Miniaturized 3-Way Splitter Layout for Wideband PCB Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wideband 3-way power splitters for quasi-omni base station antennas require significant space, limiting their integration on ultra-dense antenna panels and making maintenance inaccessible due to concealed solder joints.
Innovation Solution
A compact, two-stage twelfth-wave transformer design with parallel folded microstrip lines is used to miniaturize the 3-way splitters, allowing them to be integrated on the same panel as the antenna array, with meandering paths to maintain impedance control and reduce PCB real estate by approximately 33% compared to conventional quarter-wave transformers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional quarter-wave transformers are used in 3-way power splitters, then bandwidth is achieved, but the PCB area occupied is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transformer wave parameter from quarter-wave to twelfth-wave, fundamentally altering the electrical length parameter to achieve both miniaturization and bandwidth enhancement simultaneously. This parameter transformation allows the transformer to provide the necessary impedance transformation while occupying significantly less PCB area and providing broader bandwidth coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a two-stage transformer architecture that adds a temporal dimension to the impedance transformation process. By cascading two twelfth-wave transformer stages, the system achieves broader bandwidth coverage through cumulative frequency range expansion, effectively using the stage sequence as an additional design dimension.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional power splitters are placed on the inside of the panel or in different sub-layers, then space is saved, but accessibility for maintenance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna panel into distinct functional zones: the front face contains the antenna array and accessible power splitters, while the back face contains support structures. This spatial segmentation allows power splitters to be positioned on the front panel where they are easily accessible for maintenance, rather than being concealed inside or in separate sub-layers.
3Productivity
If the number of ports is increased in quasi-omni BSAs, then communication efficiency is improved, but the antenna volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple antenna elements and their associated power splitting networks into a highly integrated compact structure. By using miniaturized twelfth-wave transformers and optimizing the spatial arrangement of multiple 3-way power splitters within the panel, the system achieves high port density (24-ports or more) without proportionally increasing the overall antenna volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple power splitter stages are hierarchically organized within the panel structure. The two-stage twelfth-wave transformers are nested within compact PCB layouts, and multiple splitters are arranged in a space-efficient configuration that maximizes port density while minimizing the overall antenna footprint.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a splitter for use in an ultra-dense multi-band antenna. The splitter comprises a first twelfth-wave transformer and a second twelfth-stage transformer coupled serially. The first twelfth-wave transformer stage has a split and two parallel paths, each of the two parallel paths having a meander structure, and wherein the second twelfth-wave transformer stage has a splitter junction and a plurality of splitter branches. By splitting the input to the first twelfth-wave transformer stage into two parallel paths, it is possible to provide a controlled input impedance while providing meander lines that are compact and thus take up less real estate on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board).