Microstrip Multiplexer Using Signal Processing Network for Wideband Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiplexers are limited to narrowband structures, making it difficult to design higher-level multiplexers such as triplexers, quadplexers, or wideband multiplexers that can effectively combine multiple wideband signals in communications systems.
Innovation Solution
A microstrip multiplexer is designed with multiple microstrip filters connected to a signal processing network, which combines or splits signals using a feeder, enabling the creation of wideband multiplexers with good frequency band response by employing Wilkinson power dividers or non-standard T-shaped junctions with impedance transformers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional narrowband multiplexer structures are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the bandwidth is limited and cannot effectively combine multiple wideband signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wideband signal processing into multiple narrowband filters (first narrowband filter, second narrowband filter, etc.), each handling a specific frequency subband. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wideband adaptability through multiple specialized components rather than requiring a single complex wideband structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple narrowband filter outputs through a synthesis network (power combiner, T-junction, or waveguide structure) to create a unified wideband multiplexer output. This merging approach integrates several simple narrowband structures into a functional wideband system, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and bandwidth.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional narrowband multiplexer structures are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but higher-level multiplexers (triplexer, quadplexer, etc.) cannot be designed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple independent narrowband filters (first narrowband filter, second narrowband filter, third narrowband filter for triplexers and higher) that can be individually manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation enables higher-level multiplexers to be constructed from standardized modular components, maintaining ease of manufacture while increasing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthesis network (power combiner, T-junction, or waveguide) serves as a universal component that can combine outputs from any number of narrowband filters, enabling the same basic structure to support duplexers, triplexers, quadplexers, and higher-level multiplexers through simple configuration changes rather than redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple narrowband filters are combined to achieve wideband functionality, then the bandwidth increases, but the isolation between frequency bands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each narrowband filter is designed with specific frequency-selective characteristics optimized for its designated subband, creating local quality in the frequency domain. The synthesis network then combines these locally optimized filters while maintaining their individual frequency selectivity, achieving both wideband coverage and good isolation between bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthesis network (power combiner, T-junction, or waveguide) acts as an intermediary that carefully combines the outputs of multiple narrowband filters. This intermediary structure is designed to maintain isolation between frequency bands by providing proper impedance matching and minimizing coupling between different filter outputs, thereby preserving reliability while enabling wideband operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a microstrip multiplexer, including a feeder, multiple microstrip filters, and a signal processing network. The multiple microstrip filters are separately connected to the signal processing network, and the signal processing network is connected to the feeder. Output signals of the microstrip filters of the multiple microstrip filters are combined by using the signal processing network and then output by using the feeder and/or a signal input from the feeder is split by using the signal processing network and then output to the microstrip filters. In the embodiments of the present invention, a wideband multiplexer that combines multiple wide subband signals for using can be implemented, and each subband has good frequency band response.