An ultra-wideband bandline coupler

Abstract

The utility model discloses an improve super wide band strip line coupler, include: first installation shell and second installation shell, first installation shell second installation shell mutual matching, coupling assembly, be in the slit of first installation shell second installation shell and constitute, wherein: coupling assembly includes buffer sheet, restraint hole, PCB board, positioning hole, main line copper foil, coupling copper foil line and quick -witted component, first installation shell recessed arrangement close to the outer wall one side of second installation shell, and buffer sheet and PCB board stack embed in the recessed place of the outer wall one side of first installation shell. Through the air slit of the introduction of the interlining, the effective compensation electromagnetic wave phase velocity difference, the directionality is from about 6.5dB significantly improved to 13.8dB above, and this method is simple to operate, only needs to position to draw a seam, avoids the high scrap rate of traditional cut copper foil and the complex design of processing sawtooth, and the cost is reduced greatly, and the unique positioning hole and stack structure ensure the assembly accuracy, and provide reliable foundation for debugging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of signal equipment technology, specifically an improvement for ultra-wideband stripline couplers. Background Technology

[0002] Directional couplers, as key passive components in microwave systems, are widely used in power distribution, signal sampling, and monitoring. Especially in ultra-wideband communications, radar systems, vector network analyzers, and electronic countermeasures, extremely high demands are placed on the coupler's operating bandwidth and directivity. Currently, ultra-wideband stripline couplers mostly employ Chebyshev tapered line structures to achieve a flat response over a wide bandwidth. However, in practical engineering applications, particularly in the 18-40 GHz and higher frequency bands, their directivity performance is often significantly degraded due to various factors.

[0003] The existing technology has the following main drawbacks:

[0004] First, traditional debugging methods have significant limitations and are costly. When the coupler performance is substandard, the conventional approach is to manually cut off part of the copper foil to achieve impedance matching. This method not only relies on the operator's experience but also leads to a significantly higher product scrap rate, resulting in serious resource waste in large-scale production.

[0005] Secondly, existing compensation methods are ineffective at high frequencies. To improve directivity, the industry has attempted to design serrated structures on both sides of the copper foil to change the inter-line capacitance. However, as the frequency increases, the impact of processing accuracy on the electrical performance of the serrated structure becomes more significant, and the actual effect deviates greatly from the simulation expectations. At the same time, this design greatly increases the complexity and uncertainty of circuit design.

[0006] Third, existing methods are insufficient in compensating for manufacturing defects. The performance of high-frequency couplers is highly susceptible to factors such as substrate inhomogeneity, copper foil surface roughness, and processing errors. These factors cause differences in the phase velocities of the electric and magnetic fields during electromagnetic wave transmission, preventing the electrical and magnetic coupling currents from completely canceling each other at the load port. This results in harmful reflected waves, ultimately causing a severe deterioration in directivity. Traditional methods lack effective compensation mechanisms targeting this physical mechanism.

[0007] In summary, existing ultrawideband stripline couplers face three major technical challenges in achieving high-performance directivity: high debugging costs, poor high-frequency compensation effects, and sensitivity to process defects. There is an urgent need to develop an innovative solution that can effectively improve directivity, is easy to implement, and is cost-controllable. Utility Model Content

[0008] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows: An improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler, comprising:

[0009] A first mounting shell and a second mounting shell, wherein the first mounting shell and the second mounting shell are mutually matched;

[0010] A coupling assembly is disposed in the gap formed by the first mounting shell and the second mounting shell, wherein: the coupling assembly includes a buffer sheet, a constraint hole, a PCB board, a positioning hole, a main copper foil, a coupling copper foil wire, and a quick-connect assembly; the first mounting shell is recessed on the side near the outer wall of the second mounting shell; the buffer sheet and the PCB board are stacked and embedded in the recessed area on the outer wall of the first mounting shell; the side of the second mounting shell near the outer wall of the first mounting shell is attached to the outer wall of the first mounting shell; the positioning hole is opened on the outer wall of the PCB board; the constraint hole is opened on the outer wall of the buffer sheet; the constraint hole and the positioning hole are matched with each other; the main copper foil and the coupling copper foil wire are electroplated on the outer wall of the PCB board respectively; and four quick-connect assemblies are respectively disposed on the outer walls of the first mounting shell and the second mounting shell.

[0011] Furthermore, each of the four quick-connect components includes an auxiliary plate, a quick connector, four limiting bolts, and an electrode plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the four limiting bolts are embedded in the corner openings of the outer wall of the auxiliary plate, the quick connector is embedded in the center of the outer wall of the auxiliary plate, the electrode plate is electrically connected to the quick connector, and one end of the four limiting bolts is threaded to the outer wall openings of the first mounting shell and the second mounting shell, respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, two of the electrode plates are electrically connected to the main copper foil, and the remaining two electrode plates are electrically connected to the coupling copper foil wire.

[0014] Furthermore, the outer wall of the second mounting housing has five mounting holes.

[0015] Furthermore, each mounting hole is threaded with a mounting bolt, and each mounting bolt has a washer fitted on its outer wall.

[0016] Furthermore, one end of the mounting bolt passes through the inner wall of the positioning hole and the constraint hole in sequence.

[0017] Furthermore, one side of the outer wall of the main copper foil is recessed downwards.

[0018] Furthermore, both ends of the coupled copper foil wire are bent.

[0019] Furthermore, an etching groove is formed on one side of the outer wall of the PCB board, and the etching groove is located between the main copper foil and the coupling copper foil.

[0020] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] (1) The beneficial effect of this utility model is that it significantly improves the directional performance of the ultra-wideband stripline coupler. By introducing an air gap at the position of the bushing between the main line and the coupling line, the inter-line capacitance is effectively changed, which compensates for the problem of inconsistent electromagnetic wave phase velocity caused by dielectric inhomogeneity. The directional index is optimized from about 6.5dB before debugging to 13.8dB, and the simulation results show that it can be improved to 26dB, with a significant performance improvement.

[0022] (2) The debugging method of this utility model is simple to operate, low in cost and highly reliable. After precise positioning through the positioning hole, the air gap can be cut open at the preset etching groove with a scalpel to complete the debugging. This avoids the high scrap rate and design complexity caused by traditional methods such as cutting copper foil or processing saw teeth. It is particularly suitable for the mass production and later optimization of high frequency broadband couplers.

[0023] (3) The coupler structure of this utility model is reasonably designed, with high assembly accuracy and stable connection. Through the matching design of the first mounting shell and the second mounting shell, the stacking and embedding structure of the buffer plate and the PCB board, and the use of positioning holes and constraint holes, the precise alignment between components and the overall mechanical stability are ensured, providing a reliable physical basis for performance debugging.

[0024] (4) The electromagnetic compensation principle adopted in this utility model is clear, and the effect is predictable and consistent. By introducing air as a dielectric to change the capacitance between the coupling lines, the amplitude and phase of the electrical coupling and magnetic coupling currents are effectively balanced, which greatly reduces the reflected waves. This not only improves the directivity but also enhances the overall performance consistency of the coupler in the ultra-wideband operating frequency range.

[0025] (5) The quick-connect component design of this utility model achieves convenient and reliable signal connection. By fixing the auxiliary plate, electrode plate and copper foil wire with limit bolts, the mechanical strength of the external signal interface is ensured, and the continuity of high-frequency signal transmission is ensured, which facilitates the quick installation and replacement of the coupler in the system.

[0026] (6) This utility model is applicable to a variety of high-frequency broadband application scenarios. The optimized coupler can be widely used in ultra-wideband radar systems, vector network analyzers, broadband signal detection, electronic countermeasures and modern communication equipment. Its improved directionality helps to improve system signal quality, test accuracy and overall performance. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the buffer sheet of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3This is a perspective view of the first mounting shell of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the PCB board of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the data before the actual debugging of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the data after the physical debugging of this utility model.

[0033] The markings in the diagram are: 1. First mounting shell; 2. Second mounting shell; 3. Buffer plate; 4. PCB board; 5. Auxiliary board; 6. Quick connector; 7. Limit bolt; 8. Electrode plate; 9. Gasket; 10. Mounting bolt; 201. Mounting hole; 301. Constraint hole; 401. Positioning hole; 402. Main copper foil; 403. Coupling copper foil wire. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 6A method for improving ultra-wideband stripline couplers includes: a first mounting shell 1 and a second mounting shell 2, which are matched to each other to form a mounting cavity; and a coupling assembly disposed in the gap of the cavity formed by the first mounting shell 1 and the second mounting shell 2. The coupling assembly includes a buffer plate 3, a constraint hole 301, a PCB board 4, a positioning hole 401, a main copper foil 402, a coupling copper foil wire 403, and a quick-connect assembly. The first mounting shell 1 is recessed on the outer wall near the second mounting shell 2 to accommodate the buffer plate 3 and the PCB board 4. The buffer plate 3 and the PCB board 4 are stacked and embedded in the recessed outer wall of the first mounting shell 1. The second mounting shell 2 is recessed on the outer wall near the second mounting shell 2. The buffer sheet 3 is attached to the outer wall of the first mounting shell 1 to form a complete encapsulation structure. A positioning hole 401 is formed on the outer wall of the PCB board 4, and a constraint hole 301 is formed on the outer wall of the buffer sheet 3. The constraint hole 301 and the positioning hole 401 are matched to achieve precise positioning. The main copper foil 402 and the coupling copper foil 403 are respectively electroplated onto the outer surface of the PCB board 4 to form a signal transmission and coupling path. Four quick-connect components are respectively located at the four corners of the outer walls of the first mounting shell 1 and the second mounting shell 2 for external signal connection and mechanical fixation. First, the coupler assembly is completed, and the buffer sheet 3 and the main copper foil 402 are then attached to the buffer sheet 3. The PCB board 4 of the coupling copper foil line 403 is stacked and embedded in the recess of the first mounting shell 1. Then, the second mounting shell 2 is covered and fixed with mounting bolts 10 through the positioning holes 401 and constraint holes 301 to ensure precise alignment of the components. Subsequently, electrical connection is achieved through quick-connect components, where the limiting bolts 7 fix the auxiliary plate 5. The electrode plates 8 establish electrical connections with the main copper foil 402 and the coupling copper foil line 403 respectively, forming a complete signal path. After assembly, a performance test is performed before debugging. At this time, due to the non-uniformity of the medium, the electromagnetic wave phase velocity is inconsistent, and the directivity index is poor, with an actual measurement of about 6.5dB. Then, the key debugging operation is performed: using the PCB board 4 Precise positioning is achieved using the positioning hole 401. An air gap is then cut into the etched groove of the backing plate between the main copper foil 402 and the coupling copper foil 403 using a scalpel. This operation introduces air as a dielectric to change the inter-line capacitance, compensating for the speed difference in electromagnetic wave transmission and allowing the electrical and magnetic coupling currents to better cancel each other out at the load port. After debugging, performance verification is performed again, and the directivity index is significantly improved to 13.8dB, consistent with the trend of simulation results. At this point, the coupler has reached an optimized state and can be put into practical application. The entire process, from assembly, testing, debugging to verification, effectively solves the technical problem of deteriorating directivity of high-frequency broadband couplers through simple structural modifications.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 6Each of the four quick-connect components includes an auxiliary plate 5, a quick connector 6, four limiting bolts 7, and electrode plates 8. The four limiting bolts 7 are embedded in the corner openings of the outer wall of the auxiliary plate 5 to achieve mechanical positioning and locking functions. The quick connector 6 is embedded in the center of the outer wall of the auxiliary plate 5 as a high-frequency signal interface. The electrode plates 8 and the quick connector 6 are electrically connected through internal circuitry to ensure continuous signal transmission. One end of each of the four limiting bolts 7 is threaded to the openings of the outer walls of the first mounting shell 1 and the second mounting shell 2 to achieve overall fixation of the quick-connect components. Two of the electrode plates 8 are electrically connected to the main copper foil 402 to form the main signal channel, and the remaining two electrode plates 8 are electrically connected to the coupling copper foil line 403 to achieve the output and input of the coupled signal.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 - Figure 6 The outer wall of the second mounting shell 2 has five mounting holes 201, each of which is threaded with a mounting bolt 10. Each mounting bolt 10 has a washer 9 fitted on its outer wall to enhance connection stability and grounding performance. One end of the mounting bolt 10 passes through the inner wall of the positioning hole 401 and the constraint hole 301 in sequence to achieve precise positioning and clamping of the PCB board and the buffer sheet in the shell. One side of the outer wall of the main copper foil 402 is recessed to optimize high-frequency impedance matching characteristics. Both ends of the coupling copper foil line 403 are bent to form a specific coupling structure to enhance directional performance. One side of the outer wall of the PCB board 4 has an etching groove. The etching groove is located at a specific position between the main copper foil 402 and the coupling copper foil line 403 to provide a preset processing path for the formation of air gaps during subsequent debugging.

[0039] Working principle:

[0040] First, the coupler is assembled. The buffer plate 3 and the PCB board 4 with the main copper foil 402 and coupling copper foil line 403 are stacked and embedded into the recess of the first mounting shell 1. Then, the second mounting shell 2 is covered and fixed using mounting bolts 10 through the positioning holes 401 and constraint holes 301 to ensure precise alignment of the components. Electrical connection is then achieved through quick-connect components, where the limit bolt 7 fixes the auxiliary plate 5. The electrode plates 8 establish electrical connections with the main copper foil 402 and coupling copper foil line 403 respectively, forming a complete signal path. After assembly, a performance test is performed before debugging. At this time, due to the inhomogeneity of the medium, the electromagnetic wave phase velocity is inconsistent, resulting in poor directivity, measured at approximately 6.5dB. Next, the coupling is... Key debugging operation: Using the positioning hole 401 on PCB board 4 for precise positioning, an air gap is cut at the etching groove of the backing plate between the main copper foil 402 and the coupling copper foil line 403 using a scalpel. This operation changes the inter-line capacitance by introducing air dielectric, compensating for the speed difference of electromagnetic wave transmission, so that the electrical coupling and magnetic coupling currents can be better canceled at the load port. After debugging, the performance is verified again. The directivity index is significantly improved to 13.8dB, which is consistent with the trend of simulation results. At this time, the coupler has reached the optimized state and can be put into practical application. The whole process, from assembly, testing, debugging to verification, effectively solves the technical problem of deterioration of directivity of high frequency broadband couplers through simple structural modifications.

[0041] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler, comprising: include: The first mounting shell (1) and the second mounting shell (2) are matched with each other; A coupling assembly is disposed in the gap formed by the first mounting shell (1) and the second mounting shell (2), wherein: the coupling assembly includes a buffer sheet (3), a constraint hole (301), a PCB board (4), a positioning hole (401), a main copper foil (402), a coupling copper foil wire (403), and a quick-connect assembly; the first mounting shell (1) is recessed on the outer wall side near the second mounting shell (2); the buffer sheet (3) and the PCB board (4) are stacked and embedded in the recessed area on the outer wall side of the first mounting shell (1); the second mounting shell (2) The side of the first mounting shell (1) is attached to the outer wall of the first mounting shell (1). The positioning hole (401) is opened on the outer wall of the PCB board (4). The constraint hole (301) is opened on the outer wall of the buffer sheet (3). The constraint hole (301) and the positioning hole (401) match each other. The main copper foil (402) and the coupling copper foil (403) are respectively electroplated on the outer wall of the PCB board (4). The four quick-connect components are respectively located on the outer walls of the first mounting shell (1) and the second mounting shell (2).

2. The improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler of claim 1, wherein: Each of the four quick-connect components includes an auxiliary plate (5), a quick connector (6), four limiting bolts (7), and an electrode plate (8).

3. The improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The four limiting bolts (7) are embedded in the corner openings of the outer wall of the auxiliary plate (5), the quick connector (6) is embedded in the center of the outer wall of the auxiliary plate (5), the electrode plate (8) is electrically connected to the quick connector (6), and one end of the four limiting bolts (7) is threaded to the openings of the outer walls of the first mounting shell (1) and the second mounting shell (2), respectively.

4. The improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler as described in claim 3, characterized in that: Two of the electrode plates (8) are electrically connected to the main copper foil (402), and the remaining two electrode plates (8) are electrically connected to the coupling copper foil line (403).

5. The improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The outer wall of the second mounting shell (2) is provided with five mounting holes (201).

6. The improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler as described in claim 5, characterized in that: Each mounting hole (201) is threaded with a mounting bolt (10), and each mounting bolt (10) has a washer (9) fitted on its outer wall.

7. The improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler as described in claim 6, characterized in that: One end of the mounting bolt (10) passes through the inner wall of the positioning hole (401) and the constraint hole (301) in sequence.

8. The improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The outer wall of the main copper foil (402) is recessed downwards on one side.

9. An improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler as described in claim 8, characterized in that: Both ends of the coupling copper foil wire (403) are bent.

10. An improved ultra-wideband stripline coupler as described in claim 9, characterized in that: An etching groove is provided on one side of the outer wall of the PCB board (4), and the etching groove is located between the main copper foil (402) and the coupling copper foil line (403).

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