Multilayer Distributor Phase Adjustment for Low Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-frequency applications like 5G, the increasing number of stacked layers in Wilkinson distributors leads to longer VIA wiring lengths, which compromises isolation characteristics due to the wavelength effects at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A distributor and synthesizer design featuring a phase adjustment unit connected in series with a resistor, which adjusts phase rotation amounts, and is arranged between the output branch unit and coupling terminal, optimizing characteristic impedance and phase rotation to achieve downsizing and low loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distribution number is increased using conventional tournament form, then the distribution capability is improved, but the total transmission line length becomes long, leading to increased size and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar tournament form to a three-dimensional multilayer structure with vertical VIA connections. This dimensional change allows signal paths to extend through multiple layers, effectively reducing the horizontal transmission line length while maintaining distribution capability. The distributor achieves 4 divisions in 3 layers and 6 divisions in 5 layers, demonstrating how vertical stacking resolves the length issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the distributor into multiple functional segments across different layers: input branch unit, distribution lines, output branch unit, coupling terminal, and isolation resistor, each placed on optimized layers. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's position and connection, reducing overall transmission line length while maintaining performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of stacked layers is increased to achieve higher distribution numbers, then the distribution capability is improved, but the VIA wiring length becomes longer, compromising isolation characteristics at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the VIA length parameter and its electrical characteristics. By optimizing the VIA wiring length and characteristic impedance to match the surrounding transmission lines, the patent minimizes wavelength effects at high frequencies (20 GHz or more) while maintaining necessary isolation characteristics. The isolation resistor is strategically placed and connected through optimized VIA structures to ensure proper isolation despite the multilayer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an isolation resistor as an intermediary element that compensates for the isolation degradation caused by long VIA connections. This resistor, with specifically designed resistance value, acts as a mediator to restore isolation characteristics between distributed ports, enabling high-frequency operation in multilayer structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the VIA wiring length is increased in multilayer structures, then the distribution capability is improved, but the wavelength effects at high frequencies compromise isolation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the VIA wiring parameters including length, diameter, and characteristic impedance to minimize wavelength effects at high frequencies. By controlling these parameters, the patent reduces the electrical length of VIAs relative to the operating wavelength, thereby minimizing phase errors and isolation degradation caused by wavelength effects in the 20 GHz or higher frequency range.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributor and a synthesizer with low loss are disclosed. In one example, a distributor/synthesizer has a distribution line that distributes a path from an input branch unit connected to an external transmission line on an input side into n-distributed paths. An output branch unit divides the n-distributed paths into an internal side and an external transmission line on an output side. On the internal side, a phase adjustment unit is arranged between the output branch unit and a coupling terminal, and adjusts the phase. A phase rotation amount from the input branch unit to the output branch unit of each of the n-distributed paths is π/2 [rad], and a phase rotation amount from the output branch unit to the coupling terminal is π [rad] or a real number multiple of π [rad]. The present disclosure can, for example, be applied to an FEM of a signal processing device.