Pros and Cons of Microstrip Directional Couplers Miniaturization

摘要

The article considers the pros and cons of miniaturization of directional couplers operating at low frequencies. The studies were conducted on the traditionaldirectional directional couplers with a central frequency of 2 GHz, dimensions were reduced due to artificial transmission lines. It was possible to reduce the area by 45% relative to the area of the standard design. The use of artificial lines allows for a compact design along with a number of advantages, such as saving material, suppressing higher harmonics, because the lines used serve as a low-pass filter. However, disadvantages are also present, i.e. the complexity of the design process and the deterioration in the characteristics of the device.