Directional Coupler Internal Ground Layout for Signal Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing directional couplers experience a decrease in signal transfer efficiency as the distance between the lower ground and the coupler line increases, leading to inconsistent operation.

Innovation Solution

The coupler design includes an internal ground disposed between the external ground and the coupler line, allowing for the adjustment of the coupler line's location within the ground, thereby improving signal transfer efficiency and coupler characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the distance between the lower ground and the coupler line increases, then the coupler line can be positioned more freely, but the signal transfer efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom to adjust coupler line locationVSAvoidsignal transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The ground structure is segmented into an external ground and an internal ground, with the coupler line positioned between them. This segmentation allows the coupler line to be freely located within the ground structure without compromising signal transfer efficiency, as the internal ground provides the necessary reference plane close to the coupler line while the external ground maintains the overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the interval between internal grounds is reduced, then the coupler line width can be minimized, but the structural space for coupling becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupler line widthVSAvoidspace between grounds
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ground structure transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration with internal grounds positioned at different heights. This dimensional change allows the coupler line width to be minimized by reducing the interval between internal grounds in the vertical dimension, while still providing adequate coupling space through the vertical separation between internal and external grounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

By reducing the interval between internal grounds, the coupler line width can be minimized, allowing for various pattern changes and improved signal transfer efficiency across different frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

a part of the signal that is applied to the first line is coupled to the second line. The amount of coupling from the first line to the second line is determined by a coupling coefficient of the first line and the second line, and the coupling coefficient is determined by permittivity and a distance between two lines.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250038392A1coupler
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 AMOTECH CO LTD
  • US20250038392A1 patent drawing
  • US20250038392A1 patent drawing
  • US20250038392A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coupler, which includes: a coupler body having an external ground formed on an outer surface thereof; a coupler line positioned inside the coupler body and electrically connected to a port electrode for signal connection with the outside; an internal ground arranged between the external ground and the coupler line and electrically connected to the external ground; and a port line having one end electrically connected to the port electrode and the other end electrically connected to the coupler line.