Switched Multi-Coupler Apparatus Reducing Control Line Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing directional couplers require a large number of control lines and voltage signals to achieve various interconnection options, which complicates the selection and operation of multiple electromagnetic couplers, especially in applications involving multiple frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a switching arrangement that minimizes the number of control lines and voltage signals by using a combination of switches, buses, and control inputs to selectively interconnect multiple electromagnetic couplers, allowing for efficient selection between forward and reverse coupled signals, and enabling connection to termination impedances or output ports, with a reduced number of control inputs required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electromagnetic couplers are interconnected with various switching options to achieve flexible interconnection and selection between forward and reverse coupled signals, then the versatility and adaptability of the system is improved, but the number of control lines and voltage signals required increases, leading to increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control line by using a binary selection code system. Instead of requiring separate control lines for each switch, the invention merges the control signals into a compact binary representation that can selectively activate any coupler pair through a unified control mechanism, thereby reducing the overall number of control lines while maintaining full interconnection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control line is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. A single control line carrying binary selection codes can select between different couplers, determine forward or reverse signal direction, and manage multiple switching operations all through one universal control interface, eliminating the need for dedicated control lines for each specific function.
2Ease of operation
If multiple control inputs are provided to manage the switching between multiple couplers and signal directions, then the ease of operation and control precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of control inputs exceeds the minimal requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter representation from individual control inputs for each switch to a binary coded parameter system. By encoding the selection of couplers and signal directions into binary values, the system achieves precise control with minimal inputs. The binary parameter system allows any number of couplers to be selected using only log2(N) control inputs, where N is the number of couplers, thereby maintaining ease of operation while minimizing complexity.
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
This approach reduces the complexity and number of control inputs needed, allowing for flexible interconnection of couplers while maintaining efficient operation, thereby simplifying the management of multiple couplers in various frequency bands and reducing signal loss.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic coupling mechanism, which can include inductive and/or capacitive coupling, is typically provided by two parallel or overlapped transmission lines
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic coupler apparatus includes a plurality of couplers, each having a coupled port and an isolation port. The coupler apparatus includes an output port configured to provide a coupled signal from one or more of the plurality of couplers, and a number of selection control inputs. Each of the selection control inputs is configured to control one or more switches to select an individual one of the plurality of couplers to provide at least a portion of the coupled signal at the output port.