Backward Wave Microstrip Coupler for Long Term Evolution Applications

This study investigates the design and analysis of a 3-dB wideband microstrip coupler. As we know, a coupler is used for devices with tight coupling and provides half the input power at each of its output ports. It consists of three power-combing ports, and all the changes are obtained within the 0 – 3.5 GHz frequency range. In this study, simulation and numerical analysis were done using the Sonnet Suites, a 3D Planar electromagnetic simulation software, based explicitly on the computational analysis Method of Moments (MoM). The proposed design is a branch line type coupler. The main contribution made here is, to add 4 triangles and U-shaped meander lines symmetrically distributed near ports. Theoretical and parametric studies describing the performance of the divider are presented and discussed. Findings from this simulation and analysis showed that it is indeed suitable to be used for fabrication stage.