ME1000 RF CIRCUIT DESIGN

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1
4. 3-Port and 4-Port Microwave
Components

2
 1.0 3-Port Microwave
Components/Networks

3
Example of 3-Port Components: Power Divider and
Combiner

• Power division and combining can be achieved with

3-port networks.

P2 =  P 1
P1
Divider Power division
or
P3 = (1– )P1
Coupler

 is known as the division ratio

P2
P1=P2 +P3
Divider
or Power combining
P3
Coupler

4
Another Example: 1-to-N Power Divider
• This is an example of a 1-to-4 power divider.

21 P1

1-to-2 Power
 1 P1
Divider (1–2 ) 1P1
P1
1-to-2 Power
Divider (1–1 )P1 2 (1–1 ) P1
1-to-2 Power
Divider (1–2 ) (1–1 ) P1

5
 General Properties of 3-Port Networks
• Like the 2-port network, n-port networks are described by their corresponding
S-matrix. For a 3-port network, the S-matrix has nine elements.

 s11 s12 s13 

S   s21 s22 s23 
 s31 s32 s33 
• If all ports are matched, then sii = 0, i = 1,2,3… (explain this).

 0 s12 s13 
S   s21 0 s23 
• It can be shown that the S-matrix of a 3-port network cannot bematched,
s31 s32 0 
lossless, and reciprocal at the same time. One of these characteristics has to
be given up if the 3-port network is to be physically realizable, see Exercise
1.1 for the mathematical proof.

6
 3-Port Networks
• A lossless network results in a Unitary S-matrix.
• When the S-matrix is non-reciprocal ( sij sji ), but the conditions of port
match and lossless apply, the 3-port network is known as a Circulator.

0 0 1  0 1 0 
Check that both
matrices are not S cw _ cir  1 0 0 S acw _ cir  0 0 1 (1.1)
symmetrical 0 1 0 1 0 0
2 2
Note: 1 1
Here  =1
3 3
• A circulator usually has ferrite material at the junction to cause the non-
reciprocity condition.

7
 3-Port Networks (cont’d)
• A lossy 3-port network can be reciprocal and matched at all
ports.
• This type of network is useful as a power divider, in addition it
can be made to have isolation between its output ports (for
instance, s23 = s32 = 0).  0 s12 s13 
S   s12 0 s23  (1.2a)
 s13 s23 0 

• A third type of the 3-port network, which is also used as a power

divider is reciprocal, lossless, and matched at only two ports. It
can be shown with its S-matrix given by:
 0 e j 0 
 j  (1.2b)
S  e 0 0 
 0 0 e j 
 
8
 Example 1.1A: Usage of the Circulator

Transmit Power
Transmitter Generator Amplifier
1
~ ~
2 1 2

Antenna matched load

3 3
Receiver Receive Power

In a transceiver, to separate the Using a circulator as an

transmit and received signal isolator

9
 Example 1.1B: Construction of a Stripline
Circulator
D.C. magnetic field to bias
the ferrite disks (This can comes from permanent magnet
of electromagnet)

Stripline
conductor

Ground
planes

Ferrite disks
Example of commercial
coaxial circulator

10
 Exercise 1.1
• Show that the S-matrix of a 3-port network cannot be matched,
lossless, and reciprocal at the same time. Hint: Use proof by
contradiction; assuming all three conditions are fulfilled in a 3x3
S-matrix, show that this will lead to a contradiction.

Solution…
Since the 3-port network is assumed to be matched and reciprocal, the
matrix would be:
0 s12 s13  The diagonal
S   s12 0 s23  (E1.1) elements are zero,
 s13 s23 0  and this matrix is
symmetrical

Including the unitary condition (for the lossless 3-port network):

* 1 0 0 1 0 0
 t  * 
S   S   0 1 0  S  S  0 1 0

(E1.2)
  0 0 1  0 0 1
 

11
 Exercise 1.1 (cont’d)

Expanding (E1.2):
2 2
s12  s13 1
2 2 (E1.3)
s12  s23 1
2 2
s13  s23 1
s13s23*  s12 s23*  s12 s23*  0 (E1.4)

To fulfill (E1.4) for arbitrary S-parameters, two of s12, s13, and s23 must be 0.
Substituting this result into (E1.3), it is discovered that (E1.3) cannot be
fulfilled. This leads to a contradiction, which shows that our assumption
of a 3-port network with matched, reciprocal, and lossless conditions is
wrong.

12
 T- Junction Power Divider
• The T-junction power divider is a simple 3-port network that can be
used for power division or power combining, and can be implemented
on stripline, coaxial cable, and waveguide technologies.
Equivalent electrical 1 1 1
circuit: Yin  jB   
Z1 Z 2 Z c
(1.3a)
Port 2
Port 1 Z1 We can make B negligible, or cancel it over
a band of narrow frequencies by compensation.
Zc V jB
No magnetic
No dissipative
1 1 1 component
and
Z2
Port 3
 
Z1 Z 2 Z c (1.3b) within
nonlinear
material

Yin The T-junction power divider is lossless and reciprocal.

The input is matched but the output is not matched.
Verify it for yourself by deriving the S-matrix!!
The output impedances Z1 and Z2 can then be selected to provide various
power division ratio . Quarter-wave transformers can be used to bring the
output line impedance back to the desired levels.

13
Example 1.2: T-Junction Power Divider Design
• A lossless T-junction power divider has a source impedance of Zc =
50 . The impedance is matched at the input. Find the output
characteristic impedance so that the input power is divided in a 2:1
ratio. Compute the reflection coefficients at the output ports.
• Implement this power divider using microstrip line on a printed circuit
board.
2
V  V  V 
Input power to a matched divider: Pin  1 V  Vo o o
2 Zc
V 2
Output power: P1  1  1 Pin Z1  3Z c  150
2 Z1 3

V
2 Z 2  3 Z c  75
2
P2  1  2 Pin
2 Z2 3
Input impedance to the matched divider: Z in  75 || 150  50
In general this is true for the 1 Z c  11 Z c  2

arbitrary power divider ratio, 

Z in  1Z  1 Z  1 ZZcc Z c  Z c
 c 1 c

14
 Example 1.2 (cont’d)
At the Z1 = 150 Ω output Tline, we observe:
30  150
50 || 75  30 1   0.666
30  150
At the Z2 = 75 Ω output Tline, we observe:
37.5  75
50 || 150  37.5 2   0.333
37.5  75

Implementation Conductor Z1=150 

on the microstrip Port 2
line Zc= 50 
Port 1
Z2=75 
GND plane PCB dielectric Port 3
at the bottom Top view
of the PCB
15
 Example 1.2 (cont’d)
• Including quarter-wave transformers and step compensations for the
Tline...
Quarter-wave transformer
150 
/4
150  50 
Port 2
86.60 
50 
Port 1
75  50 
Port 3
Recommended length 75  61.24 
of at least quarter wavelength
Top view

The observant reader will notice that this realization is a narrow-band

power divider, by virtue of the wavelength it is only valid at the operating frequency.

16
 T-Junction Power Divider S-Matrix
• Based on the previous analysis, we can show that the S-matrix for the input matched T-
junction power divider is as given below (try to derive this as an exercise, using the fact that
the voltage on each port consists of incident and reflected components and Kirchhoff’s Laws).

Z1Z 2
Port 2 Z1 // Z 2   Zc
Z1  Z 2
Z1
Port 1
Zc V jB
 Zc Zc 
Z2  0 
Port 3 Z1 Z2
 
Yin Zc Z c // Z 2  Z1
S   Zc 1 
Z1 Z c // Z 2  Z1 Z1Z 2 
Hint:  
When energize Port 1, no reflection,  Zc 1 Z c // Z1  Z 2 
Zc
when energize Port 2 and 3, reflection  Z2 Z1Z 2 Z c // Z1  Z 2 

occurs.

17
 Resistive Divider
• The circuit below shows a resistive divider; Port 1 is the input
and Port 2 and 3 are the outputs. Z1, Z2, and Z3 can be selected
to give a certain power division ratio. The resistance can also be
selected so that all the three ports are matched. The circuit
below can be analyzed using the circuit theory.
2
o rt
P
Z2
Zc
Z1
Port 1 V2
Z3
Zc V1 V Po
rt
3
V3
Zin
Zc

18
 Example 1.3: Resistive Divider Design
• Analyze the resistive divider below, show that it is an equal split
(–3 dB) divider.

The impedance Z, at the Zc/3

r t2 P2 resistor followed by the output line is:
Po
Zc/3 Zc Z 4Z
Zc/3 Z  c  Zc  c
V2 3 3
Port 1
Zc/3 The input impedance of the divider is:
Zc V1 V
P1 Po Z 2
Z in  c  Z c  Z c
rt 3 3
3
V3 Since the network is symmetrical for all
Zin
Zc the three ports, all ports are matched
P3 and:
S11 = S22 = S33 = 0

19
 Example 1.3 (cont’d)
Let the input voltage at Port 1 2Z c / 3 2
V V1  V1
follow the voltage division rules: Z c / 3  2Z c / 3 3

The output voltages at Port 2 and Zc 3 1

V2  V3  V  V  V1
3 are given by: Zc  Zc / 3 4 2

If we divide all port voltages by (Zc)0.5, we see 0 1 1 

1
that S21 = S12 = S23 = 1/2. The network is S  1 0 1
2
reciprocal, so the S-matrix is symmetrical: 1 1 0

The input power and output

2
1 V1  1 V 2
V 2
power are:
Pin 
2 Zc P2  P3  1 2 1  1 1  1 Pin
2 Zc 8 Z 4
c

This shows that half of the supplied power is dissipated in the resistors.

20
 Wilkinson Power Divider
• The Wilkinson power divider is a lossy 3-port network having all
ports matched with isolation between the output ports.
• The Wilkinson power divider can be made to give arbitrary
power division. The example shown here is the equal-split
(3 dB) case.

 Only valid at operating

4 Port 2 frequency
Zc Zc
2Zc
2Z c 0 j j 
2Z c 1  
Port 1 S  j 0 0 
Port 3 2

4
 j 0 0 
Zc
(1.4)

21
 Wilkinson Power Divider (cont’d)
• Despite being a lossy 3-port network, the Wilkinson divider has
the property of being lossless for the ‘forward’ wave; it is only
dissipative for reflected power.

4
Zc
Zc
2Z c No power loss
2Z c
2Z c


4
Zc


4
Zc
Zc
2Z c Power loss
2Z c
2Zc


4
Zc
22
Analysis of the Symmetry Wilkinson Divider
x tra
E •
The equal-split Wilkinson divider is a symmetrical structure, thus it can
be analyzed using the even and odd mode analysis.
• Any signal imposed on a pair of terminals can be split into even and
odd mode components.
• For a symmetry circuit, it can be split into even and odd half circuits; the
voltages at Port 1, Port 2, and Port 3 being analyzed for each modes
and summed up.
• The S-matrix can then be obtained for the system.

V1

V2

V2  Veven  Vodd Veven  12 V1  V2  Vodd  12 V2  V1 

V1  Veven  Vodd

23
Analysis of the Symmetry Wilkinson Divider (cont’d)
x tra
E Port 2
Even-mode half circuit 2Z c
2Z c Zc
Zc V2
Port 1

2Z c Zc Port 3
2Z c
2Z c Port 2 Zc V3
2Z c Zc
Zc No current flows
Port 1 across this link,
it can be disconnected.
2Z c Port 2
2Z c Zc
Zc Port 2
Port 1 2Z c
2Z c Zc
Zc V2
Virtual GND Port 1

2Z c Zc Port 3
Odd-mode half circuit 2Z c
Zc V3
24
Analysis of the Symmetry Wilkinson Divider (cont’d)
x tra
E
Port 2 Zc
2Z c
As in the 2-port case, to find 2Z c Zc
the values of S-parameters, Zc
+
4Vo
Port 1 -

we need to energize each

port individually. Assume 2Z c Zc Port 3 Zc
we energize Port 2 first. 2Zc
Zc

Port 2 Port 2
2Z c
2Zc
Zc +
2Vo
+ 2Z c
2Z c
Zc +
2Vo
Port 1 Zc - Zc -
Port 1
Zc Port 3 Zc
2Z c 2Z c Port 3
2Z c 2Z c
Zc +
2Vo
-
Zc +
-
–2Vo
Even excitation Odd excitation

25
Analysis of the Symmetry Wilkinson Divider (cont’d)
tra Zc
Ex Port 2
2Z c

Even circuit analysis: 2Z c Zc +

Zc 2Vo
Port 1 
4
-

V1e V2e
From the quarter-wave transformer Zine
formula:  2Zc 
2
1
Z ine  2 Z  Z c +z Z=0
c
Zc
Also 2 Zc  2Zc 2 2
1  
2Zc  2Zc 2 2 Zc +
Zc 2Vo
V2e  V2e  Vo , V2e  0
-

V2e=Vo
V1 l   4   V1e e  jl  V1e e  jl
V e 
1e  j 2
 1e
 j 2
 jV 
1e 1  1   V2e  Vo V1e  V1 l  0  V1e 1  1   jVo1111
 
 V1e  Vo  V1e  jVo222 2222 2  jVo  24 2
j 1 1 

 V1e   j 2Vo

26
Analysis of the Symmetry Wilkinson Divider (cont’d)
tra
Ex

Port 2
Odd circuit analysis: 2Z c
2Zc Zc
 Zc +
2Vo
Port 1 4
The quarter-wave transformer V2o
-

changes the shorted end into

V1o
an open-circuit as seen from V2o. Zino
Thus: Z Z
ino c
V1o  0
V2o  V2o  Vo , V2o  0

27
Analysis of the Symmetry Wilkinson Divider (cont’d)
x tra
E
Finally, combining the even and odd responses to give the voltage
on Port 1 and 2:
V2

V2  V2e  V2o  2Vo

b Zc
s22  a2  0
2 a  a 0 V2
1 3
V2  V2e  V2o  0
Zc
V1

V1  V1e  V1o   j 2Vo b

s12  a1 
Zc

j 2
  j 1  s21
2 a  a 0 V2 2 2
1 3
Zc

Due to the short and open circuits at the line-of-symmetry (the

bisection):
s23  s32  0
1
By symmetry, it is obvious that a similar relationship s13  s31   j 2
exists for voltage on Port 3, thus:
s33  0
28
Analysis of the Symmetry Wilkinson Divider (cont’d)
x tra
E
Port 2
Now, consider the 2Z c
2Z c Zc
excitation source Zc Zc
Port 1
at Port 1. 2Z c
From the second 2Vo 2Z c Zc Port 3
equivalent circuit 
4
Zc
as shown below, Zc
it is obvious that
s11 = 0. Port 2
2Z c
s11  0 2Z c Zc
Zc
Port 1
2Zc
2Vo Port 3
(QED). 2Z c

4
Zc Zc
Z2 
 2Zc 
2
 2Z c
Zc Z1 = Z c
29
 Microstrip Realization of the Wilkinson Power
Divider
• An equal power division divider:

SMT resistor
2Zc
2Z c 0 j j
1 
0 
Zc
S  j 0
Zc Port 2 2
Port 1  j 0 0 
Z c Port 3

2Z c
We would like to keep the separation
between conductors of Port 2 and
Top view conductors of Port 3 as large as
possible. This is the best
configuration as it reduces EM field
coupling between the two paths.

30
An Example of DIY Equal Division
Wilkinson Power Divider
100, 1% tolerance surface mount
FR4 substrate resistor

Microstrip line

Commercial power splitter 31

 Example 1.4

• Design an equal-split Wilkinson power divider using a

microstrip line, with d = 1.57 mm, r = 4.2, and
operating frequency at 1.8 GHz. The system uses a
microstrip line with a 50  characteristic impedance.

32
Example 1.4: ADS Software Simulation of the
Wilkinson Divider
For d=1.57 mm, 2 Z c  70.71
r = 4.2,
MS ub S-PARAMETERS
Zc = 50 , v p  1.716  108
MS UB S _P a ra m
MS ub1 SP1
S ta rt=1.0 GHz
operating W / d  1.048
H=1.57 m m
Er=4.2 S top=3.0 GHz frequency
Mur=1 S te p=1.0 MHz
= 1.8 GHz
 / 4  24.0mm
Cond=5.76E+8
Hu=3.9e +034 m il
T=1.38 m il
Ta nD=0 MLIN MLIN
TL2 TL4 Te rm
Rough=0 m il
MTEE S ubs t="MS ub1" S ubs t="MS ub1" Te rm 2
Te e 1 W=1.645 m m R W=2.9 m m Num =2
S ubs t="MS ub1" L=24.0 m m R1 L=30.0 m m Z=50 Ohm
R=100 Ohm
MLIN W1=1.645 m m
TL1 W2=1.645 m m
S ubs t="MS ub1" W3=2.9 m m
W=2.9 m m
Te rm L=30.0 m m
Te rm 1
Num =1
Z=50 Ohm MLIN MLIN
Microstrip TL3 TL5
S ubs t="MS ub1" S ubs t="MS ub1" Te rm
T-junction W=1.645 m m W=2.9 m m Te rm 3
L=24.0 m m L=30.0 m m Num =3
model Z=50 Ohm
To be more realistic, you can
model the discontinuity at this
node.

33
 Example 1.4: ADS Software Simulation of the
Wilkinson Divider (cont’d)
S21,  –3 dB at 1.8 GHz
(power is divided by 2)
0

S23, indicating the

-5
isolation between Port 2
and Port 3, should be
as small as possible. -10 Frequency range
of interest
-15
dB(S (2,3))
dB(S (1,1))
dB(S (2,1))

-20
S11, input port matching,
should be as small as -25
possible at 1.8 GHz.
-30

-35
1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0

freq, GHz

34
Unequal Power Division Wilkinson Divider
• Analysis of the unequal power division Wilkinson divider has to
be carried out using the circuit theory as in the previous
derivation. Here, only the design equations are given.

Port 2

P3
4
 K2
Zc K P2
Zc Z1
R 2
Z2
Z2  Zc 1 K
Port 1 Port 3 K3
(1.5)

 


Z1  Z c K 1  K 2
4 Zc
K


R  Zc K  1
K

35
Increasing the Bandwidth of the Wilkinson Power
Divider

• Adding the compensation quarter wavelength

transmission line in Port 1:

Z c  50

 4 Port 2
Z c  50 4
Z c  59.4
2 Z c  100
Z c  59.4
Port 1 Z c  42 Z c  50
 Port 3
4

36
Increasing the Bandwidth of the Wilkinson Power
Divider (cont’d)
• Using the multi-stage power divider. See Wilkinson, E. J., “An n-
way hybrid power divider”, IEEE Transaction on Microwave
Theory and Techniques, MTT-8, pp.116 – 118, January 1960.

Port 2
Port 1
Port 3

Top view

37
2.0 4-Port Networks

38
 General Properties of 4-Port Networks
• A 4-port network S-matrix contains 16 elements in a 4x4 arrangement.
• Unlike a 3-port network, a 4-port network can be lossless, reciprocal,
and matched at all ports simultaneously, i.e., the S-matrix has the
following form (the matrix is symmetrical and unitary):

We have more degree  0 s12 s13 s14 

s 0 s23 s24 
of freedom, so the problem S
12
is not over-constrained;  s13 s23 0 s34 
a unique solution can exist.  
 s14 s24 s34 0 

• One way for the above matrix to satisfy the unitary condition is:
 0  e j  e j 0 
s13  s24 s14  s23  0  j j  
e 0 0 e 
(2.1) S  
s12  s34
  e j 0 0 e j 
 0  e j  e j 0 

39
 General Properties of 4-Port Networks
(cont’d)
• It is customary to fix s12, s13, and s24 as:

s12  s34   s13  e j s24  e j

• Further application of the unitary condition yields:       2n

• Letting n = 0, there are two choices that are commonly used in
practice.
These two matrices
•  =  = /2:  = 0,  = : has the character-
istics of a directional
0  j 0 0   0  coupler.
 0 0 j   0 0   
S S 
 j 0 0   0 0  
   
j  0  (2.2a) 0   0  (2.2b)
0

40
 Directional Coupler
• Consider the matrix of (2.2a), when an incident power wave a1 is
directed to Port 1 (assuming all ports to be matched):

0  j 0  a1   0  1 2
 a1  a1
 0 0 j   0    a1 
 0
 j 0 0  0     j a1  4-port
     0 j a1
0 j  0  0   0 
4 3

• From the theory of S-parameters, the power delivered to Port 1, Port

2, and Port 3 are:

2
P1  1 a1 P2   2 P1 P3   2 P1
2
• From the lossless condition of the 4-port network:
2   2 1

41
 Directional Coupler (cont’d)
• We could repeat the previous exercise, with an incident power
wave a2 in Port 2.
2
P2  1 a2 P1   2 P2 P4   2 P2
2

• We conclude that for this particular matched 4-port network,

when power is injected into a port, a portion of the power is
transmitted to the opposite port while another portion is coupled
to the port adjacent to the opposite port, while the adjacent port
is isolated.
• This conclusion can also be derived if we use the matrix of
(2.2b), the only difference being the phase of the output voltage
waves. 1 2

4 3
42
 Directional Coupler (cont’d)
• A 4-port network described by the S-matrix of (2.2a) or (2.2b) is
known as a directional coupler. The following three quantities
are used to characterize the quality of a directional coupler.

1 2
Input Through

Isolated Coupled
4 3
P
Coupling  C  10 log 1  20 log  dB
P3

P 
Directivity  D  10 log 3  20 log
P4 S14
dB (2.3)
P
Isolation  I  10 log 1  20 log S14 dB
P4

43
 Some Typical Directional Couplers
• Hybrid couplers are directional couplers with coupling C = 3 dB.
This implies
   1 2

• A quadrature hybrid has a 90o phase shift between Port 2 and 3

when fed at Port 1. It is an example of a symmetrical coupler.
0 1 j 0
 
1 1 0 0 j 
S
2  j 0 0 1
 
0 j 1 0

• A magic T or rat-race hybrid has a 180o phase difference

between Port 2 and 3 when fed at Port 1. It is an example of an
anti-symmetrical coupler.
0 1 1 0
 0  1
1 1 0
S
2 1 0 0 1
 
0  1 1 0

44
 Branch Directional Coupler or Quadrature Hybrid
• Quadrature hybrids are 3 dB directional couplers with a 90o
phase difference in the outputs of the through and coupled
arms. It is usually implemented in the microstrip or stripline
form.
Zc
Zc 2 Zc
Input (1) Output (2)

4
0 j 1 0
Zc Zc  
Zc  Zc  1  j 0 0 1
4 S
2 1 0 0 j 
 
Zc Zc
 0 1 j 0 
Isolated (4) Coupled (3)
Zc
Zc 2 Zc (2.4)

Top view

45
 Branch Directional Coupler
• The operation of the branch coupler can be analyzed using the
even and odd mode analysis due to its symmetrical nature.

Input (1) Output (2)

P1 , V1 1P , 1 V ej 2 
2 1 2
1

Line of symmetry

Must terminate
here with Zc 1P , 1 V1
2 1 2

Isolated (4) Coupled (3)

Top view

46
 1800 Hybrid Directional Coupler
• The 180o hybrid junction is a 4-port network with a 180o/0o
phase shift between the two output ports.
• A signal applied at Port 1 will be evenly split into two in-phase
(0o) components at Port 2 and Port 3, and Port 4 will be isolated.
• A signal applied at Port 4 will be evenly split into two
components with a 180o phase difference at Port 2 and 3, and
Port 1 will be isolated.
• When operated as a combiner, input signals are applied at Port
2 and 3; the sum will be formed at Port 1 while the difference
will be formed at Port 4.

 1 2
180o Hybrid
 4 3

47
180o Hybrid Implementation on the Microstrip PCB

• An implementation of the 180o hybrid using the microstrip line is

shown below; this is commonly known as a ring hybrid or rat-
race. Again, the analysis can be carried out using the even and
odd mode analysis.

 Zc Port 2
4
Port 1 Z c
0 1 1 0 
 0  1
 j 1 0  Zc
S (2.5) 4
3
2 1 0 0 1 4
 
0  1 1 0 Zc
Port 3 
Top view 4 Zc
Port 4 

48
 Coupled Line Directional Couplers
• When two unshielded Tlines are close together, power can be
coupled between the lines due to the interaction of EM fields of
each line. For TEM or quasi-TEM mode Tlines, this can be
represented in an equivalent circuit for:

L11 z
C12 z
L12 z
Line 1 C11 z L22 z
s C22 z
Line 2
C12 = Per unit length mutual capacitance
L12 = Per unit length mutual inductance
Top view

49
 Crosstalk
• This phenomenon of the coupling of EM energy from
one Tline to another is commonly known as crosstalk
in a high-speed digital circuit design.

• The amount of crosstalk is determined by L12 and C12.

• For instance, when an electrical pulse is sent down

Tline 1, electrical signal will appear at both ends of
Tline 2 due to crosstalk.

• The crosstalk signals are divided into near-end

crosstalk (NEXT) and far-end crosstalk (FEXT).

50
 Crosstalk (cont’d)
Port 1
Port 2
Current due to C12

+
Current due to L12
–
Port 4 Far-End
Crosstalk
Port 3 FEXT
Near-End
Crosstalk Note:
NEXT Observe that there is a possibility for the
far-end crosstalk to cancel off. By
incorporating a proper design of the Tlines,
this can be done, and Port 3 will become
isolated. This is the principle of the coupled
line directional coupler.

51
 Single-Stage Coupled Line DC Design
• Similar to the quadrature hybrid and 180o hybrid directional coupler, the
coupled line directional coupler can be analyzed using the odd and even
mode circuit concept.

Zc

Zc
V1 Zc Zc
V2

• In this case, three impedances can be defined. (A) The characteristic

impedance of each Tline, Zc. (B) The impedance when the odd mode signal
is travelling along both lines, Zoo. (C) The impedance when the even mode
signal is travelling along both lines, Zoe.
• Zoo and Zoe for stripline and microstrip line configurations are widely tabulated.

52
Single-Stage Coupled Line DC Design (cont’d)
V3 P3
C  Voltage Coupling Factor 
Vinc

P1
(2.6a)
Z oe  Z c 11C
C (2.6b)

Z oo  Z c 11C
C (2.6c)
o is the wavelength at the intended
operating frequency


3 – Coupled l  4o 4 – Isolated

1 – Input W Top view 2 – Through

53
Single-Stage Coupled Line DC Design (cont’d)
• From the previous slide, we begin the design by specifying C. Then,
use (2.6b) and (2.6c) to obtain the even and odd mode impedances.
From the design tables or design equations for coupled microstrip or
stripline, physical dimensions such as W, S, and d (dielectric) thickness
can be obtained.

• Note that this design only works best at fo, the intended operating
frequency; it is narrowband. For a wideband directional coupler, we will
need to cascade a few stages of the narrow-band directional coupler.

• Finally, a good coupled line directional coupler is usually constructed

using the stripline, as the microstrip line does not support pure TEM
mode, and suffers from dispersion.

54
 Design Example
• For instance, suppose we wish to design a lossless coupled line directional coupler with C
= 0.1 or -20 dB, with Zo = 50 at 3GHz on FR4, with substrate thickness of 1.0mm

Thus:
The required physical
Z oe  Z o 1 C
 55.28
dimensions 1C

Z oo  Z o 1C
1 C  45.28

The synthesis of the

coupled microstrip
line can be performed
using LineCal tool from
Zoe
Agilent ADS software
Zoo
as shown on the left.
Zo

Electrical length (l ), 90o for quarter

Voltage coupling wavelength.
factor in dB 55
 Design Example (cont’d)
• Alternatively we can implement our own design tool, as shown below implemented on Microsoft Excel .

Based on design equations from Garg R., Bahl I.

J.,”Characteristics of coupled microstriplines”, IEEE
Transaction on Microwave Theory and Techniques,
MTT-27, No.7, pp. 700-705,July 1979.

56
 Coupled Microstrip Line Example
• An example of coupled microstrip lines which can be
modified to become a coupled line directional coupler.
50 termination

57
 Lange Coupler
• Able to achieve a coupling C of more than 3 dB, not easily
achieved with the coupled line directional coupler. Recall that
the quadrature hybrid and 180o hybrid have a coupling C of 3 dB
only.
• Higher bandwidth than the coupled line directional coupler.
• 90o phase difference between Port 2 and 3.

Zc Zc
Isolated (4) Through (2)
The GND plane
is assumed at /4 Top view
the bottom of
the PCB Zc Zc
Input (1) Coupled (3)

58
Another Form of the Lange Coupler: The
Unfolded Form

Zc Zc
Through (2) Isolated (4)

/4 Top view

Zc Zc
Input (1) Coupled (3)

59
 Examples of the Directional Coupler

Commercial directional
coupler with coaxial terminals

880 to
2300 MHz
Thin-film multi-layered ceramic
3 dB directional couplers from AVX Corporation (2007) (www.avx.com).

60
Examples of the Directional Coupler (cont’d)

10 – 1500 MHz

Example of the coil-ferrite type P ort

L C L
P ort
L1 C1 L4
directional coupler from Input
Num=1
L=Ls C=Cp1 L=Ls
Output
Num=2
C C
Mini-Circuits Corporation C4
C=Cp2
C3
C=Cp2
(Source: www.minicircuits.com) C
C2
C=Cp1

Example of the lumped LC

L L
directional coupler (narrowband). L2 L3
P ort
Couple d
L=Ls L=Ls
Num=3

R
R1
R=50 Ohm

61
 Items for Self-Study

• Single-ended-to-differential converter, or Balanced-

Unbalanced Converter (Balun)

• RF transformer

• Waveguide Magic-T (180o hybrid coupler)

• Tapered line 180o hybrid coupler

• Waveguide Bethe hole coupler

• Multi-section coupled line directional coupler

62
 Miscellaneous: Microwave Switches
• Can be constructed using circulators, with the
permanent magnet replaced by an electromagnet

• Mechanical-type relay

• Semiconductor-type switch, using PIN diodes, GaAs

field-effect transistor etc.

63
 Miscellaneous: Examples of the RF/Microwave
Integrated Circuit and PCB Assemblies
RF transformer implemented on PCB Hybrid impedance matching network

Quarter-wave Tline (microstrip) as RF choke

Narrow-band LC
Co-planar Tline balun (balanced-unbalanced
converter)

64