M-way coupler phase shifting network for symmetric layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large M-way couplers in phased arrays lead to non-identical coupling paths and increased complexity due to widely spaced ports, making it difficult to connect them to other function blocks efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An M-way coupler design featuring a first port, M second ports, M transmission line sections, M isolation resistors, and a phase shifting network that provides a phase shift within a predetermined tolerance, allowing for a symmetric layout and identical circuit design across coupling paths, reducing the need for redundant routing lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of ports M is increased to reduce the amount of M-way couplers required, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but the circuit design becomes non-identical and the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally introducing different phase shifts to different output ports through the phase shifting network. This asymmetric phase compensation compensates for the path length differences caused by the symmetric physical layout, thereby maintaining identical circuit designs for all coupling paths while achieving the desired coupling efficiency with large M values
2Ease of operation
If the M input/output ports are widely spaced apart to simplify routing lines, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device area increases and circuit non-identicality occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional planar layout. The ports are arranged in a compact 2D pattern (e.g., grid or circular arrangement) rather than being spread out linearly, which reduces the overall device area while maintaining adequate spacing for routing lines and enabling identical circuit designs across all paths
3Ease of operation
If the M input/output ports are widely spaced apart to simplify routing lines, then the ease of operation is improved, but the circuit design becomes non-identical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally introducing different phase shifts to different output ports through the phase shifting network. This asymmetric phase compensation compensates for the path length differences caused by the symmetric physical layout, thereby maintaining identical circuit designs for all coupling paths while achieving the desired coupling efficiency with large M values
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 enables simpler and more efficient connection of M-way couplers to other function blocks by maintaining identical layout designs across different coupling paths, reducing complexity and the number of couplers required in phased arrays.
Implementation Method 1
The M transmission line sections couple the first port to the M second ports, respectively
Implementation Method 2
An essential feature of the M-way couplers is that they only couple power flowing in one direction. Power entering the output port is not coupled
Implementation Method 3
The phase shifting network is arranged to provide a phase shift within a predetermined tolerance margin between arbitrary two I/O terminals of the M I/O terminals of the phase shifting network
Data Source
AI summary
An M-way coupler having a first port, M second ports, M transmission line sections, M isolation resistors and a phase shifting network is disclosed, where M is an integer number greater than 1. The M transmission line sections couple the first port to the M second ports, respectively. Each of the M isolation resistors has a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminals of the M isolation resistors are coupled to the M second ports, respectively. The phase shifting network has M I/O terminals coupled to the second terminals of the M isolation resistors, respectively. The phase shifting network is arranged to provide a phase shift within a predetermined tolerance margin between arbitrary two I/O terminals of the M I/O terminals of the phase shifting network.