Broadband,High-Performance Couplers with Dielectric Overlays for Microwave Integrated-Circuit Applications.

摘要

A systematic design approach is used to develop a class of high-performance, broadband, directional couplers for microwave integrated-circuit application. The couplers are characterized by two asymmetric quarter-wavelength coupling sections covered by dielectric overlays. All design parameters of these couplers, except the overlay thickness, are determined by computer analysis. This approach, which minimizes the empirical operations and improves the predictability and repeatability, results in a coupler design suitable for integrated systems production. The design, fabrication, and evaluation of 6-, 10-, and 20-dB directional couplers is presented. The measured and predicted performance characteristics of these couplers compare well and demonstrate the use of this systematic coupler-design approach. Sufficient design detail and discussion is included to permit reproduction of these dielectric-overlay couplers.