Microwave mixer with baluns having rectangular coaxial transmission lines
AssigneeMerrimac Industries, Inc.
InventorJames J. Logothetis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A double-balanced ring mixer is provided in the form of a microwave integrated circuit that has a homogeneous, multilayer structure. The mixer utilizes baluns comprising rectangular coaxial transmission lines that are capable of operating over a wide range of frequencies while taking up little space. A typical implementation operates at frequencies from approximately 0.9 to 6 GHz, although other frequencies, such as approximately 0.1 to 10 GHz, are achievable.
Claims23
A mixer comprising a homogeneous structure of a plurality of layers of polytetrafluoroethylene composite and having at least one substantially rectangular coaxial balun, wherein said at least one substantially rectangular coaxial balun comprises:
- at least three conducting surfaces, comprising a first conductive surface, a second conductive surface, and a third conductive surface, disposed on at least a subset of said plurality of layers, wherein said second conductive surface is between said first conductive surface and said third conductive surface;
- and
- at least two via hole structures connecting said first conductive surface and said third conductive surface, wherein said at least two via hole structures do not intersect said second conductive surface.
A method of manufacturing a mixer comprising the steps of:
- manufacturing a plurality of layers of polytetrafluoroethylene composite;
- etching at least three conducting surfaces, comprising a first conductive surface, a second conductive surface, and a third conductive surface, disposed on at least a subset of said plurality of layers, wherein said second conductive surface is between said first conductive surface and said third conductive surface;
- and
- connecting said first conductive surface and said third conductive surface with at least two via hole structures to form at least one substantially rectangular coaxial balun, wherein said at least two via hole structures do not intersect said second conductive surface.
A mixer comprising a homogeneous structure of a plurality of layers of polytetrafluoroethylene composite and having at least one substantially rectangular coaxial balun, wherein said at least one substantially rectangular coaxial balun comprises:
- metal line means for forming a plurality of horizontal walls and at least one center conductor;
- and
- via hole means for forming a plurality of vertical walls connecting said plurality of horizontal walls, wherein said via hole means does not intersect said at least one center conductor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.