Broadband Power Splitter With Tunable Capacitance for Output Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF power splitters, such as Wilkinson splitters, fail to maintain adequate output isolation across wide frequency bands like 1.8 GHz to 2.2 GHz, leading to performance degradation and inability to meet minimum 25 dB output isolation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power splitter design with variable capacitance in each signal path, utilizing a combination of capacitances in parallel with switches to select effective capacitance values, and inductance coupling to ground, allowing for adjustable frequency responses and improved isolation across a wide band, supported by a control circuit for optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Wilkinson splitter design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the output isolation deteriorates across wide frequency bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the capacitance values adjustable through switching mechanisms. Each signal path includes multiple capacitors (C1a, C1b, C1c, C2a, C2b, C2c) that can be selectively connected or disconnected via switches (SW1, SW2, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6), allowing the circuit to dynamically adapt its electrical characteristics to different frequency bands while maintaining high output isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying capacitance values across different frequency bands. The control circuit receives band identification signals and adjusts the capacitance configuration in each signal path accordingly, enabling the splitter to optimize its performance for specific frequency ranges (e.g., Band 3, Band 39, Band 25) while maintaining adequate output isolation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed capacitance values are used, then the circuit is simpler, but the frequency response cannot be adjusted for different bands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the circuit dynamic by introducing switches that can selectively connect different capacitor combinations based on the operating frequency band. This allows the same physical circuit to adapt its electrical characteristics for different bands (e.g., LTE Band 3, Band 39, Band 25) without requiring separate hardware for each band.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by designing a single power splitter circuit that can handle multiple frequency bands through reconfigurable capacitance. The same circuit structure serves multiple purposes by adjusting capacitor connections, eliminating the need for separate splitters for different bands and enabling universal operation across various LTE bands.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable capacitance with multiple switches is implemented, then frequency response adjustability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using a control circuit that automatically selects the appropriate capacitance configuration based on the received band identification signal. The system autonomously adjusts its parameters without requiring manual intervention, making operation simple despite the underlying complexity of multiple capacitors and switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control circuit receives band identification signals and uses this information to determine the appropriate capacitance configuration. This closed-loop control ensures that the correct capacitor combination is selected for each frequency band, enabling automatic frequency response tuning without increasing operational complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
Broadband power splitter. In some embodiments, a power splitter can include an input port, a first output port and a second output port. The power splitter can further include a first signal path implemented between the input port and the first output port, and a second signal path implemented between the input port and the second output port. Each of the first and second signal paths can include a variable capacitance configured to provide a plurality of capacitance values that result in different frequency responses of the respective signal path.