Very compact 3D-printed folded branch-line hybrid coupler based on loaded helical-microstrip transmission lines

This paper presents a 3D topology for high miniaturization of the well-known hybrid branch-line coupler at the UHF band. A preliminary work already proposed the use of helical-microstrip TLs combined with a folded structure for this purpose. This extended work includes a compactness enhancement by l...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Salas Barenys, Arnau, Vidal Martínez, Neus, López Villegas, José María
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:2445/213508
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/213508
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Impressió 3D
Radiofreqüència
Topologia
Three-dimensional printing
Radio frequency
Topology
Descripción
Sumario:This paper presents a 3D topology for high miniaturization of the well-known hybrid branch-line coupler at the UHF band. A preliminary work already proposed the use of helical-microstrip TLs combined with a folded structure for this purpose. This extended work includes a compactness enhancement by loading the TL segments with capacitors. An study of loaded helical-microstrip TL is reported as well. The coupler prototypes have been simulated and fabricated by using a combination of Additive Manufacturing and copper electroplating. The performance results have been compared to the conventional model showing a good agreement. In order to place the designed devices within the state of the art a figure of merit that combines the compactness and the relative bandwidth has been proposed, showing very good results in terms of miniaturization.