Reconfigurable Passive Power Divider for Inactive Path Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passive power dividers and combiners are inefficient when operating with a subset of active elements, as they distribute power to inactive elements, leading to loss and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable passive power divider/combiner circuit that can operate in multiple modes, including a mode where power is not communicated along paths leading to inactive elements, allowing power to be distributed to active paths instead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a passive power divider distributes power to all elements, then all elements can potentially operate, but power is wasted on inactive elements leading to loss and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The power divider incorporates switching elements that dynamically reconfigure the circuit topology based on operational requirements. When certain elements are inactive, the switches redirect power away from those elements, eliminating waste. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same circuit to adapt between different operating modes (full operation vs. partial operation) without permanent structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different circuit configurations to different paths within the power divider. Active paths receive power through optimized routing, while inactive paths are isolated or reconfigured. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain high efficiency for active elements while preventing power waste in inactive branches.
2Productivity
If a passive power combiner receives signals from all paths, then all elements can contribute, but inactive paths still consume power and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The power combiner uses switching mechanisms to dynamically adjust which paths are active for signal combination. When certain elements are inactive, the switches reconfigure the circuit to exclude those paths from power distribution, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining efficient signal combination from active elements only.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the power combiner by altering circuit connectivity based on element status. Through controlled changes in circuit topology (via switches), the system optimizes power distribution parameters to match actual operational needs, preventing power waste on inactive paths while maintaining combiner efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If active gain elements are used to compensate for power loss, then power efficiency can be maintained, but the circuit becomes more complex and difficult to use as both divider and combiner
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power management function from the signal processing function. Instead of using active gain elements that would add complexity to the signal path, the design separates power distribution control into a distinct switching network. This extraction allows passive power management independent of signal amplification, maintaining circuit simplicity while compensating for power loss through intelligent routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces switching elements as intermediaries between the power source and the divider/combiner elements. These switches act as mediators that control power flow without being part of the signal processing path. This intermediary approach enables efficient power management while keeping the signal path simple and maintaining the ability to function as both divider and combiner.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for implementing a circuit capable of operating as a passive power divider or combiner are described. In at least some embodiments multiple modes of operation are supported with one of the modes being a mode in which power is not communicated along one of the paths in the circuit, e.g., because the path leads to an inactive component or element. The methods and apparatus are well suited for use in communications devices and/or transceiver circuits. The passive nature of the power combiner/divider allows the device in some embodiments to act as a power divider when signals pass through the circuit in a first direction, e.g., during a transmit mode of operation, and to act as a power combiner when signals pass through the circuit in the other direction, e.g., during a receive mode of operation.