Directional couplers with variable frequency response
AssigneeHarris Corporation
InventorJohn E. Rogers
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Embodiments of coupler systems (10) include a directional coupler (12), a tuning element (14a, 14b), and an actuator (16a, 16b). The coupler (12) is configured to split an input signal into two output signals or, alternatively, to combine two input signals into a single output. The tuning element (14a, 14b) is a capacitive device that allows the frequency response of the coupler (12) to be varied, so that the coupler (12) can be tuned to a particular frequency or range of frequencies at a given operating condition. The actuator (16a, 16b) generates a mechanical force that actuates tuning element (14a, 14b).
Claims24
A coupler system, comprising:
- a coupler comprising an electrical conductor;
- a tuning element comprising:
- an electrically-conductive first portion in electrical contact with the electrical conductor of the coupler and having a first end face;
- an electrically-conductive second portion having a second end face;
- and
- a dielectric element disposed on one of the first and second end faces and being spaced apart from the other of the first and second end faces by a gap;
- wherein the second portion is configured to move in relation to the first portion so that the gap is variable.
A system, comprising:
- a coupler comprising an electrically-conductive housing and an electrical conductor, wherein the electrical conductor is suspended within the housing on a plurality of dielectric tabs and is spaced apart from the housing;
- and
- a capacitive element configured to vary a frequency response of the coupler.
A system comprising:
- a coupler comprising an electrical conductor that forms a signal path;
- a capacitive element configured to introduce a reactance in the signal path;
- and
- an actuator element operative to vary a capacitance of the capacitive element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.