Reconfigurable Rat Race Coupler with Phase Shifters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rat race couplers have limited bandwidth and are constrained to specific frequencies, requiring multiple devices for different operating frequencies, which leads to inefficient use of chip area.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable rat race coupler with phase shifters on transmission lines that allow for adjustable characteristic impedance and delay, enabling operation across a wide frequency range using a single device by varying the phase shifters' inductance and capacitance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rat race couplers are used for different operating frequencies, then frequency adaptability is improved, but chip area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rat race coupler reconfigurable through phase shifters that can dynamically adjust the electrical length and characteristic impedance of transmission lines. This allows a single coupler to adapt to different operating frequencies by changing its phase shifter settings, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-frequency couplers and thus reducing chip area while maintaining frequency adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single rat race coupler that can serve multiple frequency bands through the integration of phase shifters. The coupler can be reconfigured to operate at different frequencies by adjusting the phase shifter states, making one device perform the function of multiple frequency-specific couplers, thereby reducing the total chip area required
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase shifters are added to enable frequency reconfiguration, then frequency adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each transmission line into segments with phase shifters inserted at specific locations. This segmentation allows independent control of different parts of the transmission line, enabling frequency reconfiguration through phase shifters while maintaining a modular and manageable structure that limits the increase in device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If characteristic impedance and delay are changed for frequency adaptation, then frequency range is extended, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using phase shifters to dynamically adjust the electrical characteristics (characteristic impedance and delay) of the transmission lines. Instead of requiring different physical dimensions for different frequencies, the phase shifters change the electrical parameters, extending the frequency range while avoiding stringent manufacturing precision requirements for multiple fixed-frequency structures
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 significant frequency change without altering chip area, allowing reuse of large circuit components at different frequencies with minimal energy loss and maintaining acceptable performance.
Implementation Method 1
varying the phase shifters' inductance and capacitance
Implementation Method 2
varying the phase shifters' inductance and capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable rat race coupler and methods of designing and reconfiguring the rat race coupler are disclosed. The reconfigurable rat race coupler, includes a plurality of transmission lines. The plurality of transmission lines include: a first transmission line and a second transmission line each of which comprise a phase shifter; and a third transmission line and a fourth transmission line each of which comprise phase shifters. A signal input on port 1 is provided between the phase shifters on the third transmission line, which is split between ports 2 and 3, with port 4 being isolated and port 2 being between the phase shifters on the fourth transmission line.