Patent ID: 7075387

Claim:
A directional coupler for radio frequency application, comprising: an input for receiving a radio frequency input signal; a port for delivering a radio frequency output signal; a first elongated conductor, suspended in air between two ground planes, for connecting the input with the port; the first elongated conductor comprising a sandwich structure with a first upper conductive strip, a first intermediate layer comprising a dielectric material and a first lower conductive strip; a second elongated conductor, suspended in air between two ground planes, the second elongated conductor comprising a sandwich structure with a second upper conductive strip, a second intermediate layer comprising a dielectric material and a second lower conductive strip; said first elongated conductor and said second elongated conductor being substantially parallel; said first upper and lower conductive strips and said second upper and lower conductive strips, respectively, having conductive interconnection; a power supply input for receiving electric power; wherein said port for delivering said radio frequency output signal is connected to said power supply input and arranged to deliver electric power supply to active circuitry connected to said port, whereby said radio frequency output signal and said electric supply power are provided on the same conductors; wherein said port for delivering a radio frequency output signal is connected to a lightning protection device.