Bidirectional Coupler Subline Symmetry for Directivity Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directional couplers used in bidirectional applications face a mismatch in directivity between forward and reverse direction signals, leading to inequivalent electrical characteristics and monitoring inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional coupler configuration with a multilayer board design, featuring a subline electromagnetically coupled to multiple main lines, ensuring symmetrical arrangement of coupled portions to equalize electrical characteristics and enhance directivity for both forward and reverse signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional directional coupler is used for bidirectional monitoring, then the structure is simple, but the directivity for forward and reverse signals becomes inequivalent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing a complementary structure that compensates for the inherent asymmetry in the coupling mechanism. The complementary coupled lines are designed with specific geometric relationships to the main coupled lines, creating a balanced overall structure that achieves equivalent directivity for both forward and reverse signals while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the counterweight principle by introducing complementary coupled lines that produce opposing electromagnetic effects to balance the directivity. The complementary structure acts as a counterbalancing element that compensates for the directivity mismatch, allowing both forward and reverse signals to be monitored with equivalent precision
2Ease of manufacture
If the sub line is asymmetrically coupled to main lines, then the manufacturing is easier, but the electrical characteristics for forward and reverse directions become unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing a complementary asymmetric structure that balances the overall electrical characteristics. While individual coupling sections may be asymmetric for manufacturing ease, the complementary structure ensures that the combined electrical characteristics are symmetric, providing equal performance for forward and reverse directions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully designing the geometric parameters of the complementary coupled lines (such as width, length, and spacing) to achieve the desired electrical characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the patent maintains manufacturing ease while ensuring equivalent electrical performance for both signal directions
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 improved directivity for both forward and reverse direction signals, enabling effective monitoring and feedback control in communication devices with enhanced accuracy and performance.
Implementation Method 1
the sub line comprising a first line portion that is electromagnetically coupled to the first main line, an even number of second line portions that are electromagnetically coupled to the second main line, and an even number of third line portions that are electromagnetically coupled to the third main line
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional coupler includes a multilayer board, a first main line, a second main line, a third main line, and an sub line. The sub line includes a first line portion, an even number of second line portions, and an even number of third line portions. One half of the second line portions is provided between the first line portion and one end of the sub line. The other half of the second line portions is provided between the first line portion and the other end of the sub line. One half of the third line portions is provided between the one half of the second line portions and the one end of the sub line. The other half of the third line portions is provided between the other half of the second line portions and the other end of the sub line.