Composite right/left (CRLH) couplers
US8405469B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01P5/227
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
High-frequency couplers and coupling techniques are described utilizing artificial composite right/left-handed transmission line (CRLH-TL). Three specific forms of couplers are described; (1) a coupled-line backward coupler is described with arbitrary tight/loose coupling and broad bandwidth; (2) a compact enhanced-bandwidth hybrid ring coupler is described with increased bandwidth and decreased size; and (3) a dual-band branch-line coupler that is not limited to a harmonic relation between the bands. These variations are preferably implemented in a microstrip fabrication process and may use lumped-element components. The couplers and coupling techniques are directed at increasing the utility while decreasing the size of high-frequency couplers, and are suitable for use with separate coupler or couplers integrated within integrated devices.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.