180 Degree Hybrid Coupler Compact Multi-Layer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 180° hybrid couplers are large, difficult to manufacture, and have limited bandwidth, preventing them from operating at high frequencies and efficiently supporting multiple satellite constellations in antenna feed networks.
Innovation Solution
A compact 180° hybrid coupler design featuring coupled-line couplers and a transmission line, allowing for wider bandwidth and operation at higher frequencies, with a smaller form factor and improved manufacturing ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known 180° hybrid coupler designs are used, then the coupler provides stable signal combination and splitting, but the device size becomes larger than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid coupler is divided into multiple coupled-line sections (first, second, third, and fourth coupled-line couplers) with specific electrical lengths. Each section performs a portion of the signal combination and splitting function, allowing the overall device to achieve the required 180° phase difference and signal distribution while reducing the total device size compared to conventional single-section designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-layer printed circuit board construction with coupled lines positioned on different layers. This three-dimensional arrangement allows signal paths to be stacked vertically rather than extending horizontally, significantly reducing the footprint area while maintaining the necessary electrical length and coupling characteristics for reliable signal combination and splitting.
2Ease of operation
If known 180° hybrid coupler designs are used, then the coupler provides signal distribution function, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into a single integrated structure: the coupled-line sections simultaneously provide signal splitting, phase shifting, and impedance transformation. The same physical structure that provides the 180° phase difference also performs the signal distribution function, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupled-line coupler structure serves multiple purposes: it acts as a signal splitter, a phase shifter, and an impedance matching element all at once. This multi-functionality reduces the number of discrete components needed and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the required signal distribution performance.
3Reliability
If known 180° hybrid coupler designs are used, then the coupler operates at specific frequencies, but the bandwidth becomes narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the electrical lengths of different coupled-line sections (e.g., first coupled-line coupler with length L1, second with L2, etc.) to optimize performance across a wide frequency range. By carefully selecting different electrical lengths for each section, the design maintains the 180° phase difference and proper signal distribution over a broad bandwidth, enabling operation across multiple frequency bands including L, S, C, and X bands.
4Ease of operation
If known 180° hybrid coupler designs are used, then the coupler provides phase control function, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase control function is achieved by dividing the coupler into multiple sections with specific electrical lengths. Each coupled-line section contributes a predetermined phase shift, and the cumulative effect of these sections provides the required 180° phase difference between output ports. This segmented approach simplifies the design process and makes the phase control function more predictable and easier to implement.
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 enables the 180° hybrid coupler to operate over a wider frequency band, supporting multiple satellite constellations and reducing device size and manufacturing costs, allowing for more devices in a given space.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first, second, and third coupled-line couplers is defined by at least one ground conductor and first and second signal conductors... The transmission line is connected to the first signal conductor of the first coupled-line coupler at the second end of the first coupled-line coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A 180° hybrid coupler includes three coupled-line couplers connected between two inputs and two outputs. Each of the three coupled-line couplers is defined by at least one ground conductor and only two signal conductors.