Lumped-Element Power Splitter for Wide Bandwidth in Small MMICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power splitters face challenges in achieving a small physical size, wide bandwidth, and minimal component usage, with transmission line-based splitters being large and lumped element-based splitters having narrow bandwidth and numerous components.
Innovation Solution
A power splitter design incorporating both low pass and high pass elements, each comprising series capacitors and shunt inductors, allowing for a compact structure with enhanced bandwidth and reduced components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If transmission line-based power splitters are used to achieve wide bandwidth, then the bandwidth is improved, but the physical size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the transmission line-based design into a lumped element-based design by changing the physical parameters from distributed elements to concentrated L and C components. This parameter change enables wide bandwidth performance while significantly reducing the physical footprint of the power splitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/transmission line structure with an electrical lumped element circuit model. By substituting the physical transmission line architecture with equivalent L and C components arranged in specific topologies, the design achieves the same electrical performance with reduced physical dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If lumped element-based power splitters are used to reduce physical size, then the size is reduced, but the bandwidth becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lumped L and C elements into integrated circuit implementations, combining their functions into unified structures. This merging approach maintains the compact size advantage while the synergistic interaction of combined elements extends the operational bandwidth beyond what individual elements could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite circuit topologies that combine series and parallel arrangements of inductors and capacitors in specific configurations. These composite structures create multiple resonance paths and impedance matching mechanisms that collectively broaden the bandwidth while maintaining compact physical dimensions.
3Device complexity
If conventional lumped element designs are used to reduce component count, then fewer components are used, but the bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs L and C elements that serve multiple functions simultaneously: impedance transformation, signal coupling, and bandwidth extension. Each component is engineered to perform multiple roles in the circuit, reducing the total component count while the coordinated action of these multi-functional elements achieves wide bandwidth performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An example power splitter and associated methods are provided herein. In some embodiments, the power splitter may include a first port. In some embodiments, the power splitter may include a plurality of second ports. In some embodiments, the power splitter may include one or more low pass elements. In this regard, the one or more low pass elements may include at least one series inductor and at least one shunt capacitor. In some embodiments, the power splitter may include one or more high pass elements. In this regard, the one or more high pass elements may include at least one series capacitor and at least one shunt inductor. In some embodiments, each of the one or more high pass elements and each of the one or more low pass elements is electrically connected to the first port and the plurality of second ports.