Radio frequency switching system using pin diodes and quarter-wave transformers

Details

Inventors: Taylor, Jr., Taliaferro H.; Johnk, Robert T.; Garvin, Clifton W.;
Assignee: Ball Corporation (Muncie, IN)
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney, Agent or Firm:

This invention allows the combination of any M of N signal inputs, combines the signals inputs in phase, and does not require switches to terminate unused inputs. Microstrip switching means provide an array of N quarter-wave tuners and an associated single, common, quarter-wave tuner that are interconnected by N semiconductor switching means. Each of the N semiconductor switches is connected with one of the N quarter-wave tuners and is operable to provide a low impedance between its connected quarter-wave tuner and the single common quarter-wave tuner. Microstrip connecting means for the microstrip switching means forms an array of N transmission lines N associated quarter-wave transformers for semiconductor switch biasing and a single transmission line. Each of the N transmission lines and its associated one of the N bias quarter-wave transformers are connected together at one end and further connected with one of the N quarter-wave transformers of the microstrip switching means and has an RF connection at its other end. The single transmission line is connected at one end with the single common integral quarter-wave transformer of the microstrip switching means and has an RF connection at its other end. Electrical current through any M of the N bias quarter-wave tuners and the connected M quarter-wave and semiconductor switches can be used to electrically connect the M quarter-wave tuners with the single common quarter-wave tuner, permitting signals on the M quarter-wave tuners to be combined in phase of the common quarter-wave tuner output.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION This invention allows the combination of a large number of signal inputs even though they may be asymmetrically associated with the output, combines the signal inputs in phase, and does not require switches to terminate unused inputs.
The invention also permits the effective division of power from a single common input among a large number of asymmetrically located outputs.
The invention permits a smaller device which uses less power.
To simplify further description of the invention, the invention will be discussed in its application to combine any M of N inputs.
The invention comprises an array of N impedance-matching devices and an associated single impedance-matching device that are interconnected by N semiconductor switching means.
Each of the N semiconductor switches is connected with one of the N impedance-matching devices and is operable to provide a low impedance between its connected impedance-matching device and the single impedance-matching device.
The application of biasing current to any M of the N semiconductor switches can be used to electrically connect any M of the N impedance-matching device with the single, common, impedance-matching device, permitting signals through the M impedance-matching devices to be combined in phase through the common impedance-matching device.
In its preferable embodiment, microstrip techniques are used to provide the switching means for a plurality of high-frequency signals.
A dielectric substrate and associated conductors form the plurality of impedance-matching devices, preferably as a spoke-like array of N quarter-wave transformers for the high-frequency signals, each of the N quarter-wave transformers preferably having the same characteristic impedance.
The substrate of the microstrip switching means further has a single conductor on its surface to form the single impedance-matching device, preferably as a hub-like portion centrally located adjacent to the inner ends of the spoke-line array of N quarter-wave transformers and a single, integral, spoke-like portion extending outwardly from the hub-like portion to form a quarter-wave transformer having a second characteristic impedance

Related patents

	Switchable coupling apparatus for television receiver only installation The present invention can be employed in a multiple television receiver only system comprising: a Low Noise amplifier; a block down converter for converting a received ...
	Building block approach to microwave modules The above and other objects which will become apparent from the specification as a whole, including the drawings, are achieved in accordance with the present invention ...
	Computer keyboard with cantilever switch and actuator design OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws "to promote the ...
	Method and apparatus for controlling image communication between a plurality of terminals and an exchange The present invention is a method and an apparatus which are useful for effectively performing image communication and is a method and an apparatus for composing a ...
	Telecommunications switch with improved redundancy OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Shown in FIG. 1 is a programmable telecommunications switch 10. The switch is constructed on circuit boards or "cards" which are located in ...
	Method of configuring alternative instances of an element class in a software system What is claimed is: 1. A method, performed by a computer, of configuring alternative instances of an element class in a software system, the software system capable of ...
	Method and system for delineation of structure and linkages between knowledge base modules The present method and system for delineation of structure and linkages between knowledge base modules provides for generation of a module map, in tabular format, which ...
	Method and apparatus for compensation of time base errors Basically, the present invention resides in an improved method and apparatus for compensating for variations in the time base of a video signal. The apparatus includes ...
	Rapid signal acquisition and phase averaged horizontal timing from composite sync What is claimed is: 1. A circuit for locking to an input video signal from a source, the input video signal having a composite sync component, comprising: means for ...

0.034
Archive: All patents - Links Copyright (c)2006 Eipa-patents.org - All rights reserved