Low Impedance Circulator with Custom Port Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circulators and isolators require complex cascading impedance transformations to accommodate loads with impedances other than the standard 50 ohms, leading to increased cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A circulator design that allows for different impedance values at various ports, achieved through modifications in transformer dimensions and dielectric materials, enabling direct impedance matching without the need for additional transformation circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard 50 ohm impedance transformation circuitry is employed in circulators, then predictable impedance matching is achieved, but complex cascading impedance transformers are required when connecting to devices with non-50 ohm impedances, increasing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different impedance values at different ports of the circulator. Specifically, at least one port is configured with a different impedance than the standard 50 ohms, allowing direct connection to devices with matching impedances without requiring additional transformation circuits. This localized impedance customization eliminates the need for complex cascading transformers while maintaining reliable impedance matching for the specific application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameter of the circulator ports from the standard 50 ohms to different values (such as 75 ohms, 600 ohms, or other custom values). This parameter change allows the circulator to directly interface with external devices having non-standard impedances, thereby eliminating the need for additional impedance transformation circuitry and reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional impedance transformation circuits are added to accommodate non-50 ohm loads, then impedance matching is achieved, but the cost and complexity of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides different impedance values at different ports to match specific external devices. For example, a port can be configured with 75 ohms for video equipment, 600 ohms for audio equipment, or other custom values. This localized impedance customization enables direct connection to diverse loads without requiring additional transformation circuits, thereby improving adaptability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a fixed 50 ohm circulator and adding transformation circuits to accommodate non-standard impedances, the patent inverts the approach by configuring the circulator ports with non-standard impedances from the outset. This inversion eliminates the need for additional transformation circuits while achieving compatibility with diverse loads.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed 50 ohm impedance is provided at all ports, then industry standard compatibility is maintained, but the natural impedance of the circulator (much less than 50 ohms) requires complex transformation circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the impedance parameter of at least one port from the standard 50 ohms to a different value. This parameter change allows the circulator to operate closer to its natural impedance characteristics while still providing predictable and stable impedance matching for the specific application, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for complex transformation circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains standard 50 ohm impedance at some ports while providing different impedance values at other ports. This localized customization allows the circulator to accommodate both standard and non-standard devices without requiring complex transformation circuits, thereby simplifying the overall design while maintaining ease of manufacture through partial standardization.
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
This approach simplifies the design, reduces size and cost, and allows for efficient operation with diverse external circuitry, broadening the frequency bands and eliminating the need for complex impedance transformers.
Implementation Method 1
The microstrip line member includes a connecting portion with three strip electrodes radially extending from a central portion to radial positions corresponding to the periphery of the disk-shaped microwave ferrite member. The microstrip line member also includes branch lines that radially extend from the central portion between adjacent strip electrodes, and further includes low impedance lines that are connected to a tip end portion of each branch line.
Data Source
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AI summary
A circulator may include a first port having a first port impedance matching circuit defining an impedance of the first port, a second port having a second port impedance matching circuit defining an impedance of the second port, and a third port having a third port impedance matching circuit defining an impedance of the third port. In an example embodiment, the impedance of the first port may be provided to match an impedance of a first external circuit, the impedance of the second port may be provided to match an impedance of a second external circuit, and the impedance of the third port may be provided to match an impedance of a third external circuit. The impedance of the third port may be different than the impedance of the first port.