Ninety-degree hybrid coupler
The hybrid coupler design addresses inefficiencies in size and signal loss by using phase-shifted coils in a cross configuration with optimized element placement, improving performance and reducing parasitic coupling.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023008118
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-31
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
Existing hybrid couplers suffer from inefficiencies such as large footprint and signal losses, particularly in handling radio frequency signals.
A hybrid coupler design featuring a first and second coil arranged in a cross shape with specific terminal connections and phase-shifted signals, utilizing identical or differently dimensioned unit elements arranged in a staircase or zig-zag configuration to minimize parasitic coupling and optimize space usage.
The design reduces coupler size and signal losses while enhancing performance by minimizing parasitic coupling and optimizing signal handling.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Ninety-degree hybrid coupler technical field
[0001] This description relates generally to electronic circuits and devices adapted to use signals, and in particular radio frequency signals. This description relates to a hybrid coupler, and more particularly to a ninety-degree hybrid coupler. Previous technique
[0002] Couplers are electronic devices used to couple several electronic signals, and for example signals used in the field of radio frequency, that is to say signals having frequencies between a few hertz and more than 300 kHz, for example between 3 kHz and 300 GHz.
[0003] It would be desirable to be able to improve, at least in part, certain aspects of the couplers, and in particular of the hybrid couplers. Summary of the invention
[0004] There is a need for more efficient couplers.
[0005] There is a need for couplers with a smaller footprint.
[0006] One embodiment overcomes all or part of the disadvantages of known couplers.
[0007] One embodiment provides for a coupler with a smaller footprint.
[0008] One embodiment provides a coupler having less signal loss.
[0009] One embodiment provides a coupler comprising a first assembly of a an input unit element, an intermediate unit element, and an output unit element, each unit element comprising: - a first coil and a second coil arranged in a cross having a general "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; - a second output terminal corresponding to an input node of the second coil; in which: - the first input terminal of the intermediate unit element is connected to the first output terminal of the input unit element; - the second input terminal of the intermediate unit element is connected to the second output terminal of the input unit element; - the first output terminal of the intermediate unit element is connected to the first input terminal of the output unit element; and - the second output terminal of the intermediate unit element is connected to the second input terminal of the output unit element, and in which the input unit element is spatially positioned between the intermediate unit element and the output unit element.
[0010] According to one embodiment, the first input terminal of the input unit element is a first input of said first assembly, and the second input terminal of the input unit element is a second input of said first assembly.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the first output terminal of the output unit element is a first output of said first assembly, and the second output terminal of the output unit element is a second output of said first assembly.
[0012] According to one embodiment, the first input of said assembly is configured to receive a first signal, and the second input of said assembly is configured to receive a second signal equal to the first signal but out of phase.
[0013] According to one embodiment, the second signal is the first signal phase-shifted by ninety degrees.
[0014] According to one embodiment, the second signal is the first signal phase-shifted by one hundred and eighty degrees.
[0015] According to one embodiment, the coupler comprises at least one second assembly identical to the first assembly, in which the first output of said first assembly is connected to a first input of said second assembly, and the second output of said first assembly is connected to a second input of said second assembly.
[0016] According to one embodiment, said unit elements all have the same dimensions.
[0017] According to one embodiment, said unit elements have different dimensions.
[0018] According to one embodiment, said unit elements are all placed in the same plane.
[0019] According to one embodiment, said unit elements are all placed in different planes.
[0020] According to one embodiment, said unit elements are placed in the form of a staircase.
[0021] According to one embodiment, the first and second coils of said elements unitary coils are generally rectangular in shape.
[0022] According to one embodiment, the first and second coils of said unit elements are windings of a general zig-zag shape.
[0023] According to one embodiment, the coupler is a reversible coupler. Brief description of the drawings
[0024] These features and advantages, as well as others, will be described in detail in the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, in relation to the accompanying figures, among which:
[0025] [Fig.1] represents an electrical symbol and an equivalent electrical diagram of an embodiment of a hybrid coupler;
[0026] [Fig.2] represents in top view a unit element forming a coupler according to the embodiment of [Fig.1];
[0027] [Fig.3] schematically represents an example of an assembly of unit elements of [Fig.2];
[0028] [Fig.4] schematically represents an embodiment of an assembly of elements of [Fig.2] forming the coupler of [Fig.1];
[0029] [Fig.5] schematically represents another embodiment using two assemblies of [Fig.2] to form the coupler of [Fig.1];
[0030] [Fig. 6] represents a top view of a practical example of an embodiment of [Fig. 5]; and
[0031] [Fig.7] represents a top view of another practical example of an embodiment of the embodiment of [Fig.5]. Description of the implementation methods
[0032] The same elements have been designated by the same reference numerals in the different figures. In particular, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same reference numerals and may have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.
[0033] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements useful for understanding the described embodiments have been represented and are detailed.
[0034] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements connected together, this means directly connected without intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements connected (in English "coupled") together, this means that these two elements can be connected or linked through one or more other elements.
[0035] In the following description, when referring to absolute positional qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative positional qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "superior", "inferior", etc., or to Orientation qualifiers, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., refer, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures.
[0036] Unless otherwise specified, the expressions "approximately", "roughly", and "in the order of" mean within 10%, preferably within 5%.
[0037] Figure 1 shows diagrams (A) and (B) of a coupler 100 according to one embodiment. Diagram (A) represents the electrical symbol of the coupler 100, and diagram (B) represents an equivalent electrical diagram of the coupler 100.
[0038] According to one embodiment, the coupler 100 is a hybrid coupler. According to a preferred example, the coupler 100 is a ninety-degree hybrid coupler. For this purpose, the coupler 100 comprises: - a first IN 100 input suitable for receiving a first signal; - a second CPL100 input adapted to receive a second signal; - a first output OUT100 adapted to provide a third signal; and - a second ISO 100 output suitable for providing a fourth signal.
[0039] According to one embodiment, the second signal is equal to the first signal with a phase shift. According to the preferred example, the second signal is equal to the first signal with a phase shift of ninety degrees. According to another example accessible to a person skilled in the art, the second signal is equal to the first signal with a phase shift of one hundred and eighty degrees.
[0040] When the coupler 100 is a ninety-degree hybrid coupler, the third signal, supplied by the output OUT100, corresponds to the sum of the signals received at the input, and the fourth signal is a zero signal.
[0041] According to one embodiment, the coupler 100 is reversible, and by reversing the inputs and outputs can be a signal splitter circuit.
[0042] The coupler 100 comprises two coils L101 and L102 and two capacitors C101 and C102.
[0043] In [Fig. 1], the input terminal of a coil is represented by a phase point, and the output terminal is left without a phase point. This means that the current flowing through the coil passes from the input terminal to the output terminal.
[0044] According to one embodiment, an input node of coil L101 is connected, preferably connected, to the IN100 input of coupler 100, and an output node of coil L101 is connected, preferably connected, to the OUT100 output of coupler 100. An input node of coil L102 is connected, preferably connected, to the ISO100 output of coupler 100, and an output node of coil L102 is connected, preferably connected, to the OUT100 output of coupler 100.
[0045] According to one embodiment, a first node of capacitor C101 is connected, preferably connected, to the IN 100 input of coupler 100, and a second node of capacitor C101 is connected, preferably connected, to the ISO100 output of coupler 100. According to one embodiment, a first node of capacitor C102 is connected, preferably connected, to the CPL100 input of coupler 100, and a second node of capacitor C102 is connected, preferably connected, to the OUT100 output of coupler 100.
[0046] A physical implementation of the coupler 100 is described in relation to [Fig.2], and assemblies of these implementations forming a coupler are described in relation to Figures 4 to 7.
[0047] Figure 2 is a top view of a physical implementation of the coupler 100 described in relation to Figure 1. More particularly, Figure 2 is a top view of a unit element 100 used to form the coupler 100.
[0048] The unit element 100 comprises two coils 201 and 202 arranged in the form of a cross or "x". More particularly, the first coil 201 forms a first arm of the cross, or "x", and the second coil 202 forms a second arm of the cross, or "x".
[0049] More specifically, the two coils 201 are arranged in the form of a cross having a general "H" shape. In other words, all the arms of the cross formed by the coils 201 and 202 follow the same direction and are thus parallel to each other. The shape taken by the coils 201 and 202 shown in [Fig. 2] is thus referred to here as a cross having a general "H" shape.
[0050] The unit element 200 comprises two input terminals and two output terminals similar to the inputs and outputs of the coupler 100. More specifically, the unit element 200 comprises: - a first input terminal IN200 corresponding to an input node of coil 201; - a second CPL200 input terminal corresponding to an output node of coil 202; - a first output terminal OUT200 corresponding to an output node of coil 202; and - a second ISO200 output terminal corresponding to an input node of coil 202.
[0051] The coupler capacitors are formed between the arms of the cross formed by the coils 201 and 202. More specifically, the capacitors represent the intrinsic capacitances of the arms of the cross formed by the coils. According to one embodiment, capacitors may be added to the structure shown in [Fig. 2].
[0052] The dimensions of the unit element 200 define the electrical characteristics of the coupler, such as the inductances of the coils 201 and 202 and the capacitances of the capacitors. It is therefore necessary to adapt the dimensions of the unit element 200 to adjust the functionality of the coupler it forms.
[0053] A unit element 200 allows the implementation of a coupler of the type of coupler 100, but it is also possible to assemble several unit elements 200 to obtain a coupler of the type of coupler 100. One advantage of assembling several unit elements 200 is that it allows for a more compact coupler 100 while still allowing for different shapes. A first example of an assembly of unit elements 200 is described in relation to [Fig. 3], but this assembly has drawbacks. An embodiment of an assembly that overcomes these drawbacks is described in relation to [Fig. 4].
[0054] [Fig.3] represents, very schematically, an example of an assembly 300 of unit elements of the type of the unit element 200 described in relation to [Fig.2].
[0055] In [Fig. 3], each unit element is represented very schematically by its general shape, depicted as a wire. Furthermore, the currents of the signals applied to the input terminals of the unit elements, and their directions, are represented by arrows. Since two different signals are applied to the input terminals of the unit elements, two different arrow colors are used to distinguish them.
[0056] The assembly 300 forms a coupler of the type of the coupler 100 described in relation to [Fig.1], and therefore comprises two inputs IN300 and CPL300, and two outputs OUT300 and ISO300.
[0057] Assembly 300 comprises three unit elements, of which: - a single input element 301; - an intermediate unit element 302; and - a unit output element 303.
[0058] The input unit element 301 is characterized in that its input terminals are connected to the inputs of the assembly. More particularly, a first input terminal of the element 301 is connected, preferably connected, to the IN300 input of the assembly, and a second input terminal of the element 301 is connected, preferably connected, to the CPL300 input of the assembly.
[0059] The output unit element 303 is characterized in that its output terminals are connected to the outputs of the assembly 300. More particularly, a first output terminal of the element 303 is connected, preferably connected, to the OUT300 output of the assembly 300, and a second output terminal of the element 303 is connected, preferably connected, to the ISO300 output of the assembly 300.
[0060] The intermediate unit element 302 is characterized in that it is positioned between the input unit elements 301 and the output unit elements 303. More specifically, a first input terminal of the element 302 is connected, preferably connected, to a first output terminal of the element 301, and a second input terminal of the element 302 is connected, preferably connected, to a second output terminal of the element 301. A first output terminal of the element 302 is connected, preferably connected, to a first input terminal of element 303, and a second output terminal of element 302 is connected, preferably connected, to a second input terminal of element 303.
[0061] One drawback of assembly 300 is that the positioning of the unit elements presents constraints that can increase the area occupied by assembly 300. In particular, parasitic coupling phenomena can appear at the connections between the unit elements. Indeed, as described previously, the unit elements are formed by coils, and at the connections between the unit elements, two coils side by side are arranged in parallel and carry the same current but in different directions, as shown in [Fig. 3]. To avoid these parasitic coupling phenomena, the unit elements must be spaced a distance d300 apart, which increases the overall size.
[0062] [Fig.4] represents, very schematically, an embodiment of an assembly 400 of unit elements of the type of the unit element 200 described in relation to [Fig.2],
[0063] The assembly 400 forms a coupler of the type of the coupler 100 described in relation to [Fig.1], and therefore comprises two inputs IN400 and CPL400, and two outputs OUT400 and ISO400.
[0064] Assembly 400 comprises three unit elements, of which: - a single input element 401; - an intermediate unit element 402; and - a unit output element 403.
[0065] The input unit 401 is characterized in that its input terminals are connected to the inputs of the assembly. More particularly, a first input terminal of the element 401 is connected, preferably connected, to the IN400 input of the assembly 400, and a second input terminal of the element 401 is connected, preferably connected, to the CPL400 input of the assembly 400.
[0066] The output unit element 403 is characterized in that its output terminals are connected to the outputs of the assembly 400. More particularly, a first output terminal of the element 403 is connected, preferably connected, to the OUT400 output of the assembly 400, and a second output terminal of the element 403 is connected, preferably connected, to the ISO400 output of the assembly 400.
[0067] The intermediate unit element 402 is characterized in that it is connected to the input unit elements 401 and output unit elements 403. More specifically, a first input terminal of element 402 is connected, preferably connected, to a first output terminal of element 401, and a second input terminal of element 402 is connected, preferably connected, to a second output terminal of element 401. A first output terminal of element 402 is connected, preferably connected, to a first input terminal of element 403, and a second output terminal of element 402 is connected, preferably connected, to a second input terminal of element 403.
[0068] 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 positioned between the intermediate unit element 402 and the output unit element 403, without modifying the connections between the unit elements.
[0069] This embodiment has several advantages.
[0070] A first advantage is that it allows increasing the distance between consecutive unit elements, while optimizing the space lost between the unit elements. Only a minimum distance d400 is imposed between the input unit element and the intermediate unit element to avoid a parasitic coupling phenomenon less intense than those present in the assembly 300 of [Fig.3].
[0071] A second advantage is that it avoids having coils carrying the same current side by side, and thus avoids the appearance of parasitic coupling phenomena.
[0072] A third advantage is that it allows for a new coupling between the two input signals, this coupling being visible in [Fig. 4] between unit element 401 and unit element 403. Indeed, as shown in [Fig. 4], two coils, each carrying a different current, are placed side by side. Adding this coupling reduces the losses of the coupler formed by assembly 400, and therefore improves its performance.
[0073] Furthermore, it should be noted that the unit elements 401, 402 and 403 shown schematically in [Fig.4] all have similar dimensions, but, according to one variant, the unit elements 401, 402, and 403 may have different dimensions, and, in particular, different unit element lengths.
[0074] Furthermore, in [Fig. 4], and for the sake of clarity, the unit elements 401, 402, and 403 are shown in the same plane. However, a person skilled in the art will be able to arrange the unit elements 401, 402, and 403 in a three-dimensional model. Thus, it is possible to arrange the unit elements one above the other in a stepped configuration.
[0075] Figure [Fig. 5] represents, very schematically, a coupler 500 according to one embodiment.
[0076] The coupler 500 comprises two assemblies 501 and 502 of the type of the assembly 400 described in relation to [Fig.4].
[0077] Assembly 501 comprises: - a first input terminal IN501; - a second CPL501 input terminal; - a first output terminal 0UT5O1; and - a second output terminal IS05O1.
[0078] Assembly 502 comprises: - a first input terminal IN502; - a second CPL502 input terminal; - a first output terminal OUT502; and - a second ISO502 output terminal.
[0079] To form the coupler 500, the assemblies 501 and 502 are connected "in series". In other words, the output terminal OUT501 of assembly 501 is connected, preferably connected, to the input terminal IN502 of assembly 502, and the output terminal ISO501 of assembly 501 is connected, preferably connected, to the input terminal CPL502 of assembly 502.
[0080] Figures 6 and 7 show top views of practical examples of implementation of the coupler 500 described in relation to [Fig. 5]. More specifically, [Fig. 6] shows a coupler 600, and [Fig. 7] shows a coupler 700.
[0081] The difference between couplers 600 and 700 is that coupler 700 has zig-zag shaped coils, while coupler 600 has coils that are generally rectangular in shape. These coils have the advantage of improving the coupling performance of coupler 700. Indeed, when the unit elements of the assemblies of coupler 700 are folded in a zig-zag pattern, the advantageous couplings, i.e., the couplings intended by the coupler, are increased, and the disadvantageous couplings, i.e., the couplings to be avoided, are reduced.
[0082] Various embodiments and variants have been described. A person skilled in the art will understand that certain features of these various embodiments and variants could be combined, and other variants will become apparent to a person skilled in the art.
[0083] Finally, the practical implementation of the embodiments and variants described is within the reach of a person skilled in the art, based on the functional indications given above.
Claims
Claims
1. Coupler (100; 400; 500; 600; 700) comprising a first assembly (400; 501) of a unitary input element (401), an intermediate unitary element (402), and a unitary output element (403), each unitary element (200) comprising: - a first coil (201, 202) and a second coil (202, 201) arranged in a cross having a general "H" shape; - a first input terminal (IN200) corresponding to an input node of the first coil (201, 202); - a second input terminal (CPL200) corresponding to an output node of the second coil (202, 201); - a first output terminal (OUT200) corresponding to an output node of the first coil (201, 202); - a second output terminal (ISO200) corresponding to an input node of the second coil (202, 201); wherein: - the first input terminal of the intermediate unit element (402) is connected to the first output terminal of the input unit element (401);- the second input terminal of the intermediate unit element (402) is connected to the second output terminal of the input unit element (401); - the first output terminal of the intermediate unit element (402) is connected to the first input terminal of the output unit element (403); and - the second output terminal of the intermediate unit element (402) is connected to the second input terminal of the output unit element (403), and wherein the input unit element (401) is spatially positioned between the intermediate unit element (402) and the output unit element (403).;
2. A coupler according to claim 1, wherein the first input terminal of the unitary input element (401) is a first input of said first assembly (400; 501), and the second input terminal of the unitary input element (401) is a second input of said first assembly (400; 501).
3. A coupler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first output terminal of the unitary output element (403) is a first output of said first assembly (400; 501), and the second output terminal of the unitary output element (403) is a second output of said first assembly (400; 501).
4. A coupler according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first input of said assembly is configured to receive a first signal, and the second input of said assembly is configured to receive a second signal equal to the first phase-shifted signal.
5. A coupler according to claim 4, wherein the second signal is the first signal phase shifted by ninety degrees.
6. A coupler according to claim 4, wherein the second signal is the first signal phase shifted by one hundred and eighty degrees.
7. Coupler according to any one of claims 3 to 6 in their connection with claim 2, comprising at least one second assembly (400; 502) identical to the first assembly (400; 501), in which the first output of said first assembly (400; 501) is connected to a first input of said second assembly (400; 502), and the second output of said first assembly (400; 501) is connected to a second input of said second assembly (400; 502).
8. A coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said unitary elements all have the same dimensions.
9. A coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said unitary elements have different dimensions.
10. A coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said unitary elements are all placed in a single plane.
11. A coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said unitary elements are all placed in different planes.
12. A coupler according to claim 11, wherein said unitary elements are arranged in a staircase shape.
13. A coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first and second coils of said unit elements are generally rectangular-shaped windings.
14. A coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first and second coils of said unit elements are generally zig-zag shaped windings.
15. A coupler according to any one of claims 1 to 14, being a reversible coupler.
Citation Information
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