Switchable Wilkinson Combiner-Splitter Circuit With Lower Chip Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beamforming circuits, particularly in high-frequency radar and data communication systems, are bulky due to the use of numerous passive components like SPDT switches and Wilkinson elements, occupying significant chip area and causing high losses.
Innovation Solution
A switchable combiner and/or splitter circuit integrating Wilkinson elements with switchable components, such as hetero bipolar transistors, that function as both a quarter-wave transmission line in the off-state and an SPDT switch in the on-state, reducing the number of components and chip area while minimizing losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cascade of SPDT switches and Wilkinson elements is used for beamforming, then the circuit provides complete signal routing functionality, but the chip area occupation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the SPDT switch and Wilkinson element into a single integrated circuit block. The switchable combiner and/or splitter circuit integrates the signal routing function of the SPDT switch with the power splitting/combining function of the Wilkinson element, eliminating the need for separate cascaded components and thereby reducing chip area occupation while maintaining complete signal routing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit block performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a signal router (SPDT switch functionality) and a power splitter/combiner (Wilkinson element functionality). This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thus reducing the overall chip area while maintaining adaptability for various signal routing configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple passive components are integrated for beamforming, then the circuit achieves complete signal processing capability, but the overall losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the SPDT switch and Wilkinson element into a single integrated block, the patent reduces the number of interconnections and component interfaces. This integration minimizes the cumulative losses that would occur at each interface between separate components, while maintaining complete signal processing capability through the combined functionality of the integrated block
3Ease of manufacture
If separate SPDT switches and Wilkinson elements are used, then the circuit provides modular design flexibility, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated circuit block, reducing the total number of discrete components that need to be managed, placed, and connected. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces device complexity, while the internal architecture of the integrated block maintains the design flexibility needed for modular beamforming configurations
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 proposed circuit reduces chip area and overall losses by integrating Wilkinson elements with switchable components, enabling efficient signal transmission and reception in time division multiplexing systems.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment the switchable component provides in its OFF state for a capacitance that is required to form a quarter wave transmission line for the Wilkinson element
Implementation Method 2
combining elementary antennas in an antenna array in such a way that signals at specific angles experience constructive interference while others experience destructive interference
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A switchable combiner and/or splitter circuit comprising at least two Wilkinson elements is suggested. The switchable circuit comprises one first terminal and for each Wilkinson element one pair of second terminals associated with the corresponding Wilkinson element. Each Wilkinson element connects the first terminal with the associated pair of second terminals. Each Wilkinson element includes a switchable component enabling selectively activating the associated pair of second terminals. The proposed solution combines a Single-Pole-Double-Through switch and a Wilkinson element and, thus, reduces the chip area required for integrating the circuit.