Embedded Directional Couplers With Tuning Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional directional couplers face challenges in achieving high directivity and coupling coefficient, which affects the accuracy of signal sampling and monitoring, particularly in RF applications, due to limitations in design configurations and materials used.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of embedded directional couplers with a main line and coupled line separated by a varying separation distance, incorporating a dielectric layer and electrically conductive tuning elements arranged in specific patterns, such as regular, complex regular, or irregular patterns, to enhance the coupling coefficient and directivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional directional couplers use fixed separation distance between main line and coupled line, then the structure is simple, but the coupling coefficient and directivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed separation distance to a variable separation distance between the main line and coupled line. The separation distance varies along the length of the coupler, allowing the electromagnetic coupling to be dynamically adjusted at different positions. This enables optimization of the coupling coefficient while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through systematic variation rather than random complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the separation distance parameter along the length of the directional coupler. Instead of using a constant separation distance, the design varies this parameter to create regions of different coupling strength. This parameter variation allows precise control over the coupling coefficient and directivity performance, resolving the contradiction between achieving high manufacturing precision and maintaining simple device structure.
2Measurement precision
If conventional directional couplers use uniform design configuration, then the manufacturing is easy, but the signal sampling accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by implementing non-uniform design configurations at different locations along the directional coupler. The separation distance, line dimensions, or material properties are optimized locally to achieve specific performance requirements at different positions. This local optimization enhances signal sampling accuracy by creating tailored coupling regions while the overall manufacturing process remains feasible through systematic design approaches.
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 configuration increases the directivity and coupling coefficient of the directional coupler, leading to improved accuracy in signal sampling and monitoring, while also reducing the overall system size and enhancing design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric layer; an electrically conductive ground layer coupled with the dielectric layer and electrically isolated from the main line and the coupled line with the dielectric layer
Implementation Method 2
The variation of the separation distance may create harmonic interference for an electromagnetic wave carried across the main line
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of electrically conductive tuning elements at least partially encapsulated in the dielectric layer... the plurality of electrically conductive tuning elements increasing a coupling coefficient and/or directivity of the directional coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A directional coupler includes an electrically conductive main line coupled at least partially in and/or on a dielectric layer and having input and output ports. An electrically conductive coupled line separated from the main line includes a coupled port and is at least partially formed in and/or on the dielectric layer. An electrically conductive ground layer couples with the dielectric layer and is electrically isolated from the main and coupled lines. One or more tuning elements, formed of electrically conductive elements arranged in a pattern (but electrically isolated from the main and coupled lines and ground layer) and/or formed using an electrically conductive layer (the electrically conductive layer electrically isolated from the main and coupled lines and ground layer and with or without a pattern of openings therein) are at least partially encapsulated in the dielectric layer and increase a coupling coefficient and/or directivity of the directional coupler.