Apparatuses for power combining and power dividing

A stripline radial power combiner is provided. The stripline radial combiner comprises a first stripline level comprising N radial combiner arms coupled to a first common node; a second stripline level comprising a common port coupled to a second common node; wherein the first stripline level is mounted over the second stripline level; and wherein the first common node and the second common node are coupled by a conductive via through the first stripline level and the second stripline level.

BACKGROUND

A Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless network includes an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) (also sometimes referred to simply as the “radio access network” or “RAN”) and an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network (also sometime referred to simply as the “core network”).

The E-UTRAN comprises a set of base stations that wirelessly communicate with user equipment (such as smartphones) using licensed radio frequency spectrum. Each base station is also generally referred to as an “eNodeB” or “eNB.”

One type of eNodeB is a “macro” eNodeB (or eNodeB macro cell), which is a higher-power base station that is typically used to provide base station capacity in a relatively large area that includes both outdoor areas and indoor areas. In general, each location within a service provider's network is notionally within the coverage area of at least one macro eNodeB. However, in practice, there are some locations (for example, within homes and office buildings) for which good coverage cannot be provided by any macro eNodeB in an operator's network. Also, there may be some locations (for example, within public venues such as office buildings, stadiums, airports, etc.) where a large number of users congregate during certain periods. During those periods, the associated macro eNodeBs may not be able provide sufficient base-station capacity to the congregated users, even if it is possible to provide sufficient wireless coverage.

To remedy such coverage and capacity issues, LTE wireless networks commonly include eNodeBs that are “small cells” or “femtocells,” and distributed antenna systems (DASs). The small cell is a lower-power base station, and can provide improved wireless local coverage and/or capacity. This is done by deploying the small cell directly with the location that has a coverage and/or capacity issue. Similarly, distributed antenna systems may be coupled to one or more eNodeBs, and provide the same benefit.

The eNodeB macrocells, eNodeB small cells, and distributed antenna systems communicate with User Equipment (UE) such as cell phones. The eNodeB macrocell transmitters that generate downlink signals having relatively high power levels, e.g. 20-70 W. Cell phone transmitters generate uplink signals have relatively small output power levels, e.g. ¼ W. However, other wireless infrastructure systems, such as small cells and distributed antenna systems operate at power levels between cell phones and eNodeB macrocells.

To cost effectively build such other wireless infrastructure systems, it is desirable to use cell phone components which are mass produced and reasonably priced. However, cell phone components are designed to operate at lower power levels, or will prematurely fail if operated at higher power levels. Therefore, there is a need to facilitate use of components designed for cell phones in such wireless infrastructure systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A stripline radial power combiner is provided. The stripline radial combiner comprises a first stripline level comprising N radial combiner arms coupled to a first common node; a second stripline level comprising a common port coupled to a second common node; wherein the first stripline level is mounted over the second stripline level; and wherein the first common node and the second common node are coupled by a conductive via through the first stripline level and the second stripline level.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described below provide a technique to enable wireless infrastructure such as small cells and distributed antenna systems to utilize low cost cell phone components. Because cell phone power amplifiers do not provide sufficient power output for transmitters in such wireless infrastructure, a stripline radial power combiner is described that permits combining the power output of two or more power amplifiers in parallel. Further, the stripline power combiner facilitates the use of duplexer and multiplexers having low power handling ratings. Unlike other electromagnetic power combiners, the stripline radial power combiner substantially maintains phase matching amongst each radial arm, has a single arm for each port reducing insertion loss, and reduces routing complexity to external components. Also, the stripline radial power combiners can be stacked to implement a system of stripline radial power combiners. Finally, stripline radial power combiners can be readily mounted on printed circuit boards proximate to components to which they are to be coupled.

Stripline is a form of a planar transverse electromagnetic (TEM) transmission line.FIG. 1illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of stripline100. Stripline100comprises a center conductor102in a dielectric (or dielectric layer)104. The top dielectric104A and bottom of dielectric104B, at least about the center conductor, are respectively covered by an upper conductor106A and a lower conductor106. The upper conductor106A and lower conductor106B act as electrical ground planes.

The stripline radial power combiner is formed by two levels of stripline; one stripline level is mounted over the other stripline level.FIG. 2Aillustrates a schematic representation of one embodiment of the stripline radial power combiner200A. A common port210is coupled through a common node208, to eight radial arms A1-8.FIG. 2Billustrates a plan view of one embodiment of the stripline radial power combiner200B. BecauseFIG. 2Bis a plan view, however, the two levels of stripline are not visible. However, a top ground plane224, the radial arms A1-8, and the corresponding output tabs T1-8are illustrated.

The common port210is a transmission line transformer. The length of the common port210establishes the diameter D of the stripline radial power combiner200B. Each edge of the common port210illustrated inFIG. 2Bhas a linear taper which results in impedance transformation. However, each edge may have a non-linear taper, such as an elliptical taper (e.g. the common port may have a Klopfenstein taper). A common port210with a non-linear tapered edges, such as the Klopfenstein taper, provides a shorter length of the common port210(for a given return loss) then a common port210with a linear taper.

Additionally, the common port210illustrated inFIG. 2Bhas a linear center line from input to output (illustrated by reference line BB). However, if the center line of the common port210is curved, then diameter D can be further reduced. If the bend radius of the common port210increases when the width of the common port decreases, like with a Fibonnaci spiral (or modification thereof), then the bent common port will desirably have a behavior closer to a linear, or non-curved, common port.

The non-linear taper, e.g. the Klopfenstein taper, can be combined with curved common port, e.g. implemented with a Fibonacci spiral (or modification thereof).FIG. 2Cillustrates a plan view of another embodiment of the stripline radial power combiner200C. The stripline radial power combiner200C includes a common port210that has non-linear tapered edges (i.e. a Klopfenstein taper) and is curved (i.e. a modified Fibonacci spiral).

FIG. 6Aillustrates a cross-section of one embodiment of a stripline radial power combiner600A.FIG. 6Billustrates another cross-section of one embodiment of a stripline radial power combiner600B.FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate cross sections along respectively reference lines AA and BB shown inFIG. 2B. The first stripline level626A and the second stripline level626B are illustrated in the cross-sections.

As illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B, a large surface, i.e. a ground plane, of one stripline level is mounted proximate (e.g. above or below) to a large surface, i.e. a ground plane, of the other stripline level. A first stripline level comprises N radial combiner arms connected (or coupled) at a center, or a first common node. A second stripline level comprises a common port connected (or coupled) to a second common node. In another embodiment, the first common node and the second common node are coupled by a conductive via.

Returning to the schematic illustrated inFIG. 2A, the illustrated stripline radial power combiner200A has N arms A1-ANwhere N equals eight. Each radial arm Axis coupled to a common node208. A radial arm Axprojects from a common node208radially away from the common node. In another embodiment, the common node208is in the center of the planes of the transmission lines of the stripline radial power combiner. The illustrated power combiner also includes a common port210coupled to the common node208. In a further embodiment, the common node208comprises the first common node, the second common node, and the conductive via.

In one embodiment, each radial arm Axis a transmission line having a constant impedance, Z0, along its length. In another embodiment, Z0equals fifty ohms. Thus, the impedance at the common node208is a lower impedance, Z0/N. As discussed above, the common port210is a transmission line transformer. The common port210has an input impedance (provided externally of the stripline radial power combiner200A) of Z0. However, the output impedance, where the common port210is connected to the common node208is a lower impedance, Z0/N, to match the impedance of the parallel radial arms A1-AN.

Although this embodiment will be subsequently exemplified for pedagogical purposes, the stripline radial power combiner200can be implemented with each radial arm Axbeing implemented as a transmission line transformer, i.e. with a center conductor having varying width along its length. Correspondingly, the common port210being implement as a transmission line with a center conductor having a constant width along its length, or as a transmission line transformer with the center conductor having a varying width along its length. For example, each radial arm can be a transmission line transformer having an input impedance (provided externally of the stripline radial power combiner200) of Z0, and an output impedance, where each arm Axis to be connected to the common node208, of N*Z0. Thus, the impedance of the outputs of the arms A1-Nconnected in parallel, at the common node208, is Z0. As a result, the common port210can be implemented with a transmission line having an impedance of Z0along its length.

FIG. 3illustrates one embodiment of a plan view of the center conductors for eight radial combiner arms connected at a first common node300. In another embodiment, each radial arm Axis transmission line having a center conductor302-xwith a width (W)314that is constant over the length (L)316of the corresponding center conductor302-x. Each transmission line has a characteristic impedance, Z0, based upon the dielectric constant and thickness of the dielectric above and below the center conductor302-x, the width (W)314of the center conductor302-xand the thickness of the center conductor302-x. When the characteristic impedances of each transmission line are the same, the characteristic impedance at the first common node308A (or the juncture of the center conductors302-xof each radial arm Ax) is Z0/N. In a further embodiment, the electrical length of the transmission line is equal. A via hole322is formed in the first common node308A. The diameter of the first common node308A may be other than shown to facilitate impedance matching, e.g. of the radial arms and the first common node308A.

In one embodiment, each pair of adjacent transmission lines is separated by an angle (Θy) 319-y equal to three hundred and sixty degrees/N, where N is the number of radial arms. Alternatively, in another embodiment, at least two pairs of adjacent transmission lines are separated by different angles, e.g. based upon the number of stacked stripline radial power combiners.

In the illustrated embodiment, the periphery318of the first strip line level defines the periphery of the ground planes and dielectric. The periphery318of the first stripline level and the second stripline level are typically circular, e.g. if the lengths of the radial arms and the common port are equal length. However, other peripheral shapes could be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, output tabs Txare extensions of the center conductors302-xforming each radial arm Ax. In another embodiment, the output tabs Txextend beyond the dielectric and the periphery318, and facilitate connections to external circuitry, e.g. microstrip transmission lines on a printed circuit board (PCB) or components mounted on the PCB, e.g. to which the stripline radial power combiner200is mounted. The connections can be facilitated, e.g. by one or more parallel ribbon bonds connecting an output tab to the external circuitry, such as a microstrip transmission line on the PCB or a bond pad on a component mounted on the PCB.

The second stripline level comprises the common port210and a second common node.FIG. 4illustrates one embodiment of a plan view of a center conductor of the common port connected to the second common node400. In another embodiment, the common port210is formed by a transmission line with a center conductor402-L having a width that varies from a width corresponding to a characteristic impedance, Z0, to a broader width that corresponds to Z0/N. The broader width end of the center conductor402-L, corresponding to impedance Z0/N, is coupled to the second common node408B. The narrower width end, corresponding to impedance Z0is connected output tab TLwhich is an extension of the center conductors402-L. The output tab TLfacilitates connection to external circuitry as exemplified above. A via hole422is formed in the second common node408B.

The transmission line of the common port210acts as a transformer, transforming impedance Z0to impedance Z0/N. In a further embodiment, the transmission line transformer of the common port210has an electrical length substantially similar to the electrical length of the transmission line of each radial arm Ax.

FIGS. 2A and 4respectively illustrate the common port210and the corresponding center conductor402-L being tapered for their full length. However, depending upon operating frequency, the taper may only be a portion of the length of the common port210and the corresponding center conductor402-L. Thus, in one embodiment, the common port210and the corresponding center conductor402-L include a tapered portion and at least one constant width portion. The tapered portion is an impedance transformer, and the constant width portion(s) each have a constant impedance, e.g. equivalent to the impedance at the end of the tapered portion to which it is respectively attached.

In an alternative embodiment, in the first stripline level, each radial arm Axis a transmission line transformer tapering from a broad width, corresponding to an external characteristic impedance of Z0, to a narrower width corresponding to an impedance ZC. Thus, the impedance at the center is ZC/N. The common port210is a transmission line which may be a transformer depending upon the value of ZC. If ZCis equal to Z0, then the common port210is a transmission line having a fixed width and an impedance of Z0.

FIG. 5illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary ground plane of the first and second stripline levels500. To isolate the via hole from the ground plane, an annular portion, or alternatively another shaped portion of conductor524is removed at the center of the ground plane. A via hold522is formed in the annular region520of dielectric for reasons that will be subsequently described.

Returning toFIG. 6A, the cross-section illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary center conductor602-xof a radial arm Axin the first stripline level626A. The first stripline level626A comprises three conductor layers: a first ground plane624a, a radial arm conductor layer (as illustrated by the exemplary center conductor602-x), and a second ground plane624b. In another embodiment, the conductors, including those that form the ground planes, described herein are formed with gold or copper. The radial arm conductor layer is separated from the first ground plane624aand the second ground plane624bby a first level dielectric604-1, i.e. respectively by a top half of the first level dielectric604-1aand a bottom half of the first level dielectric604-1a. In a further embodiment, the dielectric can be a dielectric substrate such as Roger Corporation's Duroid® or air.

The second stripline level626B is formed in a manner analogous to the first stripline level626A. The second stripline level626B comprises three conductor layers: a third ground plane624c, a common node conductor layer (not shown), and a fourth ground plane624d. The common node conductor layer is separated from the third ground plane624cand the fourth ground plane624dby a second level dielectric604-2, i.e. respectively by a top half of the second level dielectric604-2aand a bottom half of the second level dielectric604-2a. The first ground plane624aand the fourth ground plane624dare also referred to herein as exterior ground planes as they cover exterior sides of the stripline radial power combiner600A.

The second stripline level626B is mounted below the first stripline level626A. A via (conductive via)630is formed by filling via holes (through the center of the ground planes, conductor layers, and dielectric layers) with a conductor; the via630electrically connects the common port210with each radial arm Ax.

In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 6A, the second stripline level626B is isolated from the first stripline level626A by an intermediary dielectric layer628. The enhanced separation between the first stripline level626A and the second stripline level626B reduces undesirable electromagnetic coupling between the common port210and any proximate radial arm. The via630passes through the intermediary dielectric layer628. However, the increased separation also increases the length of the via630, and thus the inductance between the common port210and each radial arm Ax. Increased inductance is undesirable at higher frequencies. Therefore, in another embodiment, no intermediary dielectric628is used in the stripline radial power combiner600A.

Returning toFIG. 6B, the cross-section illustrates a cross-section of the common port210, formed in part by common port conductor layer602L, in the second stripline level626B.

Because the stripline radial power combiner has flat surfaces, i.e. including the first ground plane624aand the fourth ground plane624d, M stripline radial power combiners can be stacked upon one another to make a stripline radial power combiner system, where M is an integer greater than one. M stripline radial power combiners can be used to provide power combining for N M port devices to implement complex systems. N is the number of components coupled to the stripline radial power combiner system, and is the number of arms in each stripline radial power combiner. M is the number of ports in each component and the number of stacked stripline radial power combiners in the stripline radial power combiner system.

FIG. 7illustrates one embodiment of a stripline radial power combiner system comprising five stacked eight port stripline radial power combiners mounted on a printed circuit board700. In this embodiment, M equals five and N equals eight. For each pair of stripline power combiners in the stripline power combiner system740, the first or second stripline level of one stripline radial power combiner may be stacked above, or mounted to, the first or second stripline level of a second stripline radial power combiner.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stripline radial power combiner system740is mounted to a printed circuit board732. In another embodiment, the exterior ground planes of stripline radial power combiners740a-eare attached to one another with a non-conductive adhesive such as non-conductive epoxy to avoid short circuiting the vias630of each stripline radial power combiner. In a further embodiment, the stripline radial power combiner system700is also attached to the printed circuit board732by an adhesive which can be conductive, such as conductive epoxy, to ensure a connection of at least one ground plane to ground.

The output tabs Tx,y(where x is indicative of the radial arm, and y is indicative of the stripline radial power combiner740y) of each arm Ax,yof a stripline radial power combiner is offset, staggered, from output tabs of arms of the stripline radial power combiners just above and below. The staggering permits each output tab to be coupled, e.g. to the PCB upon which the stripline radial power combiner system is mounted, or to other component(s), e.g. mounted on the PCB. In one embodiment, one or more parallel bond ribbons are used to connect each output tab to terminals, or pads, on the printed circuit board or such component(s).

FIG. 8Aillustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a radio system incorporating a stripline radial power combiner system800A. In another embodiment, the radio system800A is part of a eNodeB small cell or a remote radio unit of a distributed antenna system. The illustrated radio system800A has a transmit path876aand a receive path876brespectively coupled to a transmitter and receiver in the radio870. The illustrated stripline radial combiner system840of the radio system800A comprises four stripline radial combiners, each having six ports. Thus, M equals four and N equals six. However, in alternative embodiments of a radio system, M can be as small as two, e.g. if only two pairs of duplexers, power amplifiers, and low noise amplifiers are utilized. By combining two or more pairs of power amplifiers, lower power output power amplifiers (such as those developed for cell phones) can be used, with resulting lower additive phase noise. N, however, can be greater, if a multiplexer such as a quadplexer is used to combine two or more sets of amplifiers coupled to a multiplexer; such an embodiment is subsequently exemplified. The duplexer and multiplexers discussed herein may be formed by thin-film bulk acoustic resonators or ceramic resonators.

The radio system800A includes a stripline radial combiner system840coupled to a radio870, an antenna874, a first duplexer872a, a second duplexer872b, a third duplexer872c, a fourth duplexer872d, a first power amplifier846a, a second power amplifier846b, a third power amplifier846c, a fourth power amplifier846d, a first low noise amplifier848a, a second low noise amplifier848b, a third low noise amplifier848c, and a fourth low noise amplifier848d. Each power amplifier846xand low noise amplifier848xare respectively and uniquely coupled to two ports of a corresponding duplexer872x. The stripline radial combiner system840couples:(a) the antenna874to common ports of each duplexer872x;(b) an input of each power amplifier846xto the transmit path876a; and(c) an output of each low noise amplifier848xto the receive path876b.Each set of duplexer872x, power amplifier846x, and low noise amplifier848xforms a component Cx.

FIG. 8Billustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a radio system incorporating stripline radial power combiner systems800B. The radio system incorporating stripline radial power combiner systems800B is similar to the radio system illustrated inFIG. 8A, except that the transmit path876aand the receive path876bare respectively coupled to a first port of a first stripline radial power combiner systems840aand to a first port of a second stripline radial power combiner system840b. Further, a transmit antenna874aand a receive antenna874bare respectively coupled to a second port of the first stripline radial power combiner systems840aand to a second port of the second stripline radial power combiner system840b.

At least two power amplifiers and at least two low noise amplifiers are respectively coupled to corresponding ports of the stripline radial power combiner systems840aand a second stripline radial power combiner system840b.FIG. 8Billustrates four power amplifiers coupled to the first stripline radial combiner system840b, and four low noise amplifiers coupled to the second stripline radial combiner system840b.

The transmitter in the radio870is thus coupled to the power amplifiers coupled to the first stripline radial power combiner840a. If the power amplifiers are the same, then by coupling two or more power amplifiers to the first stripline radial power combiner840a, the output power delivered to the transmit antenna874ais increased, without undesirably, substantially increasing the distortion in the output of the combined power amplifiers. For example, the gain of the combined power amplifiers can be increased (by adding more power amplifiers) without substantially increasing such distortion, e.g. as measured by a compression point, e.g. 1 dB compression point, of the combined power amplifiers.

The receiver in the radio870is thus coupled to the low noise amplifiers coupled to the second stripline radial power combiner840b. If the low noise amplifiers are the same, then by coupling two or more low noise amplifiers to the second stripline radial power combiner840b, the gain of the combined low noise amplifiers can be increased without undesirably, substantially increasing the intermodulation distortion of the low noise amplifier. For example, the gain of the combined low noise amplifiers can be increased (by adding more low noise amplifiers) without substantially increasing such intermodulation distortion, e.g. as measured by an intermodulation product such as the third order intermodulation product. Thus, the noise figure of the combined low noise amplifiers and the receiver can be decreased without substantially increasing intermodulation distortion.

FIG. 8Cillustrates one embodiment of eight five port components coupled to a stripline radial power combiner system mounted on a printed circuit board800B. In one embodiment, one or more of the eight five port components are mounted on the printed circuit board800B, and by or under corresponding output tabs of the stripline radial power combiner system840′. The illustrated stripline radial power combiner system840′ comprises five stacked eight port stripline radial power combiners840x. Each port of each component Cxis coupled to an output tab Tx,yof a different stripline radial power combiner840x. Each stripline radial power combiner800xhas a common port810x.

FIG. 9illustrates one component that is a transceiver front end coupled to an output tabs Tx,yof a stripline radial power combiner system900. In the illustrated embodiment, the transceiver front end942comprises a quadplexer944having a common port QPc, a first input port QPi1, a second input port QPi2, a first output port QPo1, and a second output port QPo2. A first power amplifier946aand a second power amplifier946bhave inputs respectively coupled to the first input port QPi1and the second input port QPi2. A first low noise amplifier948aand a second low noise amplifiers948bhave inputs respectively coupled to the first output port QPo1and the second output port QPo2. The inputs of the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier, the outputs of the first low noise amplifier and the second low noise amplifier, and the common port are respectively coupled to adjacent output tabs Tx,yof a different stripline radial power combiner of the stripline radial power combiner system940.

FIG. 10illustrates one embodiment of a method of operation of a stripline radial power combiner1000. To the extent that the embodiment of method1000shown inFIG. 10is described herein as being implemented in the systems shown inFIGS. 1 through 9, it is to be understood that other embodiments can be implemented in other ways. The blocks of the flow diagrams have been arranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of explanation; however, it is to be understood that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and it should be recognized that the processing associated with the methods (and the blocks shown in the Figures) can occur in a different order (for example, where at least some of the processing associated with the blocks is performed in parallel and/or in an event-driven manner).

In one embodiment, in block1002, couple electromagnetic power into a common port of a stripline radial power combiner. In another embodiment, coupling the electromagnetic power into the common port of the stripline radial power combiner comprises coupling, from a common tab connected to the common port, the electromagnetic power into the common port of the stripline radial power combiner.

In block1004, propagate the electromagnetic power to a common node of the stripline radial power combiner. In one embodiment, propagating the electromagnetic power to the common node of the stripline radial power combiner comprises propagating the electromagnetic power to a first common node, and propagating the electromagnetic power from the first common node to a second common node.

In block1006, propagate, in substantially equal proportions in N radial arms, the electromagnetic power received at the common node. In one embodiment, propagating, in substantially equal proportions in the N radial arms, the electromagnetic power received at the common node comprises propagating, in substantially equal proportions in the N radial arms, the electromagnetic power received at the second common node.

In one embodiment, in block1008, couple the substantially equal proportions electromagnetic power from each N radial arm out of the stripline radial power combiner, e.g. to a component. In another embodiment, coupling the substantially equal proportions of electromagnetic power from each N radial arm out of the stripline radial power combiner comprises coupling the substantially equal proportions of electromagnetic power from N output tabs each of which is uniquely connected to each of the N radial arms.

FIG. 11illustrates another embodiment of a method of operation of a stripline radial power combiner1100. To the extent that the embodiment of method1100shown inFIG. 11is described herein as being implemented in the systems shown inFIGS. 1 through 9, it is to be understood that other embodiments can be implemented in other ways. The blocks of the flow diagrams have been arranged in a generally sequential manner for ease of explanation; however, it is to be understood that this arrangement is merely exemplary, and it should be recognized that the processing associated with the methods (and the blocks shown in the Figures) can occur in a different order (for example, where at least some of the processing associated with the blocks is performed in parallel and/or in an event-driven manner).

In one embodiment, in block1102, couple electromagnetic power into N radial arms of a stripline radial power combiner. In another embodiment, coupling the electromagnetic power into the N radial arms of a stripline radial power combiner comprises coupling, from N output tabs each of which is uniquely connected to each of the N radial arms, the electromagnetic power into the N radial arms of the stripline radial power combiner.

In block1104, propagate the electromagnetic power to a common node of the stripline radial power combiner. In one embodiment, propagating the electromagnetic power to the common node of the stripline radial power combiner comprises propagating the electromagnetic power to a first common node, and propagating the electromagnetic power from the first common node to a second common node.

In block1106, propagate, to a common port, substantially the combination, or sum, of the electromagnetic powers in N radial arms received from the common node. In one embodiment, propagating, to the common port, substantially the combination, or sum, of the electromagnetic power in N radial arms received from the common node comprises propagating substantially the combination, or sum, of the electromagnetic power in N radial arms received from the second common node.

In one embodiment, in block1108, couple the combined electromagnetic power from the common port, e.g. to a component. In one embodiment, coupling the electromagnetic power from the common port comprises coupling the electromagnetic power from an output tab connected to the common port.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example 1 includes a stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a first stripline level comprising N radial combiner arms coupled to a first common node; a second stripline level comprising a common port coupled to a second common node; wherein the first stripline level is mounted over the second stripline level; and wherein the first common node and the second common node are coupled by a conductive via through the first stripline level and the second stripline level.

Example 2 includes the stripline radial power combiner of Example 1, wherein each edge of the common port has a non-linear taper.

Example 3 includes the stripline radial power combiner of Example 2, wherein the edges of the common port have a Klopfenstein taper.

Example 4 includes the stripline radial power combiner of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the common port is curved.

Example 5 includes the stripline radial power combiner of Example 4, wherein the curve of the common port is a modified Fibonacci spiral.

Example 6 includes the stripline radial power combiner of any of Examples 1-5, wherein each pair of adjacent radial arms are separated by an angle equal to three hundred and sixty degrees divided by N.

Example 7 includes the stripline radial power combiner of any of Examples 1-6, further comprising an intermediary dielectric layer separating the first stripline level and the second stripline level; and wherein the conductive via passes through the intermediary dielectric layer.

Example 8 includes a stripline radial power combiner system, comprising: a first stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a first stripline level comprising a first set of N first radial combiner arms coupled to a first common node; a second stripline level comprising a first common port coupled to a second common node; and wherein the first common node and the second common node are coupled by a first conductive via through the first stripline level and the second stripline level; a second stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a third stripline level comprising a second set of N second radial combiner arms coupled to a third common node; and a fourth stripline level comprising a second common port coupled to a fourth common node; and wherein the third common node and the fourth common node are coupled by a second conductive via through the third stripline level and the fourth stripline level; wherein the first stripline level or the second stripline level is mounted over the third stripline level or the fourth stripline level.

Example 9 includes the stripline radial power combiner system of Example 8, wherein the first stripline level or the second stripline level is attached to the third stripline level or the fourth stripline level by a non-conductive adhesive; and wherein each pair of adjacent radial arms in the first set and each pair of adjacent radial arms in the second set are each separated by an angle equal to three hundred and sixty degrees divided by N.

Example 10 includes the stripline radial power combiner of any of Examples 8-9, wherein the first stripline radial power combiner further comprises a first intermediary dielectric layer separating the first stripline level and the second stripline level; wherein the first conductive via passes through the first intermediary dielectric layer; wherein the second stripline radial power combiner further comprises a second intermediary dielectric layer separating the third stripline level and the fourth stripline level; and wherein the second conductive via passes through the second intermediary dielectric layer.

Example 11 includes a system, comprising: a first stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a first stripline level comprising a first set of at least two radial combiner arms coupled to a first common node; a second stripline level comprising a first common port coupled to a second common node; and wherein the first common node and the second common node are coupled by a first conductive via through the first stripline level and the second stripline level; a second stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a third stripline level comprising a second set of at least two second radial combiner arms coupled to a third common node; and a fourth stripline level comprising a second common port coupled to a fourth common node; and wherein the third common node and the fourth common node are coupled by a second conductive via through the third stripline level and the fourth stripline level; a third stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a fifth stripline level comprising a third set of at least two radial combiner arms coupled to a fifth common node; a sixth stripline level comprising a third common port coupled to a sixth common node; and wherein the fifth common node and the sixth common node are coupled by a third conductive via through the fifth stripline level and the sixth stripline level; wherein the first stripline level or the second stripline level is mounted over the third stripline level or the fourth stripline level; wherein the third stripline level or the fourth stripline level is mounted over the fifth stripline level or the sixth stripline level; a first duplexer and a second duplexer coupled to unique radial combiner arms of the third set; a first power amplifier and a second power amplifier coupled to unique radial combiner arms of the second set; a first low noise amplifier and a second low noise amplifier coupled to unique radial combiner arms of the third set; wherein the first power amplifier and the second power amplifier are respectively coupled to the first duplexer and the second duplexer; and wherein the first low noise amplifier and the second low noise amplifier are respectively coupled to the first duplexer and the second duplexer.

Example 12 includes the system of Example 11, further comprising a radio coupled to the first common port and the second common port.

Example 13 includes the system of Example 12, further comprising an antenna coupled to the third common port.

Example 14 includes the system of any of Examples 11-13, wherein the first stripline level or the second stripline level is attached to the third stripline level or the fourth stripline level by a non-conductive adhesive; and wherein the third stripline level or the fourth stripline level is attached to the fifth stripline level or the sixth stripline level by a non-conductive adhesive.

Example 15 includes the system of any of Examples 11-14, wherein each pair of adjacent radial arms of the first set, each pair of adjacent radial arms of the second set, and each pair of adjacent radial arms of the third set are each separated by the same angle.

Example 16 includes the system of any of Examples 11-15, wherein the first stripline radial power combiner further comprises a first intermediary dielectric layer separating the first stripline level and the second stripline level; wherein the first conductive via passes through the intermediary dielectric layer; wherein the second stripline radial power combiner further comprises a second intermediary dielectric layer separating the third stripline level and the fourth stripline level; wherein the second conductive via passes through the second intermediary dielectric layer; wherein the third stripline radial power combiner further comprises a third intermediary dielectric layer separating the fifth stripline level and the sixth stripline level; and wherein the third conductive via passes through the third intermediary dielectric layer.

Example 17 includes the system of any of Examples 11-16, wherein each edge of each of the first common port, the second common port, and the third common port has a non-linear taper.

Example 18 includes the system of Example 17, wherein the edges of each common port have a Klopfenstein taper.

Example 19 includes the system of any of Examples 11-18, wherein each of the first common port, the second common port, and the third common port is curved.

Example 20 includes the system of Example 19, wherein the curve of each common port is a modified Fibonacci spiral.

Example 21 includes a method, comprising: coupling electromagnetic power into or out of a common port of a stripline radial power combiner propagating the electromagnetic power respectively to or from a common node of the stripline radial power combiner; and propagating, in substantially equal proportions in N radial arms, the electromagnetic power respectively received at or delivered from the common node.

Example 22 includes the method of Example 21, further comprising, coupling the substantially equal proportions electromagnetic power from each of the N radial arms respectively out of the stripline radial power combiner.

Example 23 includes the method of any of Examples 21-22, wherein propagating the electromagnetic power respectively to or from the common node of the stripline radial power combiner comprises propagating the electromagnetic power respectively to or from a first common node, and propagating the electromagnetic power respectively from the first common node to a second common node or to the first common note from the second common node; and wherein propagating, in substantially equal proportions in the N radial arms, the electromagnetic power respectively received at or delivered from the common node comprises propagating, in substantially equal proportions in the N radial arms, the electromagnetic power respectively received at or delivered from the second common node.

Example 24 includes a system, comprising: a first stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a first stripline level comprising a first set of at least two radial combiner arms coupled to a first common node; a second stripline level comprising a first common port coupled to a second common node; wherein the first stripline level is mounted over the second stripline level; and wherein the first common node and the second common node are coupled by a first conductive via through the first stripline level and the second stripline level; a second stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a third stripline level comprising a second set of at least two second radial combiner arms coupled to a third common node; and a fourth stripline level comprising a second common port coupled to a fourth common node; wherein the third stripline level is mounted over the fourth stripline level; and wherein the third common node and the fourth common node are coupled by a second conductive via through the third stripline level and the fourth stripline level; a third stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a fifth stripline level comprising a third set of at least two radial combiner arms coupled to a fifth common node; a sixth stripline level comprising a third common port coupled to a sixth common node; wherein the fifth stripline level is mounted over the sixth stripline level; and wherein the fifth common node and the sixth common node are coupled by a third conductive via through the fifth stripline level and the sixth stripline level; a fourth stripline radial power combiner, comprising: a seventh stripline level comprising a fourth set of at least two radial combiner arms coupled to a seventh common node; an eighth stripline level comprising a fourth common port coupled to an eighth common node; wherein the seventh stripline level is mounted over the eighth stripline level; and wherein the seventh common node and the eighth common node are coupled by a fourth conductive via through the seventh stripline level and the eighth stripline level; wherein the first stripline level or the second stripline level is mounted over the third stripline level or the fourth stripline level; and wherein the fifth stripline level or the sixth stripline level is mounted over the seventh stripline level or the eighth stripline level; at least two power amplifiers each of which has an input and an output; at least two low noise amplifiers each of which has an input and an output; wherein each power amplifier input is coupled to a unique radial combiner arm of the first set; wherein each power amplifier output is coupled to a unique radial combiner arm of the second set; wherein each low noise amplifier input is coupled to a unique radial combiner arm of the third set; and wherein each low noise amplifier output is coupled to a unique radial combiner arm of the fourth set.

Example 25 includes the system of Example 24, further comprising a radio coupled to the first common port and the third common port.

Example 26 includes the system of Example 25, further comprising a first antenna coupled to the second common port; and a second antenna coupled to the fourth common port.

Example 27 includes the system of any of Examples 25-26, wherein the first stripline level, the second stripline level, the third stripline level, or the fourth stripline level is mounted over the fifth stripline level, the sixth stripline level, the seventh stripline level, or the eight stripline level.

Example 28 includes the system of Example 27, wherein the first stripline level, the second stripline level, the third stripline level, or the fourth stripline level is attached, by non-conductive adhesive, to the fifth stripline level, the sixth stripline level, the seventh stripline level, or the eight stripline level.

Example 29 includes the system of any of Examples 24-28, wherein the first stripline level or the second stripline level is attached to the third stripline level or the fourth stripline level by a non-conductive adhesive; and wherein the fifth stripline level or the sixth stripline level is attached to the seventh stripline level or the eighth stripline level by a non-conductive adhesive.

Example 30 includes the system of any of Examples 24-29, wherein each pair of adjacent radial arms of the first set, each pair of adjacent radial arms of the second set, each pair of adjacent radial arms of the third set, and each pair of adjacent radial arms of the fourth set are each separated by the same angle.

Example 31 includes the system of any of Examples 24-30, wherein the first stripline radial power combiner further comprises a first intermediary dielectric layer separating the first stripline level and the second stripline level; wherein the first conductive via passes through the first intermediary dielectric layer; wherein the second stripline radial power combiner further comprises a second intermediary dielectric layer separating the third stripline level and the fourth stripline level; wherein the second conductive via passes through the second intermediary dielectric layer; wherein the third stripline radial power combiner further comprises a third intermediary dielectric layer separating the fifth stripline level and the sixth stripline level; wherein the third conductive via passes through the third intermediary dielectric layer; wherein the fourth stripline radial power combiner further comprises a fourth intermediary dielectric layer separating the seventh stripline level and the eighth stripline level; and wherein the fourth conductive via passes through the fourth intermediary dielectric layer.

Terms of relative position as used in this application are defined based on a plane parallel to the conventional plane or working surface of a layer or substrate, regardless of orientation. The term “horizontal” or “lateral” as used in this application are defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or working surface of a layer or substrate, regardless of orientation. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal. Terms such as “on,” “side” (as in “sidewall”), “higher,” “lower,” “over,” “top,” and “under” are defined with respect to the conventional plane or working surface being on the top surface of a layer or substrate, regardless of orientation.