Directional Coupler Multilayer Dielectric Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional couplers face challenges in making fine adjustments to the degree of coupling between main and sub-lines due to the difficulty in varying the thickness of the dielectric layer without affecting the proximity of the lines, leading to significant changes in coupling strength.
Innovation Solution
A directional coupler with a multilayer body featuring stacked dielectric layers and main and sub-line portions connected in series, where the second main line portion and sub-line portions are on different dielectric layers, allowing for independent adjustments of the coupling by varying the thickness of specific dielectric layers without altering the proximity between other line portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the thickness of the dielectric layer between the first coupling line and the second coupling line is adjusted, then the degree of coupling between the lines changes, but the proximity of the entire first coupling line and second coupling line changes significantly causing large variations in coupling degree
Solution Approach 1:
The first coupling line is divided into a first main line portion and a second main line portion, which are connected in series. Similarly, the second coupling line is divided into a first sub-line portion and a second sub-line portion. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the dielectric layer thickness between specific portions (second main line portion and second sub-line portion) without affecting the overall line proximity, thereby enabling fine adjustment of coupling degree.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric layer thickness is made non-uniform along the coupling lines. Specifically, the thickness between the second main line portion and second sub-line portion can be adjusted independently from other sections. This local variation in dielectric layer thickness allows precise control of coupling degree in specific regions without changing the overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adjustment precision and structural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the dielectric layer thickness is varied to adjust coupling, then coupling degree changes, but insertion loss increases due to altered proximity between lines
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling lines into multiple portions and allowing the dielectric layer thickness to vary only in specific segments (between second main line portion and second sub-line portion), the invention enables coupling degree adjustment without changing the proximity of other line portions. This maintains stable signal transmission characteristics and reduces insertion loss while achieving precise coupling control.
3Ease of operation
If the entire first coupling line and second coupling line are moved closer or farther apart, then coupling degree changes, but fine adjustment becomes difficult due to large variations in coupling strength
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling lines are segmented into multiple portions, with only specific portions (second main line portion and second sub-line portion) positioned on adjustable dielectric layers. This allows incremental, fine-grained adjustment of coupling degree by modifying the dielectric layer thickness in localized regions, rather than requiring large-scale movement of entire lines, thus achieving both ease of operation and adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of dielectric layer thickness in specific regions to control coupling degree. By adjusting the thickness parameter of the dielectric layer between the second main line portion and second sub-line portion, fine control over coupling strength is achieved without needing to move the entire lines, enabling precise adjustment within a manageable range.
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
Enables precise control over the coupling degree between the main and sub-lines, improving phase difference characteristics and reducing insertion loss by allowing subtle adjustments in coupling strength without affecting the proximity of other line portions.
Implementation Method 1
the first sub-line portion being electromagnetically coupled to the first main line portion, the second sub-line portion being electromagnetically coupled to the second main line portion
Data Source
AI summary
A directional coupler includes a multilayer body including a plurality of stacked dielectric layers, a main line including a first main line portion and a second main line portion which are connected in series to each other in this order and that is provided in the multilayer body, and a sub-line including a first sub-line portion and a second sub-line portion which are connected in series to each other in this order, the first sub-line portion being electromagnetically coupled to the first main line portion, the second sub-line portion being electromagnetically coupled to the second main line portion, and the sub-line being provided on one side in a stacking direction with respect to the main line in the multilayer body. The second main line portion is provided on a dielectric layer that is different from a dielectric layer on which the first main line portion is provided and/or the second sub-line portion is provided on a dielectric layer that is different from a dielectric layer on which the first sub-line portion is provided.