RF Power Amplifier Module Coupler Layout for Low-Loss Combining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor amplifiers face limitations in power per unit module and high combining loss when multiple combiners are used, with existing combiners having a limited number of combinable input ports and high loss coefficients.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency power amplifier module with a module-type design that includes a coupler extending from the module body for easy assembly and maintenance, featuring a shielded module main body with a coupler for electromagnetic wave transmission and a flange for secure attachment, allowing for easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple existing combiners are combined in a multi-stage to overcome the limitation of the number of combinable input ports, then the number of combinable input ports is increased, but the final combining loss rapidly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of combinable input portsVSAvoidcombining loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the combiner into multiple independent module-type combiners, each handling a subset of input ports. This segmentation allows each individual combiner to operate with optimized coupling coefficients, minimizing loss at each stage rather than accumulating loss across a single multi-stage structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the coupling coefficient of each individual combiner module to minimize combining loss. By adjusting this parameter for each module rather than applying a uniform coefficient across all stages, the system achieves lower overall combining loss while supporting more input ports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a waveguide cavity combiner is used to increase the number of input ports in the high frequency, then the number of input ports is significantly increased, but the complexity of installing and maintaining a large number of amplifiers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of input portsVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple identical module-type combiners, each handling a specific subset of input ports. This modular architecture simplifies installation and maintenance by allowing individual modules to be independently handled, tested, and replaced without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each module-type combiner is designed with universal characteristics, allowing them to perform the same function for different subsets of input ports. This universality simplifies the overall system design and makes installation and maintenance more straightforward, as the same module design can be replicated across multiple positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If existing combiners are used for semiconductor amplifiers, then the amplifiers can be combined to achieve higher power, but the loss coefficient at each combining stage increases the final combining loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput powerVSAvoidcombining loss
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the coupling coefficient parameter for each individual combiner module to minimize combining loss. By carefully selecting and adjusting this parameter, the system achieves efficient power combining while maintaining low loss at each stage, thereby reducing the final combining loss even as output power increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the power combining into multiple independent modules, each operating with optimized parameters, the system avoids the cumulative loss problem of multi-stage existing combiners. Each module processes a subset of amplifiers with optimized coupling, reducing overall loss while achieving the desired high output power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates easy installation, maintenance, and reduces combining loss by enabling individual performance verification and calibration, addressing phase and amplitude imbalances, and ensuring high combining efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a coupler configured to electrically connect to the amplifier semiconductor, and protrude and extend to the outside of the module main body to transmit a radio frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

wherein on the front side of the module main body, an assembly slot is provided so that the coupler extends from the inside to the outside of the module main body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4318795B1Radio frequency power amplifier module
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KOREA INST OF FUSION ENERGY
  • EP4318795B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4318795B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4318795B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a radio frequency power amplifier module. The radio frequency power amplifier module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a module main body one or more amplifier semiconductor installed inside the module main body, and a coupler electrically connected to the amplifier semiconductor and protruding and extending to the outside of the module main body to transmit electromagnetic waves.