Compact Power Divider Using Coupled Transmission Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Wilkinson power dividers/combiners require larger device areas and higher production costs due to the use of two quarter-wave transmission lines that diverge to prevent electromagnetic coupling.
Innovation Solution
A power divider/combiner design incorporating a first transmission line with two parts of equal length, and two additional transmission lines of the same length disposed in close proximity to the first transmission line for electromagnetic coupling, along with a resistor to enhance isolation between ports, allowing for in-phase output signals at multiple ports with reduced device area and production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If two quarter-wave transmission lines are spaced apart and diverged to prevent electromagnetic coupling, then electromagnetic coupling is prevented, but device area increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple transmission lines into a single transmission line structure. The single transmission line is configured with specific impedance variations along its length to perform the functions that traditionally required multiple separate lines, thereby reducing device area while maintaining the desired electromagnetic isolation and signal distribution characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameters along the length of the transmission line to achieve the desired signal splitting and isolation effects. By varying the characteristic impedance at different sections of the transmission line, the patent accomplishes what traditionally required multiple physically separated lines, thus reducing area while preventing harmful electromagnetic coupling.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If two quarter-wave transmission lines are spaced apart and diverged to prevent electromagnetic coupling, then electromagnetic coupling is prevented, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple transmission lines into a single transmission line structure. The single transmission line is configured with specific impedance variations along its length to perform the functions that traditionally required multiple separate lines, thereby reducing device area while maintaining the desired electromagnetic isolation and signal distribution characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameters along the length of the transmission line to achieve the desired signal splitting and isolation effects. By varying the characteristic impedance at different sections of the transmission line, the patent accomplishes what traditionally required multiple physically separated lines, thus reducing area while preventing harmful electromagnetic coupling.
3Area of stationary object
If a single transmission line with electromagnetic coupling is used, then device area is reduced, but electromagnetic coupling between ports occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the impedance parameters along the length of the transmission line to achieve the desired signal splitting and isolation effects. By varying the characteristic impedance at different sections of the transmission line, the patent accomplishes what traditionally required multiple physically separated lines, thus reducing area while preventing harmful electromagnetic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transmission line into multiple sections with different characteristic impedances. This segmentation allows the line to perform multiple functions (signal splitting, isolation, impedance matching) within a single compact structure, reducing area while preventing harmful electromagnetic coupling through proper impedance design.
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 design achieves efficient signal division and combination with reduced power loss and area, maintaining ideal scattering parameters and minimizing amplitude imbalance and phase difference, thus offering a cost-effective and compact solution.
Implementation Method 1
The second transmission line and the third transmission line are both disposed in the vicinity of the first transmission line without contacting the first transmission line, so that the second transmission line and the third transmission line are electromagnetically coupled with the first transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
A power divider/combiner includes a first transmission line that includes a first part and a second part, and a second transmission line and a third transmission line that are electromagnetically coupled with the first transmission line. The first part, the second part, the second transmission line and the third transmission line are each of a particular length. The first part, the second transmission line and the third transmission line are respectively connected to a first port, a second port and a third port for inputting/outputting signals having a target wavelength equal to four times the particular length.