Hybrid Coupler Phase Compensation for Nonlinear Insertion Phase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid couplers face challenges in providing effective phase compensation for nonlinear insertion phase, leading to inefficiencies in power transfer and signal processing across a wide range of frequencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hybrid coupler with a thru port and a coupled port terminated into equal reactances, along with a phase compensating amplifier system comprising multiple amplifiers and couplers, to provide a phase advance and compensate for insertion phase delays, ensuring proper phase balance and maximum power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hybrid coupler is used with non-binary number of amplifiers, then phase compensation capability is improved, but insertion phase nonlinearity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid coupler is designed to provide a predetermined phase advance angle that anticipates and counteracts the nonlinear insertion phase effect before it degrades signal quality. By pre-configuring the phase compensation mechanism, the system proactively neutralizes phase distortion rather than reacting to it
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the phase parameter by introducing a specific phase advance angle through the hybrid coupler configuration. This parameter modification allows the system to compensate for insertion phase nonlinearity, enabling reliable operation with non-binary numbers of amplifiers while maintaining acceptable phase linearity
2Power
If equal reactances are used in hybrid coupler ports, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but phase balance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining equal reactance magnitudes for power efficiency, the invention introduces asymmetric phase advance angles in the hybrid coupler design. This controlled asymmetry in phase configuration enables precise phase balance compensation without compromising the power transfer efficiency achieved through equal reactance termination
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid coupler is designed with dynamic phase compensation capability that adapts to different operating conditions. The phase advance angle is configured to dynamically counteract insertion phase variations, maintaining phase balance across different frequency ranges and amplifier configurations while preserving power transfer efficiency
3Reliability
If phase advance is provided to compensate insertion phase, then phase balance is improved, but frequency range limitations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid coupler design provides universal phase compensation that functions across multiple frequency ranges and different amplifier configurations including non-binary numbers. The equal reactance termination and phase advance mechanism create a versatile solution that maintains phase balance whether operating at baseband, intermediate frequencies, or radio frequencies, with various amplifier counts
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 solution achieves precise phase compensation, enabling maximum power transfer and maintaining proper phase balance across a wide frequency range, effectively addressing the nonlinear insertion phase challenges in hybrid couplers.
Implementation Method 1
A coupler can be implemented as a pair of transmission lines that provide mutual inductance and capacitance
Implementation Method 2
A coupler can be implemented as a pair of transmission lines that provide mutual inductance and capacitance
Implementation Method 3
The output signal can have a phase shift relative to the input signal equal to about two times a delay of the thru port of the hybrid coupler minus 90°
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for amplifying an input signal can comprise a plurality of couplers. A splitting coupler of the plurality of couplers can receive the input signal and a combining coupler of the plurality of couplers can provides an output signal. N number of amplifiers can be included in the circuit to amplify the input signal, wherein N is a non-binary integer greater than one. At least one of the plurality of couplers can comprise a hybrid coupler that has two ports terminated into substantially equal reactances.