Dielectric-Tuned Load-Pull Network for High mm-Wave Reflection

The patent replaces mechanical wave guide based tuners with an electronic tuner using varactor diodes and electronic switches. The mechanical adjustment of impedance is substituted with electronic control through voltage-variable capacitors (varactors) and switchable transmission line configurations, eliminating bulky mechanical components while maintaining impedance matching capability.

The patent uses varactor diodes whose capacitance can be electronically tuned by changing the reverse bias voltage. This allows continuous adjustment of the impedance parameters without mechanical movement. The electrical parameters (capacitance values) are changed dynamically to achieve different impedance states, replacing mechanical positioning with electrical parameter control.

The patent combines multiple tuning mechanisms into a single integrated structure. The varactor-loaded transmission line is merged with switchable stub configurations, creating a hybrid tuner that leverages both electronic tuning (varactors) and discrete impedance transformation (switches). This combination allows the compact electronic tuner to achieve higher reflection coefficients than either mechanism alone.

The patent employs a composite tuning approach using varactor diodes (non-linear capacitive elements) combined with transmission line stubs and switches. This composite structure integrates different impedance transformation mechanisms within a single compact device, enabling the tuner to achieve both high reflection coefficients and broadband operation without requiring bulky mechanical components.