Multiport distribution network

Description:

The invention describes a multiport distribution network with multi inputs and multi outputs with the purpose of spreading the input signals at the output ports with prescribed power and phase distribution. The invention directly includes the same band-pass filter transfer function at each output. The circuit is entirely formed by resonant cavities mutually coupled by electromagnetic couplings and is configured to:

(i) at each input port, split an input signal received at that input port into n equal signal components and provide each of the n signal components to a respective output port of the circuit; and (ii) at each output port, combine the signal components received from the n input ports to form an output signal for that output port. The multiport distribution network is configured to apply the same filter transfer function along each independent distribution path.

Innovations and advantages:

The invention provides a new hybrid circuit that combines the electrical properties of the cascade of the multiport network distribution and the band-pass filter into one single device. The main advantages are in term of mass and size reduction as the same behavior of two circuits (network distribution + band-pass filters) is obtained with just one network based on coupled resonators. This approach can also provide manufacturing cost associated to the integrated solution.

Commercialisation aspects

Applications and Markets

The invention is applicable to any network distribution that requires filtering both in ground and space segments. The industries that may show interest on the invention may include the areas of mobile and telecommunications, aeronautics, defense and any other area that requires communication systems and distribution networks for radars. 

Intellectual property status

An international patent application has been filed.