Tunable Electromagnetic Coupler With Adjustable Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic couplers have fixed coupling factors, which can lead to inconsistent power measurement and are not adaptable to varying frequency bands or manufacturing variations, making them less suitable for modern applications requiring precise signal monitoring and broader frequency support.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a tunable electromagnetic coupler design featuring a tuning element and adjustable impedance, allowing for selective adjustment of the coupling factor and filtering effects by varying the impedance coupled to a reference node, such as ground, which can be achieved through resistive or reactive components and switchable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed coupling factor is used in conventional electromagnetic couplers, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to varying frequency bands and manufacturing variations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coupling factor adjustable rather than fixed. A tuning element (such as a variable capacitor or inductor) is introduced that can be adjusted to change the coupling factor dynamically, allowing the coupler to adapt to different frequency bands and manufacturing variations while maintaining a relatively simple basic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling factor parameter by introducing a tuning element that modifies the electrical characteristics of the coupler. By adjusting the tuning element (e.g., changing capacitance or inductance values), the coupling factor can be varied to achieve optimal performance across different frequency bands and to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed coupling factor is used in conventional electromagnetic couplers, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of power measurement are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the coupler to self-adjust its coupling factor to compensate for manufacturing variations. The tuning element can be adjusted (manually or automatically) to achieve the desired coupling factor, allowing the device to correct for its own manufacturing imperfections and achieve consistent power measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling factor parameter to compensate for manufacturing variations. By providing an adjustable tuning element, the actual coupling factor can be fine-tuned during or after manufacturing to achieve the specified performance, thereby improving power measurement consistency without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
3Measurement precision
If an adjustable impedance is introduced to tune the coupling factor, then the adaptability and measurement accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the impedance parameter by introducing an adjustable impedance element (such as a variable capacitor, inductor, or resistive element) that allows tuning of the coupling factor. This enables precise control over the amount of power coupled from the main transmission line to the coupled line, improving power measurement accuracy while adding only a single tuning component to the otherwise simple coupler structure.
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 design enables adjustable coupling factors and frequency-dependent filtering, improving power measurement accuracy and adaptability to multiple frequency bands, reducing manufacturing variations and stock parts, thereby enhancing production yield and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic coupling mechanism, which can include inductive or capacitive coupling, is typically provided by two parallel or overlapped transmission lines
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable impedance coupled between the tuning element and a reference node. The adjustable impedance is configured to adjust the coupling factor
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic coupler includes a first transmission line connecting an input port to an output port and a second transmission line adjacent the first transmission line and connecting a coupled port to an isolation port. The electromagnetic coupler provides a coupled signal at the coupled port, which is representative of an input signal at the input port. The amplitude of the coupled signal is related to the amplitude of the input signal by a coupling factor. A tuning element is electromagnetically coupled to at least one of the first and second transmission lines. An adjustable impedance is coupled between the tuning element and a reference node. Varying resistive impedance components causes an adjustment to the coupling factor and reactive impedance components provide frequency filtering effects.