Side Coupler Circuit Board for Power Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional communication devices require additional space and incur higher costs due to the need for power directional couplers or power-sensing ICs to monitor output power, which also introduce additional insertion loss.

Innovation Solution

A circuit board design incorporating a side coupler that replaces conventional power directional couplers, with a microstrip line and side coupler coupled to generate power for conversion, allowing for adjustable coupling loss to fit desired power detection ranges, thereby reducing board size and manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional power directional couplers or power-sensing ICs are installed to monitor output power, then power detection capability is achieved, but board area increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower detection capabilityVSAvoidboard area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the power detection function directly into the existing microstrip line structure by adding a side coupler, eliminating the need for separate power directional couplers or power-sensing ICs. This merging of functions reduces board area while maintaining power detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side coupler structure serves multiple purposes: it provides power detection capability while being integrated into the existing transmission line architecture. The same structural elements (microstrip line, ground plane, dielectric layer) serve both signal transmission and power monitoring functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If conventional power directional couplers or power-sensing ICs are installed to monitor output power, then power detection capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power detection function is merged into the existing microstrip line structure using a side coupler approach, eliminating the need for expensive separate power-sensing ICs or power directional couplers. This integration reduces component count and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The side coupler is implemented using standard PCB fabrication techniques with conventional materials (copper traces, dielectric layers, ground planes), replacing expensive specialized components. The structure can be manufactured using standard PCB processes without requiring additional expensive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If conventional power directional couplers or power-sensing ICs are installed to monitor output power, then power detection capability is achieved, but insertion loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower detection capabilityVSAvoidinsertion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power detection function is extracted from separate expensive components and implemented as a coupled structure that takes a portion of the signal through the side coupler. This extraction approach allows power monitoring without requiring the main signal path to pass through lossy directional couplers or sensing ICs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The side coupler acts as an intermediary structure that couples energy from the microstrip line to the detection path without requiring the main signal to pass through lossy components. The coupled structure provides a low-loss path for both signal transmission and power detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces the size of the circuit board and manufacturing costs while maintaining negligible insertion loss and significant power detection accuracy, outperforming conventional methods by allowing for adjustable coupling loss to fit desired power detection ranges.

Implementation Method 1

a side coupler disposed on the lower surface and extending into the bottom cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a microstrip line disposed on the upper surface and extending into the top cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10320048B2Circuit board and communication device with side coupler

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 MICROELECTRONICS TECH INC

AI summary

A communication device includes a circuit board having an upper surface and a lower surface, an upper housing disposed on the upper surface, and a lower housing disposed on the lower surface. The circuit board includes a top metal frame disposed on the upper surface, wherein the top metal frame defines a top cavity; a bottom metal frame disposed on the bottom surface, wherein the bottom metal frame defines a bottom cavity corresponding to the top cavity; a microstrip line disposed on the upper surface and extending into the top cavity; and a side coupler disposed on the lower surface and extending into the bottom cavity. The upper housing includes a depression corresponding to the top cavity, and the lower housing includes an aperture corresponding to the bottom cavity.