Miniature 180 degree power splitter

Details Miniature 180 degree power splitter Miniature 180 degree power splitter

2002-07-31

2004-10-19

Tokar, Michael (Department: 2819)

Wave transmission lines and networks

Plural channel systems

Having branched circuits

C333S025000, C333S118000, C333S124000, C333S131000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06806790

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to power splitters in general and more particularly to a two way 180 degree power splitter having a small package size.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Power splitters operating at frequencies below 1GHz have been made with ferrite transformers along with appropriate resistors and capacitors arranged around the ferrite transformer. These splitters provide multi-decade bandwidth. The power splitter components are packaged on a printed circuit board. In some applications, printed circuit board space can be extremely limited with additional space just not available. In some applications, it is desirable to build multiple output-port splitters such as 4-way and 8-way by cascading the splitters. Unfortunately, placing resistors and capacitors beside each transformer complicates the assembly program followed by the automated pick and place surface mount assembly equipment. This leads to lower production by the assembly machinery.
FIG. 1
shows a schematic of a prior art 2 way 180 degree power splitter circuit for frequencies of 1-750 MHz. Circuit
20
has transformers T
1
, T
2
, T
3
and T
4
. Transformer T
1
is connected between ground and an input terminal IN. Transformer T
2
has one end connected to winding W
1
of transformer T
3
and the other end connected to winding W
3
of transformer T
4
. The mid-points of transformers T
1
and T
2
are connected to ground through a capacitor C
1
. A resistor R
1
is connected across transformer T
2
. Transformer T
3
has a windings W
1
and W
2
. Winding W
1
is connected between transformer T
2
and output terminal OUT
2
. Winding W
2
has both ends connected to ground. Transformer T
4
has windings W
3
and W
4
. Winding W
3
is connected between transformer T
2
and ground. Winding W
4
has one end connected to ground and the other end connected to output terminal OUT
1
. The circuit of
FIG. 1
is a 2 way power splitter that provides an output signal that has 0 degrees of phase shift at terminal OUT
2
and 180 degrees of phase shift at terminal OUT
1
. The circuit of
FIG. 1
requires four transformers to perform the power splitting function.
While power splitters have been used, they have suffered from taking up excessive printed circuit board space and in having multiple transformers that add expense and complexity to manufacturing. A current unmet need exists for a power splitter that takes up less printed circuit board space with fewer components that can be easily assembled.
SUMMARY
It is a feature of the invention to provide a power splitter having a small package size that has repeatable electrical characteristics.
Another feature of the invention is to provide a power splitter that includes a substrate having several layers. The substrate has a first and a second outer surface. A resistor is formed on the first outer surface. A ground plane is formed on one of the layers. One or more capacitor electrodes are located on one of the layers. The capacitor electrodes form a capacitor. Several terminals are located on the first and second outer surfaces. A transformer is attached to the first outer surface and is electrically connected to the terminals, the resistor, the capacitor and the ground plane. The transformer provides impedance matching and dividing. Several vias extend between the layers to provide an electrical connection between the resistor, the capacitor, the terminals, the ground plane and the transformer.
Another feature of the invention is to provide a power splitter that takes up less printed circuit board space and has improved electrical repeatability.
A further object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a 180 degree power splitter.


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