Wide-band Hybrid Coupler with Arbitrary Phase Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hybrid couplers have limitations in providing broadband capabilities and integrated functionalities, particularly in next-generation broadband networks, due to restricted phase shifts and power split ratios, which are insufficient for compact and highly integrated microwave systems.
Innovation Solution
A wideband hybrid coupler design featuring a cascade of coupled stripline sections with monotonically changing horizontal offsets and uniform vertical distances, incorporating a single stripline section and capacitor for tuning, enabling arbitrary phase shifts and power split ratios, and integrating functionalities like power splitting, phase shifting, and variable attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional hybrid couplers with single octave bandwidth are used, then the device structure is simple, but the bandwidth is insufficient for broadband networks
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid coupler is divided into multiple cascaded coupled stripline sections, each contributing to the overall broadband response. The multi-section design allows each section to handle a portion of the bandwidth requirement, achieving extended bandwidth through segmentation of the coupling function across frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar coupling to broadside coupling configuration where striplines are positioned on opposite sides of the substrate with vertical separation. This three-dimensional arrangement enables broader bandwidth by utilizing the vertical dimension for coupling, allowing overlapping frequency responses across cascaded sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hybrid couplers are used, then the phase shift and power split ratios are fixed, but this restricts adaptability for integrated functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid coupler incorporates variable coupling sections with adjustable parameters that allow dynamic control of phase shift and power split ratios. By making the coupling characteristics可调 (adjustable) rather than fixed, the device can adapt to different functional requirements while maintaining a relatively compact structure through shared substrate and coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-section coupled stripline design provides universal functionality by enabling arbitrary phase shifts and power split ratios within a single device structure. The same physical platform supports multiple operating modes and functional configurations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for different functions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multi-section coupled striplines with monotonically changing horizontal offset are used, then broadband phase response is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal offset between coupled striplines varies monotonically along the length of the coupler sections, with each local section having a specific offset value optimized for its frequency range. This gradual, controlled variation in local coupling strength across the structure achieves broadband flat phase response while using standard fabrication tolerances for each individual section.
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 broadband phase response and power ratio flatness over a wide frequency range, supporting arbitrary phase shifts and power splits, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional couplers and enabling integrated broadband systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each coupled stripline pair is configured to be broadside coupled at a predetermined horizontal offsets
Implementation Method 2
A single stripline section and a capacitor may be coupled in series to the coupler for tuning purposes
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for coupling microwave signals with arbitrary phase shifts and power split ratios over broadband may comprise a first branch comprising a cascade of first stripline sections connected to one another. A second branch may comprise a cascade of second stripline sections connected to one another. A single stripline section and a capacitor may be coupled in series to at least one of the branches. The first stripline sections of the first branch and the corresponding second stripline sections of the second branch form broadside coupled stripline sections. Those cascaded coupled stripline sections may be arranged to have a monotonically changing horizontal offsets but at a uniform vertical distance.