Switchable Signal Routing Circuit with Variable Resistor Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal routing circuits fail to simultaneously match all ports for impedance, allow individual selection of output ports, minimize insertion loss, reduce temperature dependency, and minimize sensitivity to manufacturing variations while maintaining linearity and broadband frequency response.
Innovation Solution
A switchable signal routing circuit using variable resistors connected to a common node, where resistance values are set based on the number of active ports, incorporating digitally controlled PIN diodes or FETs to achieve impedance matching and minimize insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive N-way splitter with fixed resistors is used to distribute signals to multiple output ports, then all ports can be impedance matched simultaneously, but insertion loss increases because (N-1)/N of the input power is dissipated inside the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed resistors with variable resistors whose resistance values can be adjusted based on the number of active output ports. This allows the circuit to adapt its impedance characteristics dynamically, maintaining impedance matching while reducing power dissipation when fewer ports are active.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter of the resistors from fixed to variable, allowing the resistance values to be modified according to the operational state (number of active ports). This parameter change enables the circuit to optimize both impedance matching and power efficiency under different operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If a SPNT switch is used to select one output port at a time, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases because only one output port can be selected among N output ports at any given time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching function by providing individual variable resistors for each output port instead of using a single SPNT switch structure. This segmentation allows each port to be independently controlled and selected, enhancing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple circuit topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each output port universally selectable through the use of variable resistors that can be adjusted for any active port configuration. The circuit structure supports multiple functions: it can operate as a power splitter when all ports are active, or as a selectable routing circuit when fewer ports are active, providing multi-functionality.
3Loss of energy
If reactive elements are used to create a non-dissipative N-way power divider, then insertion loss is minimized, but bandwidth is reduced because reactive elements are inherently frequency-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses variable resistors whose resistance values can be changed based on the number of active ports, allowing the circuit to maintain low insertion loss across different operating conditions while avoiding the frequency-dependent limitations of reactive elements. This parameter adjustability enables broadband operation.
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 enables broadband impedance matching of all ports, reduces insertion loss, minimizes temperature dependency, and enhances linearity, while reducing sensitivity to manufacturing variations, allowing individual selection of output ports and maintaining broadband frequency response from DC to infinite.
Implementation Method 1
the ports are connected via variable resistors to a common node, wherein the switchable signal routing circuit is configured to set resistance values of the variable resistors in dependence on a number of active ports
Implementation Method 2
incorporating digitally controlled PIN diodes or FETs to achieve impedance matching and minimize insertion loss
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable signal routing circuit for routing a signal between at least one input port and at least one output port is provided. The ports are connected via variable resistors to a common node, wherein the switchable signal routing circuit is configured to set resistance values of the variable resistors in dependence on a number of active ports.