, all of the unit elements are placed in the same plane.
[0149] According to one embodiment, all of the unit elements are placed in different planes.
[0150] According to one embodiment, the unit elements are placed in a stepped arrangement.
[0151] According to one embodiment, the first and second coils of the unit element are windings having a substantially rectangular shape.
[0152] According to one embodiment, the first and second coils of the unit element are windings having a substantially Z-shaped shape.
[0153] According to one embodiment, the coupler is a reversible coupler.
[0154] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide additional embodiments. Based on the above detailed description, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A coupler, characterized in that, Comprising: A first component, the first component having: An input unit element, An intermediate unit element, and An output unit element, where each unit element comprises: A first coil and a second coil, the first coil and the second coil being arranged to generally have an H shape; A first input terminal corresponding to the input node of the first coil; A second input terminal corresponding to the output node of the second coil; A first output terminal corresponding to the output node of the first coil; and A second output terminal corresponding to the input node of the second coil; Wherein: The first input terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to the first output terminal of the input unit element, The second input terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to the second output terminal of the input unit element, The first output terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to the first input terminal of the output unit element, and The second output terminal of the intermediate unit element is coupled to the second input terminal of the output unit element, and Wherein the input unit element is spatially positioned between the intermediate unit element and the output unit element.
2. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein The first input terminal of the input unit element is the first input of the first component, and the second input terminal of the input unit element is the second input of the first component.
3. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein The first output terminal of the output unit element is the first output of the first component, and the second output terminal of the output unit element is the second output of the first component.
4. The coupler according to claim 2, wherein The first input of the first component is configured to receive a first signal, and the second input of the first component is configured to receive a second signal, the second signal being a phase-shifted version of the first signal.
5. The coupler according to claim 4, wherein The second signal is the first signal phase-shifted by 90 degrees.
6. The coupler according to claim 4, wherein The second signal is the first signal phase-shifted by 180 degrees.
7. The coupler according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first input terminal of the input unit element is the first input of the first component, and the second input terminal of the input unit element is the second input of the first component, The coupler includes at least one second component identical to the first component, The first output of the first component is coupled to the first input of the second component, and The second output of the first component is coupled to the second input of the second component.
8. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that, All of the unit elements have the same size.
9. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unit elements have different sizes.
10. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that, All of the unit elements are placed in the same plane.
11. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein, All of the unit elements are placed in different planes.
12. The coupler according to claim 11, wherein The unit elements are placed in a stepped arrangement.
13. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein, The first coil and the second coil of the unit element are windings having a generally rectangular shape.
14. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first coil and the second coil of the unit element are windings having a generally Z-shaped shape.
15. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein, The coupler is a reversible coupler.
16. The coupler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first coil and the second coil each include: A plurality of arms; and A bridge between the plurality of arms.
17. The coupler according to claim 16, wherein The bridge is perpendicular to the plurality of arms, and the bridge is centered relative to the plurality of arms, and each of the plurality of arms has a length greater than the width of the bridge.
18. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein Comprising: A patterned shield including a plurality of arms positioned at a proximal end of the coupler.
19. The coupler according to claim 1, wherein, The patterned shield is located below one or more levels of the coupler, above one or more levels of the coupler, or around the coupler.