Uniplanar RF Power Splitter for Smart Garments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiofrequency power dividers for smart garments are bulky and complex to integrate, making them unsuitable for use in smart clothing applications.

Innovation Solution

A printed circuit in uniplanar technology with transmission lines on a dielectric substrate, forming a single radiofrequency power divider block with an input channel and three output channels, designed for low-cost printing on a single face of the substrate, reducing the circuit's footprint and facilitating integration into smart garments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional microstrip printed circuit topology is used for power dividers, then good electrical performance and isolation between channels are achieved, but the circuit becomes bulky and complex to integrate into smart garments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical performanceVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power divider is segmented into a single integrated block with three output channels, eliminating the need for multiple separate dividing blocks and reducing overall circuit complexity while maintaining electrical performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements (input channel, three output channels, and isolation mechanisms) are merged into a single planar circuit block, simplifying the overall structure and making it suitable for integration into smart garments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If conventional multi-block power divider design is used, then adequate power distribution is achieved, but the footprint and integration difficulty increase for smart clothing applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distributionVSAvoidcircuit footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is designed in a uniplanar configuration, confining all transmission lines and components to a single plane, which minimizes the footprint and enables flexible integration into wearable applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The three output channels are arranged in a nested or compact configuration around the input channel, optimizing space utilization and reducing the overall circuit footprint

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3420643B1Printed circuit produced with uniplanar technology
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE (FR)
  • EP3420643B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3420643B1 patent drawingFigure 6~11
  • EP3420643B1 patent drawingFigure 12~16

AI summary

The invention relates to a printed circuit produced with uniplanar technology, comprising transmission lines printed on a dielectric substrate (52), said printed circuit forming a radio-frequency power splitter comprising a single splitter block having one input channel (55) and three output channels (56).