Spiral Lange Coupler Layout for Broadband in Small Chip Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing broadband couplers, such as hybrid and Lange couplers, face challenges in achieving sufficient bandwidth and minimizing insertion loss while maintaining a compact size, particularly for advanced mobile communication systems like 5G.
Innovation Solution
The proposed ultra-small size broadband Lange coupler is designed with spiral-shaped lines and inter-connection lines that connect the ends of these lines through vias, reducing the overall size and minimizing insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hybrid coupler structure with 4 transmission lines is used, then broadband characteristics are achieved, but the chip area becomes large and bandwidth is insufficient for 5G systems
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission lines are configured in a nested arrangement where odd-numbered lines (1st and 3rd) are positioned adjacent to each other, and even-numbered lines (2nd and 4th) are positioned adjacent to each other, with the odd and even groups nested relative to one another. This nesting allows the four transmission lines to be compactly arranged, reducing chip area while maintaining the required broadband characteristics for 5G systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multi-layer substrate structure to arrange transmission lines in different spatial dimensions. By distributing lines across multiple layers and using vertical stacking, the design achieves compact footprint while maintaining the electrical performance required for broadband operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Lange coupler structure is used, then bandwidth of 20% or higher is achieved, but the gap between ports consumes excessive chip area
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission lines are configured in a nested arrangement where odd-numbered lines (1st and 3rd) are positioned adjacent to each other, and even-numbered lines (2nd and 4th) are positioned adjacent to each other, with the odd and even groups nested relative to one another. This nesting allows the four transmission lines to be compactly arranged, reducing chip area while maintaining the required broadband characteristics for 5G systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If RC parallel circuits are connected in multiple stages to achieve broadband, then broadband characteristics are achieved, but insertion loss reaches 5 dB or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the electrical length of each transmission line to λ/8 at the center frequency, and adjusts the characteristic impedance and spacing parameters to achieve the desired coupling ratio and phase difference. By carefully controlling these parameters, the design achieves broadband operation with reduced insertion loss compared to conventional multi-stage RC circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an ultra-small size broadband coupler. A Lange coupler according to an embodiment includes: first lines which are formed in a spiral shape, and have a first port and a second port formed at one end thereof and have connection ends formed at the other end thereof; and second lines which are formed in a spiral shape, and have connection ends formed at one end thereof to be connected to the connection ends of the first lines, and have a third port and a fourth port formed at the other end thereof. Accordingly, the Lange coupler maintains broadband characteristics while minimizing its area, so that it is possible to design a small component for mobile communication and to noticeably reduce an insertion loss.