JP2015201741A - directional coupler - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the coupling direction of a directional coupler.SOLUTION: A directional coupler includes: a coupling part composed of a main signal line conductor and a sub signal line conductor arranged in parallel to the main signal line conductor; a ground conductor which is arranged separated from the main signal conductor and the sub signal conductor; a flat ground conductor which is arranged in at least one region out of a first region between the coupling part and the ground conductor and a second region in the vicinity of its side part while mutually facing the main signal conductor; and a connection conductor which connects the flat ground conductor to the ground conduct.

Description

  The present invention relates to a directional coupler mainly used in a microwave band and a millimeter wave band.

A coupled line type directional coupler in which two lines are arranged close to each other and coupled together is widely used for power monitoring (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). In the directional coupler, the characteristic impedance Z _C of the coupling line that minimizes the reflection amount and the isolation amount and maximizes the passing amount and the coupling amount is lower than the load impedance Z _{L at the} terminal end of the coupling line, and the characteristics are May deteriorate. Therefore, a directional coupler that can obtain good characteristics has been proposed.

  As such a directional coupler, there is one in which coupled lines that are close to each other and arranged in parallel and having different intervals are connected (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). The directional coupler having such a configuration has a coupling line (section) having a different line spacing, so that a directional coupler having a flat frequency characteristic of coupling amount or a directional coupler having good directionality can be obtained. Applied to realization.

  In addition, there is a directional coupler in which a ground conductor is arranged between two lines arranged close to each other in parallel (see, for example, Patent Document 3). The directional coupler having such a configuration enables good directionality because the passing phase speed of the even-odd mode can be matched.

JP 2010-193368 A JP-A-9-246818 JP-A-56-117401

David M. Pozar, “Microwave Engineering-Second Edition” (pp.384, John Wiley & Sons. Inc, published 1998)

  However, the conventional techniques (Patent Documents 1 and 2) have the following problems. Since the directional coupler having such a configuration has coupled lines (sections) having different line intervals, the occupying area of the directional coupler may increase. Furthermore, since a coupling length of a quarter wavelength or more is required, the directional coupler becomes large.

  Further, the conventional technique (Patent Document 3) has the following problems. In the directional coupler having such a configuration, since it is necessary to dispose a ground conductor between the coupling lines, the interval between the coupling lines must be widened, and the occupying area of the directional coupler becomes loosely coupled. To increase. Further, since the ground conductor is disposed between the coupled lines, the impedance difference in the even / odd mode is reduced, resulting in loose coupling.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and does not increase the occupied area of the directional coupler, and avoids deterioration of the isolation characteristic, while greatly reducing the coupling characteristic. An object is to obtain a directional coupler that prevents and has good directivity.

  The directional coupler according to the present invention is separated from the main signal line conductor and the sub signal line conductor arranged in parallel with the main signal line conductor, and the main signal conductor and the sub signal conductor. Arranged in at least one of a grounding conductor, a first region between the coupling portion and the grounding conductor, and a second region in the vicinity of the side portion, opposite to the main signal line conductor. And a connecting conductor for connecting the flat ground conductor to the ground conductor.

According to the directional coupler according to the present invention, by providing a flat ground conductor whose one end is short-circuited and the other end is open, the coupled line impedance Z _CISO and the load impedance at the terminal end are minimized. Since Z _L can be made equal, the characteristic impedance Z _{C of the} coupling line that minimizes the reflection amount and the isolation amount and maximizes the passing amount and the coupling amount in the conventional directional coupler is the directional coupling. Even when the terminal impedance is lower than the terminal load impedance Z _L connected to each terminal of the device and the directionality is deteriorated, it is possible to easily obtain a directional coupler having good directionality.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the path | route of the electric current mainly flowing through each ground conductor in the even-odd mode of the directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the simulation result regarding the passage phase at the time of the even-odd mode operation | movement of the conventional example and the directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 3rd modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 4th modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 5th modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 6th modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 7th modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 8th modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 9th modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 10th modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the modification of the other directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a directional coupler according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings by giving embodiments.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
1 is a block diagram showing an example of a directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Here, FIG. 1A is a top perspective view, and FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the A1-A1 ′ plane in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1D is a view of the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) in FIG. It is sectional drawing. In the directional coupler according to Embodiment 1, a microstrip line is used.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the structure of the directional coupler according to the first embodiment includes a flat ground conductor 1201 provided on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0001 and an inner layer of the substrate 0001. The connecting conductor 1301 provided, the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 provided on the same plane of the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002 as the upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0001, and the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 0001 It is formed from the ground conductor 1001 provided in the.

  Further, the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 arranged in parallel so as to be electrically coupled to the main signal line conductor 1101 constitute a coupling portion, and the coupling portion and the ground conductor 1001 constitute the coupling portion. It constitutes a coupled line.

  The plane of symmetry 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) passes between the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102, and is the shortest distance from the main signal line conductor 1101 and the shortest distance from the sub signal line conductor 1102. The distance is always equal. Here, the characteristic impedance when the magnetic wall boundary condition is applied to the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) is the impedance Ze of the even mode, and the electric wall boundary condition is applied to the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane). In this case, the characteristic impedance is treated as an odd-mode impedance Zo.

  The flat ground conductor 1201 intersects the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) in a region between the ground conductor 1001 and the coupling portion composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102. Has been placed.

  Further, the connection conductor 1301 is disposed so as to connect one end of the flat ground conductor 1201 and the ground conductor 1001. Here, the other end of the flat ground conductor 1201 is open.

The characteristic impedance Z _C of the coupled line that minimizes the amount of reflection and isolation in the coupled line and maximizes the amount of passage and coupling is determined to be equal to the load impedance Z _{L of the} terminal connected to each terminal. In this case, good directionality can be obtained.

When the characteristic impedance Z _C of the coupled line and the load impedance Z _{L at the} end are equal, the relationship between the passing phase θe in the even mode operation and the passing phase θo in the odd mode operation is expressed by Equation (1). Is done.

However, when the characteristic impedance Z _{C of the} coupled line is lower than the load impedance Z _{L at the} termination due to manufacturing restrictions, the relationship between the passing phase θe in the even mode operation and the passing phase θo in the odd mode operation Is expressed by the equation (2), and the passing phase θe in the even mode operation advances compared to the passing phase θo in the odd mode operation.

Here, by providing the flat ground conductor 1201 connected to the ground conductor 1001 using the connection conductor 1301, the passing phase θe in the even mode operation can be greatly delayed compared to the passing phase θo in the odd mode operation. Therefore, the passing phase at the time of even-odd mode operation can be made equal. At this time, since the coupled line impedance Z _CISO that minimizes the amount of isolation is equal to the load impedance Z _{L at the} terminal end, good directivity can be obtained.

  Next, the reason why the passing phases in the even-odd mode operation are equal for the directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a path of a current mainly flowing through each ground conductor in the even / odd mode of the directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. During the even / odd mode operation of this directional coupler, the current flowing through the main signal line conductor 1101 and the ground conductor arranged on the plane opposite to the plane on which the main signal line conductor 1101 is arranged is symmetric plane 2001 (B1- The main current path when viewed from the (B1 ′ plane) is shown.

  FIG. 2A shows a main signal line conductor 1101 and a plane opposite to the plane on which the main signal line conductor 1101 is arranged in the directional coupler shown in FIG. A path of a current mainly flowing through the ground conductor 1001, the connection conductor 1301, and the flat ground conductor 1201 is shown. FIG. 2B shows a main signal line conductor 1101 and a plane opposite to the plane on which the main signal line conductor 1101 is arranged in the directional coupler shown in FIG. A path of a current that mainly flows through the arranged ground conductor 1001, the connection conductor 1301, or the flat ground conductor 1201 is shown.

  In FIG. 2A, a current path 3001 is a path of a current mainly flowing through the ground conductor 1001 or the connection conductor 1301 and the flat ground conductor 1201 viewed from the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) during even mode operation. Represent.

  In the even mode operation shown in FIG. 2A, the magnetic wall boundary condition is applied to the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane), so that the edge coupling composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 is performed. One of the ground conductors closest to the part is a flat ground conductor 1201. At this time, the flat ground conductor 1201 is connected to the ground conductor 1001 only through the connection conductor 1301. Therefore, the current flowing through the ground conductor 1001 on the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) mainly flows along the outer periphery of the connection conductor 1301 and the flat ground conductor 1201 and again flows into the ground conductor 1001. The current flows mainly like a current path 3001.

  In FIG. 2B, the current path 3002 is a current path mainly flowing through the ground conductor 1001 or the connection conductor 1301 and the flat ground conductor 1201 viewed from the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) during the odd mode operation. Represents a route.

  At the time of the odd mode operation shown in FIG. 2B, the electric wall boundary condition is applied to the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane), so that edge coupling composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 is performed. The ground conductor close to the part and the complete conductor are a flat ground conductor 1201 and a symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane). At this time, the flat ground conductor 1201 is connected to the ground conductor 1001 via the connection conductor 1301, and is also connected to a symmetrical plane 2001 (B1-B1 'plane) that is treated as a complete conductor. Therefore, the current that flows through the ground conductor 1001 on the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) mainly flows through the current path 3002 without flowing through other than the ground conductor 1001.

  In other words, in the directional coupler of FIG. 1, a bypass current path for the current that flows mainly during the even mode operation is generated, so that the passing phase θe during the even mode operation is greatly delayed compared to the passing phase θo during the odd mode operation. Is possible.

  Therefore, when the passing phase during the even / odd mode operation is represented by the equation (2), the relationship represented by the equation (1) can be obtained by delaying the passing phase θe during the even mode operation. And directionality is improved.

  Next, the simulation result at the time of even-odd mode operation implemented in order to confirm such an effect is shown. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a simulation result relating to a passing phase during the even-odd mode operation of the conventional example and the directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Here, FIG. 3A is a simulation result of the passing phase at the time of even-odd mode operation in the directional coupler having the conventional structure shown in Non-Patent Document 1, and FIG. 3B is the structure shown in FIG. It is a simulation result of the passage phase at the time of even-odd mode operation in a directional coupler. In the two graphs shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the horizontal axis indicates a normalized frequency (denoted as Normalized Frequency), and the vertical axis indicates a passing phase (denoted as Phase).

In FIG. 3, the even-phase pass phase when the magnetic wall boundary condition is applied to the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) shown in FIG. 1 is indicated by a broken line as “even”, and the symmetry plane 2001 (B1 A three-dimensional electromagnetic field simulation using a finite element method was applied to the simulation indicated by a solid line with the odd phase passing phase as “odd” when the electric wall boundary condition was applied to (B1 ′ plane). The directional coupler having a conventional structure was designed on the assumption that the characteristic impedance Z _C of the coupled line is about 42Ω, which is lower than the load impedance Z _{L of the} terminal connected to each end = 50Ω. Here, adjustment was performed so that the coupled line impedance Z _{CISO at} which the amount of isolation is minimized approaches 50Ω, which is the same as the load impedance Z _{L at the} end.

  In FIG. 3A, the passing phase during the even mode operation is advanced as compared with the passing phase during the odd mode operation, and the difference in the passing phase during the even / odd mode operation is 0.55 deg at the normalized frequency. I understand. On the other hand, in FIG. 3B, it can be seen that the pass phase during the even mode operation and the pass phase during the odd mode operation are equal, and there is no difference in the pass phase during the even / odd mode operation at the normalized frequency. Further, comparing FIG. 3 (a) and FIG. 3 (b), it can be seen that only the passing phase during the even mode operation changes with a delay.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, when the characteristic impedance Z _{C of the} coupled line is lower than the load impedance Z _{L at the} termination due to manufacturing restrictions or the like, the connection conductor 1301 is used to connect to the ground conductor 1001. The connected flat ground conductor 1201 is provided in an area between the ground conductor 1001 and the coupling portion composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 so as to cross the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane). Thus, the directivity can be improved by adjusting the load impedance Z _{L of the} terminal connected to each terminal of the directional coupler and the coupled line impedance Z _CISO that minimizes the isolation. By combining the load impedance Z _{L of the} terminal connected to each terminal and the coupled line impedance Z _CISO , the directional coupler having an improved directionality can be obtained by equalizing the passing phase during even-odd mode operation.

  Note that the present invention can also be implemented by modifying a part of the configuration of the directional coupler described in the first embodiment. In the configuration diagram of the directional coupler used in the following description of the modification, the same or corresponding parts described in the configuration diagram (FIG. 1) of the directional coupler according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, A part of the description is omitted.

  First, in the first embodiment, a flat ground connected to the ground conductor 1001 using the connection conductor 1301 in a region between the coupling portion composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001. The case where the conductor 1201 is arranged so as to intersect with the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) is shown. The configuration is not limited to the configuration shown here, and a flat ground conductor may be disposed in a region near the side portion close to the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 'plane).

  FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a first modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a top view and a cross-sectional view in the case where a flat ground conductor is disposed so as to be close to a symmetry plane 2002 (B1-B1 ′ plane), and a coupling portion including a main signal line conductor 1101 and a sub signal line conductor 1102 and a ground conductor The flat ground conductor 1201 connected to the ground conductor 1001 using the connection conductor 1301 is a region near the side portion close to the symmetry plane 2002 (B1-B1 ′ plane), The case where the sub signal line conductor 1102 is arranged opposite to the symmetry plane 2002 is shown. Further, the flat ground conductor 1201 may be arranged opposite to the main signal line conductor 1101 instead of being arranged opposite to the sub signal line conductor 1102. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  Further, in the first embodiment, an edge coupling portion including a main signal line conductor 1101 and a sub signal line conductor 1102 provided on the same plane on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002, which is an upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0001, A microstrip in which one connection conductor (connection conductor 1301) and one flat ground conductor (flat ground conductor 1201) are arranged in a region between the ground conductor 1001 provided on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 0001. An edge-coupled directional coupler composed of lines was shown. It is not restricted to the structure shown here, You may arrange | position two or more connection conductors and two or more planar grounding conductors.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a second modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view in the case where two connection conductors and two flat ground conductors are arranged, and a main signal line conductor 1101 provided on the same plane of the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002 that is the upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0001. And a flat ground conductor 1201 opposite to the ground conductor 1001 in a region between the edge coupling portion composed of the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001 provided on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 0001, and When the flat ground conductor 1202 is arranged, the flat ground conductor 1201 is connected to the ground conductor 1001 by the connecting conductor 1301, and the flat ground conductor 1202 is connected to the ground conductor 1001 by the connecting conductor 1302. Is shown in the form of a microstrip line. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  Furthermore, FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a third modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view and a cross-sectional view of a directional coupler different from FIG. 5 in the case where two connection conductors and two flat ground conductors are arranged, and a flat plate so as to be close to a symmetry plane 2002 (B1-B1 ′ plane). FIG. 6 is a top view and a cross-sectional view in the case where a ground conductor is arranged, and is positioned relative to the sub signal line conductor 1102 in a region between the coupling portion composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001. A flat ground conductor 1201 is disposed facing the main signal line conductor 1101, and a flat ground conductor 1202 is disposed opposite to the main signal line conductor 1101. The flat ground conductor 1201 is connected to the ground conductor 1001 by a connecting conductor 1301. A case where the flat ground conductor 1202 is connected to the ground conductor 1001 by a connection conductor 1302 is shown. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4 to 6, one flat ground conductor and one connection conductor are paired, either alone or in one other flat ground. The case where the conductor and the other connecting conductor are arranged independently of each other is shown. The present invention is not limited to the configuration shown here, and a pair of one flat ground conductor and one connection conductor and a pair of another flat ground conductor and another connection conductor include two If the distance between the connection conductors is shorter than the distance in the longitudinal direction of the directional coupler of either one of the flat ground conductors, the vicinity of the connection conductors of the respective flat ground conductors is joined to each other. It may be connected by.

  FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view in the case where the vicinity where the connection conductors of two flat ground conductors are arranged is connected by a joining conductor, and is provided on the same plane on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002 that is the upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0001 In a region between the edge coupling portion composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001 provided on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 0001, the ground conductor 1001 is opposed to the region. A flat ground conductor 1201 and a flat ground conductor 1202 are arranged. The flat ground conductor 1201 is connected to the ground conductor 1001 by the connection conductor 1301, and the flat ground conductor 1202 is connected to the ground conductor 1001 by the connection conductor 1302. A case where the flat ground conductor 1201 and the flat ground conductor 1202 are connected by the joint conductor 1401. It shows a microstrip line form. This configuration can also be regarded as a configuration in which a plurality of connection conductors are arranged on one flat ground conductor 1201 and connected to the ground conductor 1001. Here, among the plurality of connection conductors arranged in the longitudinal direction of one flat ground conductor 1201, the one close to each end point of the single flat ground conductor 1201 is defined as connection conductors 1301 and 1302, and there are three connection conductors. If it is above, a connection conductor shall be further arrange | positioned between these connection conductors 1301 and 1302. At this time, the dimension between the connection conductors 1301 and 1302 is A as the dimension in which the plurality of connection conductors are arranged, the dimension between the connection conductor 1301 and the open end point of the flat ground conductor is S1, and the connection conductor 1302 to the flat plate shape. If the dimension between the open end points of the ground conductor is S2, a plurality of connection conductors are arranged on one flat ground conductor 1201 so that at least one dimensional relationship of S1> A and S2> A is established. Connect to ground conductor 1001. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 4 to 7, the case where one connection conductor is provided for one flat ground conductor is shown. The configuration is not limited to that shown here, and two or more planar ground conductors may share one connection conductor and be connected to the ground conductor.

  FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a fifth modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view in the case where two flat ground conductors share one connection conductor and are connected to the ground conductor, on the same plane on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002 that is the upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0001. A region between the edge coupling portion including the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 provided and the ground conductor 1001 provided on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 0001 is opposed to the ground conductor 1001. The flat plate ground conductor 1201 and the flat plate ground conductor 1202 are arranged, one end of the flat plate ground conductor 1201 and one end of the flat plate ground conductor 1202 are connected in the vicinity thereof, and the connected flat plate ground conductor 1501 is connected. The connecting plate-like ground conductor 1501 is configured such that the plate-like ground conductor 1201 and the plate-like ground conductor 1202 are connected by the connecting conductor 1301. For when connected to 001, it is shown in the microstrip line form. This configuration can also be regarded as a connection conductor 1301 disposed on one flat ground conductor 1201 and connected to the ground conductor 1001. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing a sixth modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The flat plate-like ground conductor 1201 and the flat plate-like ground conductor 1202 become wider with respect to the short direction of the directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a case where the shape is formed, and an edge composed of a main signal line conductor 1101 and a sub signal line conductor 1102 provided on the same plane on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002 as an upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0001; The area between the coupling portion and the ground conductor 1001 provided on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 0001 is wider than the short direction of the directional coupler according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the case where the connecting flat plate-like ground conductor 1501 is disposed opposite to the grounding conductor 1001 and the connecting flat plate-like ground conductor 1501 is connected to the grounding conductor 1001 by the connecting conductor 1301. It is shown in the stomach cross trip line format. In FIG. 9, the connecting plate-like ground conductor 1501 has a rectangular shape, but may have an arbitrary shape. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  Furthermore, FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a seventh modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view in the case where the connection conductor 1301 of the directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 9 is disposed at a position away from the center of the connecting plate-like ground conductor 1501, and the implementation shown in FIG. 8. One end of the flat ground conductor 1201 that is wider with respect to the short direction of the directional coupler according to the first embodiment and the short direction of the directional coupler according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The position where one end of the flat ground conductor 1202 that is wide is connected to the ground conductor 1001 by the connection conductor 1301 is not limited to the center, and may be any position. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the case where one ground conductor and one connection flat ground conductor are arranged has been described. It is not restricted to the structure shown here, You may arrange | position two or more connection conductors and two or more connection flat earth conductors.

  FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram illustrating an eighth modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view in the case where five connection conductors and five connecting flat ground conductors are arranged, and a main signal line conductor provided on the same plane on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002 that is the upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0001 In a region between the edge coupling portion 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001 provided on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 0001, a connecting plate-like ground conductor 1501 is opposed to the ground conductor 1001. ˜ 1505 are arranged, and the connecting plate-like ground conductors 1501 to 1505 are shown in the form of microstrip lines when they are connected to the ground conductor 1001 by connecting conductors 1301 to 1305, respectively. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the main signal line conductor 1101, the sub signal line conductor 1102, and the flat ground conductor 1201 have a linear structure. The configuration is not limited to the configuration shown here, and the main signal line conductor 1101, the sub signal line 1102, and the flat ground conductor 1201 may be used in a bent structure.

  FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram illustrating a ninth modification of the other directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The main signal line conductor 1101, the sub signal line 1102, and the flat ground conductor 1201 have a bent structure. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the case where the coupled line impedance Z _CISO and the load impedance Z _L at the terminal connected to each end are made equal to improve the directionality has been described. The present invention is not limited to the configuration shown here, and may be used for increasing the coupled line impedance Z _CISO as compared with the load impedance Z _{L of the} terminal connected to each end. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  Further, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the flat ground conductor 1201 is disposed between the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 so as to intersect with the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane). Are provided opposite to the ground conductor 1001 in a region between the ground conductor 1001 and the ground conductor 1001. The flat ground conductor 1201 is not limited to the configuration shown here, and the region between the main signal line conductor 1101 and the ground conductor 1001 and the region between the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001 It may be arranged opposite to the ground conductor 1001. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the width of the flat ground conductor is made uniform. The configuration is not limited to the configuration shown here, and the flat ground conductor may have a tapered shape or an arbitrary shape in which the width of the flat ground conductor is not uniform. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the main signal line conductor and the sub signal line conductor forming the coupling line may be arranged and used across different layers depending on vias, and similarly, the flat ground conductor is arranged over different layers. May be. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

  In the first embodiment, a cutout (slit) may be provided in a part of the ground conductor, and a flat ground conductor may be provided with a cutout in the same manner.

  FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram illustrating a tenth modification of the other directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view when notches are provided in the ground conductor 1001 and the connecting flat plate ground conductor 1501, in which a notch 1601 is provided in the ground conductor 1001 and a notch 1611 is provided in the connecting plate ground conductor 1501. , Shown in microstrip line format. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 1 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the following embodiments.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a directional coupler according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Here, FIG. 14A is a top perspective view from a cross-sectional view of the C2-C2 ′ plane in the layer thickness direction of the directional coupler according to Embodiment 2, and FIG. 14B is an exploded perspective view. It is. FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view taken along the A2-A2 ′ plane in the longitudinal direction of the directional coupler according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 14D is a directional coupler according to the second embodiment. It is sectional drawing about the symmetry surface 2002 (B2-B2 'surface) in Fig.14 (a) in the transversal direction of FIG. In the directional coupler according to the second embodiment, a microstrip line is used. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts described in the configuration diagram of the directional coupler according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a part of the description is omitted.

  The structure of the directional coupler according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is different from the structure of the directional coupler according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The dielectric substrate 0003 is provided on the surface side of the dielectric substrate 0002 on which the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 are disposed, and the plate-shaped installation conductor 1211 is disposed on the dielectric substrate 0003 of the dielectric substrate 0003. It is provided on the surface opposite to the surface. Further, the dielectric substrate 0004 is provided on the surface side of the dielectric substrate 0003 where the plate-like installation conductor 1211 is disposed, the connection conductor 1311 is provided on the inner layer of the substrate 0004, and the ground conductor 1002 is provided on the dielectric substrate 0003 of the dielectric substrate 0004. Is provided on the surface opposite to the surface on which is disposed.

  Other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the case of a stripline type directional coupler, the main signal line conductor provided on the same plane on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002, which is the upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0001. The connection conductor 1301 and the flat ground conductor 1201 are provided in a region between the edge coupling portion 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001 provided on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 0001. An edge coupling portion composed of a main signal line conductor 1101 and a sub signal line conductor 1102 provided on the same plane on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002, which is a lower layer of the body substrate 0003, and a dielectric serving as an upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0003 By providing the connection conductor 1311 and the plate-like ground conductor 1211 in a region between the ground conductor 1002 provided on the upper surface of the body substrate 0004, each of the directional couplers A load impedance Z _L of the terminal that is connected to the end, can be adjusted and a coupled line impedance Z _CISO that isolation is minimized, it is possible to improve the directivity. By combining the load impedance Z _{L of the} terminal connected to each terminal and the coupled line impedance Z _CISO , the directional coupler having an improved directionality can be obtained by equalizing the passing phase during even-odd mode operation.

  First, in the second embodiment, a planar ground connected to the ground conductor 1001 using the connection conductor 1301 in the region between the coupling portion composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001. The case where the conductor 1201 is arranged so as to intersect with the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) is shown. The configuration is not limited to the configuration shown here, and a flat ground conductor may be disposed in a region near the side portion close to the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 'plane).

  Further, in the second embodiment, a flat ground connected to the ground conductor 1002 using the connection conductor 1311 in a region between the coupling portion composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1002. The case where the conductor 1211 is arranged so as to intersect with the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 ′ plane) is shown. The configuration is not limited to the configuration shown here, and a flat ground conductor may be disposed in a region near the side portion close to the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 'plane).

  Note that the present invention can also be implemented by modifying a part of the configuration of the directional coupler described in the second embodiment. This will be described as a modification. In the configuration diagram of the directional coupler used for the description of the following modification, the same or equivalent parts described in the configuration diagram (FIG. 14) of the directional coupler according to the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, A part of the description is omitted.

  First, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the flat installation conductor 1201 and the flat installation conductor 1211, and the connection conductor 1301 and the connection conductor 1311 are provided so as to face each other. The configuration is not limited to that shown here, and the flat installation conductor 1201 and the flat installation conductor 1211, and the connection conductor 1301 and the connection conductor 1311 may be provided so as not to face each other. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 2 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the first embodiment of the present invention and the following embodiments.

  Further, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the flat installation conductor 1201 and the flat installation conductor 1211 are provided. It is not restricted to the structure shown here, You may provide only either one of the flat installation conductor 1201 and the flat installation conductor 1211. FIG. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 2 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the first embodiment of the present invention and the following embodiments.

  FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing a first modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the directional coupler according to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 14, this corresponds to the case where the plate-like installation conductor 1211 and the connection conductor 1311 are removed. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 2 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the first embodiment of the present invention and the following embodiments.

  FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram showing a second modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the directional coupler according to Embodiment 2 shown in FIG. 14, the flat grounding is obtained when the flat installation conductor 1211, the connection conductor 1311, and the dielectric substrate 0004 that is the upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0003 are removed. The conductor 1201 and the flat ground conductor 1202 are arranged, the flat ground conductor 1201 is connected to the ground conductor 1001 by the connection conductor 1301, and the flat ground conductor 1202 corresponds to the case where the connection conductor 1302 is connected to the ground conductor 1001. . Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 2 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the first embodiment of the present invention and the following embodiments.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a directional coupler according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Here, FIG. 17A is a top perspective view of the directional coupler according to Embodiment 3, and FIG. 17B is an exploded perspective view. Moreover, FIG.17 (c) is sectional drawing about the A3-A3 'surface in the longitudinal direction of the directional coupler which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. In the third embodiment, a directional coupler of an offset / broadside coupling type constituted by a microstrip line is shown. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts described in the configuration diagrams of the directional couplers according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is partially omitted.

  The structure of the directional coupler according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 17 is different from the structure of the directional coupler according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The sub signal line conductor 1102 is provided on the same plane as the flat ground conductor 1201 disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0001. Further, a flat ground conductor 1201 and a connection conductor 1301 are provided from a region between the main signal line conductor 1101 and the ground conductor 1001 to a region near the side of this region.

  Further, a virtual symmetry plane 2003 (B3-B3 ′ plane) is provided as shown in FIG. Here, the imaginary symmetry plane 2003 (B3-B3 ′ plane) passes between the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 and is the shortest distance from the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102. The shortest distance from is always equal. In this figure, for example, it is expressed as an inclined plane with respect to the symmetry plane 2001 (B1-B1 'plane) shown in FIG. 1 and the symmetry plane 2002 (B2-B2' plane) shown in FIG.

  Other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, in the case of the offset / broadside coupling type directional coupler configured by the microstrip line, the directional coupler is provided on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002 which is the upper layer of the dielectric substrate 0001. An edge coupling portion composed of the main signal line conductor 1101 and the sub signal line conductor 1102 provided on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0001, a flat ground conductor 1201 provided on the same plane as the sub signal line conductor 1102, and a flat plate Terminal impedance connected to each end of the directional coupler by providing a connection conductor 1301 in a region between the grounded conductor 1201 and the ground conductor 1001 provided on the lower surface of the dielectric substrate 0001. _{Since L} and the coupled line impedance Z _CISO that minimizes isolation can be adjusted, the directionality can be improved. By combining the load impedance Z _{L of the} terminal connected to each terminal and the coupled line impedance Z _CISO , the directional coupler having an improved directionality can be obtained by equalizing the passing phase during even-odd mode operation.

  Note that the present invention can also be implemented by modifying a part of the configuration of the directional coupler described in the third embodiment. This will be described as a modification. In the configuration diagram of the directional coupler used for the description of the following modified example, the same or corresponding parts described in the configuration diagram (FIG. 17) of the directional coupler according to the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, A part of the description is omitted.

  First, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the main signal line conductor 1101 is arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002, the sub signal line conductor 1102 is the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0001, and the flat ground conductor. An example is shown where 1201 is disposed on the same plane. The main signal line conductor 1101 is not limited to the configuration shown here, and is disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0001 and on the same plane as the flat ground conductor 1201, and the sub signal line conductor 1102 is disposed on the upper surface of the dielectric substrate 0002. It may be arranged. In that case, the flat ground conductor 1201 and the connection conductor 1301 may be provided from a region between the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001 to a region near the side of this region. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 3 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

  Further, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, an example of an offset / broadside coupled directional coupler configured by a microstrip line has been described. The present invention is not limited to the configuration shown here, and an offset / broadside coupled directional coupler configured by a strip line may be used.

  FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing a modification of another directional coupler according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the third embodiment, a case of a stripline configuration is shown. The dielectric substrate 0003 is provided on the surface side of the dielectric substrate 0002 on which the main signal line conductor 1101 is disposed, and the ground conductor 1002 is provided on the dielectric substrate 0003. The dielectric substrate 0002 is provided on the surface opposite to the surface on which the dielectric substrate 0002 is disposed. Further, the flat conductor 1211 is provided on the same surface as the main signal line conductor 1101 of the dielectric substrate 0002, and the connection conductor 1211 is provided on the inner layer of the dielectric substrate 0003. Here, similarly to FIG. 17, a virtual symmetry plane 2003 (B3-B3 ′ plane) is assumed. At this time, the flat conductor 1211 and the connection conductor 1311 are arranged from a region between the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1002 to a region near the side of this region. Similarly to FIG. 17, the flat ground conductor 1201 and the connection conductor 1301 may be provided from a region between the sub signal line conductor 1102 and the ground conductor 1001 to a region near the side portion of this region. Even if it changes to such a structure, the effect similar to Embodiment 3 can be acquired. Such a modification of the configuration can be similarly applied to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

  In the present invention, within the scope of the invention, any combination of the embodiments, or any modification of any component in each embodiment, or omission of any component in each embodiment is possible. .

  0001, 0002, 0003, 0004 Dielectric substrate, 1101 Main signal line conductor, 1102 Sub signal line conductor, 1001, 1002 Ground conductor, 1201, 1202, 1211 Flat ground conductor, 1301, 1302, 1303, 1304, 1305, 1311 Connecting conductor, 1401 Junction conductor, 1501, 1502, 1503, 1504, 1505 Connecting flat ground conductor, 1601, 1611 Notch, 2001, 2002, 2003 Symmetry plane, 2003 Virtual symmetry plane, 3001, 3002 Current path.

Claims (16)

A coupling portion comprising a main signal line conductor and a sub signal line conductor disposed in parallel with the main signal line conductor;
A ground conductor disposed separately from the main signal conductor and the sub signal conductor;
A planar ground conductor disposed opposite to the main signal line conductor in at least one of a first region between the coupling portion and the ground conductor and a second region in the vicinity of the side portion; ,
A directional coupler comprising a connection conductor connecting the flat ground conductor to the ground conductor. A coupling portion comprising a main signal line conductor and a sub signal line conductor disposed in parallel with the main signal line conductor;
A first ground conductor disposed isolated from the main signal conductor and the sub signal conductor;
A second ground conductor disposed opposite to the first ground conductor across the coupling portion;
A first region disposed opposite to the main signal line conductor in at least one region of a first region between the coupling portion and the first ground conductor and a second region in the vicinity of the first region; A flat ground conductor of
A second region disposed opposite to the sub-signal line conductor in at least one of a third region between the coupling portion and the second ground conductor and a fourth region in the vicinity of the side region; A flat ground conductor of
A first connection conductor connecting the first flat ground conductor to the first ground conductor;
A directional coupler comprising: a second connecting conductor that connects the second flat ground conductor to the second ground conductor. A coupling portion comprising a main signal line conductor and a sub signal line conductor disposed in parallel and isolated from the main signal line conductor;
A ground conductor disposed separately from the main signal conductor and the sub signal conductor;
Of the main signal line conductor and the sub signal line conductor, at least one of a fifth area between the signal line conductor further away from the ground conductor and the ground conductor and a sixth area near the side thereof. A planar ground conductor disposed in a region opposite to the main signal line conductor;
A directional coupler comprising a connection conductor connecting the flat ground conductor to the ground conductor. A coupling portion comprising a main signal line conductor and a sub signal line conductor disposed in parallel and isolated from the main signal line conductor;
A first ground conductor disposed isolated from the main signal conductor and the sub signal conductor;
A second ground conductor disposed opposite to the first ground conductor across the coupling portion;
The main signal is provided in at least one of a fifth region between the main signal line conductor and the first ground conductor, which is further away from the first ground conductor, and a sixth region near the side thereof. A first planar ground conductor disposed opposite to the line conductor;
The sub signal is provided in at least one of a seventh region between the sub signal line conductor and the second ground conductor, which is further away from the second ground conductor, and an eighth region near the side thereof. A second planar ground conductor disposed opposite the line conductor;
A first connection conductor connecting the first flat ground conductor to the first ground conductor;
A directional coupler comprising: a second connecting conductor that connects the second flat ground conductor to the second ground conductor. 4. The directional coupler according to claim 1, wherein the flat ground conductor is connected to the ground conductor by the connection conductor at one end thereof and the other end is opened. 5. The direction according to claim 2, wherein the first flat ground conductor is connected to the first ground conductor at one end by the first connecting conductor and electrically opened at the other end. Sex coupler. The connecting conductor is composed of a plurality of connecting conductors that are arranged within a range of 1/2 or less of the dimension corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the flat ground conductor and connect the flat ground conductor to the ground conductor;
In the flat ground conductor, the dimension that is electrically open from at least one end to the plurality of connection conductors is larger than the dimension in which the plurality of connection conductors are arranged corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the flat ground conductor. The directional coupler according to claim 1 or 3. The first connecting conductor is disposed within a range of a dimension of ½ or less of the dimension corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the first flat ground conductor, and the first flat ground conductor is disposed in the first flat conductor. It consists of multiple connection conductors connected to the ground conductor,
The second connecting conductor is disposed within a range of a dimension of ½ or less of the dimension corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the second flat ground conductor, and the first flat ground conductor is disposed in the second flat conductor. It consists of multiple connection conductors connected to the ground conductor,
The first plate-like ground conductor and the second plate-like ground conductor are electrically open from at least one end to the plurality of connection conductors, and the plurality of connection conductors are the first plate-like shape. 5. The directional coupler according to claim 2, wherein the directional coupler is larger than a length of the ground conductor and a size arranged corresponding to the second flat ground conductor. The connection conductor and the flat ground conductor are equal in distance from a location corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the coupling portion of the main signal line conductor and a location corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the coupling portion of the sub signal line conductor. The directional coupler according to claim 1, wherein the directional coupler is disposed so as to intersect with a plane of symmetry. The first connection conductor, the first flat plate-like ground conductor, the second connection conductor, and the second flat plate-like ground conductor are located at locations corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the coupling portion of the main signal line conductor. 5. The directional coupler according to claim 2, wherein the directional coupler is disposed so as to intersect a plane of symmetry having the same distance from a portion corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the coupling portion of the sub signal line conductor.   The directional coupler according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the main signal conductor, the sub signal conductor, and the flat ground conductor have a bent structure.   5. The directional coupler according to claim 2, wherein the main signal conductor, the sub signal conductor, the first flat ground conductor, and the second flat ground conductor have a bent structure.   The directional coupler according to claim 1, wherein the ground conductor has a notch.   The directional coupler according to claim 2 or 4, wherein at least one of the first ground conductor and the second ground conductor has a notch.   The directional coupler according to claim 1, wherein the flat ground conductor has a notch.   The directional coupler according to claim 2 or 4, wherein at least one of the first flat ground conductor and the second flat ground conductor has a notch.

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