Wide band electrical delay line

Details Wide band electrical delay line Wide band electrical delay line

1999-03-09

2001-08-28

Pascal, Robert (Department: 2817)

Wave transmission lines and networks

Coupling networks

Delay lines including long line elements

C333S138000, C333S140000, C333S161000, C333S164000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06281765

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to electrical delay lines. More particularly, it relates to an electrical (i.e., non-mechanical) delay line capable of delaying a band of signals without significant distortion.
2. Background of Related Art
Delay lines are devices used by circuit designers to delay a particular signal input a predetermined amount of time before being output at an appropriate output port. Ideally, a delay line delays an input signal independent of the input frequency (i.e., is non-dispersive).
Conventional delay lines have been mechanically adjustable coaxial devices which typically insert a center conductor into an outer conductor a predetermined amount to provide the desired delay. Such delay lines having an adjustable transit time are typically called a “trombone”. Unfortunately, mechanics in any circuit causes concern for reduced reliability and increased cost of manufacture.
Another conventional type of delay line has a plurality of taps, each tap having a predetermined delay associated therewith. However, multiple-tap delay lines suffer from interruptions in the signal and impedance caused by each of the various taps between the input and the chosen tap output.
There is a need for a delay line which does not suffer from the disadvantages inherent in conventional electromechanical or multiple-tap delay lines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an electrical delay line comprises a first transmission line having a first propagation velocity. A second transmission line has a second propagation velocity different from the first propagation velocity. A plurality of electrical cross connect circuits are between the first transmission line and the second transmission line.
A method of electrically adjusting a delay line in accordance with another aspect of the present invention comprises the provision of a first transmission line having a first plurality of segments. The first plurality of segments are connected by respective first transmission line switches. A second transmission line is provided having a second plurality of segments. The second plurality of segments are connected by respective second transmission line switches. An input segment of the first transmission line is selectably connected with an output segment of the second transmission line.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3781722 (1973-12-01), Pierson
patent: 3852689 (1974-12-01), Watson
patent: 5680079 (1997-10-01), Inami et al.

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