High Power RF Splitter Combiner Grounded Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high power RF splitter/combiner technologies, such as the Wilkinson design, require balanced isolation loads that return to ground, leading to issues like stray capacitance and inductance, and are complex and costly for high power applications, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A high power RF splitter/combiner design that operates without the need for balanced isolation loads, using coaxial transmission lines with grounded isolation loads to minimize electromagnetic radiation and cross-coupling, and features a simple, cost-effective housing, capable of operating over one octave with maintained isolation and scalability through higher power-rated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Wilkinson design with balanced isolation loads is used, then isolation between ports is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the isolation load from the balanced configuration and connects it directly to ground, eliminating the need for complex balanced isolation load networks while maintaining isolation performance between ports
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using balanced isolation loads that float between nodes, the patent inverts the approach by grounding the isolation load directly, simplifying the configuration while achieving the same isolation effect
2Reliability
If balanced isolation loads are used, then port isolation is improved, but stray capacitance and inductance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balanced isolation load configuration that introduces stray capacitance and inductance, replacing it with a simple grounded isolation load that eliminates these harmful parasitic effects
Solution Approach 2:
The grounded isolation load creates an inert electrical environment by providing a stable reference to ground, eliminating the parasitic capacitance and inductance that would otherwise couple between ports
3Reliability
If complex isolation load configurations are used, then isolation performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the isolation load from complex balanced configurations and implements it as a simple grounded component, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining isolation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive grounded isolation loads instead of expensive balanced isolation load networks, achieving the same functional result with much lower cost components
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
The solution provides improved isolation, reduced complexity and cost, and enhanced robustness for high power applications, eliminating stray capacitance and inductance issues while maintaining performance across a wide frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
using coaxial transmission lines with grounded isolation loads to minimize electromagnetic radiation and cross-coupling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an improved high power RF (radio frequency) splitter/combiner that is appropriate for use in a wide range of frequencies and applications, including KHz to GHz, including in the L, S, and C bands. The present invention provides a high power RF splitter/combiner that operates without the inconvenience of the balanced isolation load requirement of the Wilkinson splitter/combiner topology—i.e. the isolation load returns to ground rather than being connected between a pair of floating nodes.