Microwave Directional Coupler With Electronic Means For Signal Difference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional couplers require two separate devices for monitoring waves traveling in opposite directions, which is cumbersome and costly, especially in space-limited applications, and lacks optimal performance in isolation, directivity, and coupling characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A directional coupler with a main transmission line and a coupler line, where an electronic means is connected between the first and second ports to reduce signal differences induced by magnetic and electric components of electromagnetic waves, allowing for single-device monitoring of both incident and reflected waves with improved directivity and isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate directional couplers are used to monitor incident and reflected waves, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate directional coupler functions (monitoring incident waves and monitoring reflected waves) into a single integrated device. The main transmission line couples with a single coupler line that has four ports, allowing simultaneous monitoring of both forward and reverse traveling waves through one device structure, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining full monitoring capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate directional couplers are used to monitor incident and reflected waves, then monitoring capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of two separate directional couplers into one integrated device with a single coupler line and main transmission line structure. This consolidation reduces the quantity of components needed, lowers manufacturing costs, and eliminates the need for two separate devices while maintaining the capability to monitor both incident and reflected waves simultaneously
3Reliability
If quarter-wave directional coupler length is used, then coupling reaches maximum, but device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupler line into distinct functional sections: a first section for coupling incident waves and a second section for coupling reflected waves. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function with shorter lengths, while the overall device maintains maximum coupling efficiency through proper positioning and configuration of these segmented sections along the transmission line
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
Enables efficient monitoring of both incident and reflected microwaves with enhanced directivity, isolation, and coupling characteristics, reducing the need for separate devices and improving performance in space-constrained applications.
Implementation Method 1
The coupler line 120 is placed in proximity to the main transmission line 110 such that electromagnetic coupling is established between the main transmission line 110 and the coupler line 120
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a directional coupler comprising a main transmission line (110) comprising an input port (111) and an output port (112) for transmitting a first electromagnetic wave from the input port to the output port and a second electromagnetic wave in the opposite direction, a coupler line (120) arranged proximate to the main transmission line for electromagnetic coupling between the two lines, and a linear electronic means (130). The coupler line comprises a first port (121) at a first one of its ends and a second port (122) at its opposite end (or second end) between which the electronic means is arranged. The electronic means is configured to reduce the output signal induced by the first electromagnetic wave at the second port and the output signal induced by the second electromagnetic wave at the first port. For this purpose, the electronic means is configured to reduce the difference between the oppositely directed signals induced at the second port by the magnetic and the electric components, respectively, of an electromagnetic field coupled to the coupler line and originating from the first electromagnetic wave and also configured to reduce the difference between the oppositely directed signals induced at the first port by the magnetic and the electric components, respectively, of an electromagnetic field coupled to the coupler line and originating from the second electromagnetic wave.