Two-Layer Three-Way Horst Power Divider and Combiner Based on Microstrip Line With Fixed Characteristic Impedance

In this letter, a two-layer three-way power divider/combiner (PDC) based on a fixed impedance transmission line is presented. The design is optimized through even/odd modes analysis. To provide design guidelines, graphical representations with closed-form equations are also provided. The theoretical bandwidth is estimated according to a performance criterion that takes into account the balance between isolation and input matching. The two-layer configuration provides better isolation between opposite ports despite the compact size. To validate the simulations, the three-way PDC is fabricated and measured. The measured results demonstrate excellent matching, isolation, and transmission performance with an overall fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 20%, which is consistent with the calculated bandwidth.

Automated summary

In this article, a two-layer three-way power divider/combiner (PDC) based on a fixed impedance transmission line is proposed. The design is optimized using even/odd modes analysis and design guidelines are provided through graphical representations and closed-form equations. The theoretical bandwidth is estimated based on a performance criterion considering the balance between isolation and input matching. The fabricated and measured three-way PDC demonstrates excellent matching, isolation, and transmission performance, with a consistent overall fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 20%.