Balanced Splitter Using Coupled Strip Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balanced splitters for mobile communication devices have complex internal circuit configurations, leading to high manufacturing costs and large insertion loss due to the combination of separate splitter and balun components.
Innovation Solution
A balanced splitter design featuring a simplified miniaturized circuit configuration using ¼ wavelength strip lines and resistors, with electromagnetic coupling between strip lines to convert an unbalanced signal into two balanced signals, reducing the number of components and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate splitter and balun components are combined to create a balanced splitter, then the conversion function from unbalanced to balanced signal is achieved, but the number of components increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the splitter and balun functions into a single integrated component. The balanced splitter includes an unbalanced input terminal connected to a first 1/4 wavelength strip line and a second 1/4 wavelength strip line, with balanced output terminals connected to third and fourth strip lines. This integration eliminates the need for separate splitter and balun components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the unbalanced-to-balanced signal conversion function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate splitter and balun components are combined, then the conversion function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the splitter and balun into one integrated balanced splitter component with a unified circuit structure, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces manufacturing cost while achieving the required unbalanced-to-balanced signal conversion function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate splitter and balun components are combined, then the conversion function is achieved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated balanced splitter design eliminates the need for multiple separate components and their associated connections. The direct electromagnetic coupling between the strip lines within the single component reduces connection losses and improves signal transmission efficiency, thereby reducing insertion loss while maintaining the unbalanced-to-balanced conversion capability.
4Device complexity
If a miniaturized circuit configuration is implemented, then component count is reduced, but electromagnetic coupling between strip lines must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses 1/4 wavelength strip lines with specific impedance values and controlled spacing to achieve the desired electromagnetic coupling. By carefully selecting and controlling the physical parameters (length, width, spacing, impedance) of the strip lines, the design achieves miniaturization while maintaining precise electromagnetic coupling characteristics necessary for proper signal conversion.
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 solution achieves a compact balanced splitter with low manufacturing costs and small insertion loss, improving signal conversion efficiency while simplifying the internal circuit configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a third strip line electromagnetically coupled to the first strip line, and a fourth strip line electromagnetically coupled to the second strip line
Implementation Method 2
a fifth strip line electromagnetically coupled to the first strip line, and a sixth strip line electromagnetically coupled to the second strip line
Data Source
AI summary
A balanced splitter has six ¼ strip lines. The first and third strip lines are electromagnetically coupled to each other to form a coupler. The second and fourth strip lines are electromagnetically coupled to each other to form a coupler. The first and fifth strip lines are electromagnetically coupled to each other to form a coupler. The second and sixth strip lines are electromagnetically coupled to each other to form a coupler. The first and second strip lines are connected in series to form an unbalanced line, the third and fourth strip lines form a first balanced line, and the fifth and sixth strip lines form a second balanced line. First and second resistors are electrically connected between a first balanced terminal and a second balanced terminal, and between another first balanced terminal and another second balanced terminal, respectively.