3D Coupler Windings for RF Reflection Robustness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radio frequency amplifiers used in laser excitation and plasma processes face issues with dynamic load impedance changes, leading to energy losses and component damage due to reflections, especially in pulsed operations, and existing solutions like tube amplifiers are bulky and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A 3 dB coupler design featuring electric conductors with multiple windings for increased inductance, capacitively and inductively coupled, using ferrite rings for inductance enhancement, and a compact configuration with spacers for precise capacitance and inductance control, allowing for efficient RF power coupling with reduced dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tube amplifiers are used for high-power RF applications, then robustness to reflections and energy dissipation is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tube-based RF amplifier system with an electronic transistor-based switching amplifier system. This substitution maintains the required robustness to reflections and power handling capabilities while dramatically reducing device size and eliminating the need for bulky switching cabinets containing tubes, drive circuits, and cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the RF amplifier by using transistor switching operation at high frequencies with resonant circuit coupling. This allows the system to achieve tube-level power handling and reflection robustness through electronic means rather than requiring physically large tube-based components
2Use of energy by moving object
If the winding number of conductors is increased, then inductance increases, but conductor length and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar conductor windings to three-dimensional helical or spiral conductor configurations. This dimensional change allows the conductors to achieve high inductance values through multiple windings while maintaining compact overall dimensions and reducing the device footprint compared to traditional planar winding arrangements
3Volume of stationary object
If conductor length is reduced for compact design, then phase distribution precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional helical or spiral conductor configurations that provide sufficient conductor length for accurate phase distribution control within a compact volume. The multi-dimensional winding structure allows the conductors to achieve both compact dimensions and the electrical length required for precise +45° and -45° phase shifts at the operating frequency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric configurations to different sections of the conductors, with specific winding patterns and spacing in the coupling region optimized for capacitive and inductive coupling. This local optimization ensures accurate phase distribution while maintaining overall device compactness
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The 3 dB coupler effectively reduces the size and cost of RF power coupling components, minimizes stray fields, and maintains precise phase distribution, enabling efficient energy transfer with reduced losses and improved reliability for high-power RF applications.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one first and one second electric conductor are spaced apart from each other and are capacitively and inductively coupled to each other
Implementation Method 2
The at least one first and one second electric conductor are spaced apart from each other and are capacitively and inductively coupled to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A 3 dB coupler includes at least one first and one second electric conductor that are spaced apart from each other and are capacitively and inductively coupled to each other in a coupling region. The first conductor represents the primary side of a transformer, and the second conductor represents the secondary side of the transformer. The first and second conductors each have a winding number of n>1.