Directional Coupler

4-port
Network
3

A directional coupler is a 4-port network exhibiting:

All ports matched on the reference load (i.e. S11=S22=S33=S44=0)
Two pair of ports uncoupled (i.e. the corresponding Si,j parameters are zero).
Typically the uncoupled ports are (1,3) and (2,4) or (1,4) and (2,3)

Characteristic Parameters
It is here assumed that the uncoupled ports are (1-4) and (2-3). The S
parameters the ideal coupler must exhibit are:
S11=S22=S33=S44=0, S14=S41=S23=S32=0.
In this case the ports (1-2), (1-3), (3-4), (2-4) are coupled.
Let define C (Coupling) as:
C=|S13|2, CdB=-20 log(|S13|)
If the network is assumed lossless and reciprocal, the unitary condition
of the S matrix determines the following relationships:

S11 S12 S13 S14 1 S12 C 1

2

S12 1 C

S 21 S 22 S 23 S 24 1 S12 S 24 1
2

S31 S32 S33 S34 1 C S34 1

2

S24 S13 C
2

S34 S12 1 C

Then, exciting the network at port 1 (2), the output power is divided between ports
3 and 2 (4 and 1) according the factors C and 1-C. No power comes out of port 4
(3)

Further implications of lossless

condition
*
*
S12 S24
S13 S34
0 S12 S 24 e

j 12 24

S13 S34 e

j 13 34

12 24 13 34
Assigning 12=34=0 e 13=/2, will result 24=/2, then
S12=S34, S13=S24

The network is symmetric

It can be demonstrated that it is sufficient to impose the matching

condition to the four ports of a lossless and reciprocal network to get a
directional coupler

Parameters of a real directional coupler

In a real coupler the matching at the ports is not zeros at all the frequencies. It
is then specified the minimum Return Loss in the operating bandwidth.
The coupling parameter C, it is in general referred to the port with the lowest
coupling.
It must be then considered that to the uncoupled port actually arrive a not zero
power. To characterize this unwanted effect the isolation I is introduced:
I=Power to the coupled port/Power to the uncoupled port
For the coupler considered in the previous slides (assuming the port with the
lowest coupling is the 3):

I S13

S14

Note that I for the ideal coupler is infinite

Use of the directional coupler (1)

Measure of the reflection coefficient

Line, Zc

V+

VL

VL

V-

C 1,

S12 1 C 1

V V

Vi

Vi VL S13 j C VL ,

Vr VL S24 j C VL

Vr j C VL VL

Vi
j C VL VL

Vr

Use of the directional coupler (2)

Power divider (C=3 dB)

Pin

Pout= Pin /2

Ports closed on the

reference load
Pout= Pin /2

V2 V1S12

C=3dB

1
1
V1 P2 P1 ,
2
2

V3 V1S13

1
1
V1 P3 P1
2
2

Use of the directional coupler (3)

Power combiner (C=3 dB)
Pin

Pin/2

Pin/2

V3
V2
V1 V2 S12 V3 S13
j

2
2
1 2
V1
2

2
2

V2 1 Pin Pin
1 V3

Pin
2 2
2 2 2
2

Use of the directional coupler (4)

Sum and difference of voltages (C=3 dB)
0
Vout1 1

12=13= 24=0
34=

VB

Ports closed on the

reference load

0
3

VA

4 V
out2

C=3dB
1
Vout1 V1 VA S12 VB S13
VA VB ,
2
Vout 2 V4 VA S24 VB S34

1
VA VB
2

Use of the directional coupler (5)

Balanced Amplifier
Vin

1a

2a

Vin/2

in

90

C=3 dB

Gain:

3a jVin/2

V2b A Vin
Vout V4b j

in

Vin

jVin

A
2
A
2

2b

90
3b

2 , V3b j A Vin
V2b
2

V3b
2

j A Vin

Reflection:

V1a Vin , V2a A Vin

V3a jin A Vin

2 , V2a in A Vin

2 , V1a

C=3 dB

4b

Vout

Pout
A
Pin

2 , V3a j A Vin

2,

1
jV3a V2a in A Vin 2 in A Vin 2

2
V1a
in 0
V1a

Coupled TEM lines as directional coupler

L
2

1
Zcp, Zcd
3

We have previously seen that, for having all the ports matched, the following
condition must be satisfied:

S1 S 4 0
S 2 S 3 0

Z 0 = Zc , p Z c , d

This condition also implies that port 4 is uncoupled : S14

1
S1 S 2 S 3 S 4 0
4

The maximum value |S13|2 defines the coupling: C=(|S13|2)max

It is obtained for L=/2 :
2

S13 max
2

Z cp Z cd

1
1
S1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S1 S 2
Z cp Z cd
4
2
max
max

Variation of frequency
Matching and Isolation are frequency independent and equal to zero and
infinity respectively (ideal lossless TEM line).
The coupling varies with the frequency according to the following expression:
C

Cmax
,
1 (1 Cmax ) cot 2

Cmax

Z cp Z cd
Z cp Z cd

1
0.9

For Cmax<0.1 the variation of C

practically independent on
Cmax.
Note that the band for
C/Cmax< 0.5 dB is about 0.44 f0

B0.5 dB

0.8
0.7

Cmax=0.01-0.1

C/Cmax

0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1
f/f0

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

f0 is the frequency for which L=/2

Practical Restrictions
They concern mainly the maximum value of Cmax. In fact, increasing Cmax, the
lines become closer and closer until the practical implementation is no more
possible with sufficient accuracy. Typically the maximum value of Cmax must be
lower than 0.1 (CdB=10)
Example: Design a stripline coupler with C=0.1 with Z0=50 using the
Z Z cd
following figures reporting the values of Cmax cp
, Z 0 Z cp Z cd
Z cp Z cd
as a function of S and W (lines separation and width). Frequency: 1 GHz
Cmax

0.2

Z0

65

Re(Eqn(Z0))
Output Equations

Re(Eqn(Cmax))
Output Equations

0.175

W=11.18
S=0.195

0.15
0.125

60

W=9.5
10

W=11.18
S=0.195

10.5
11

W=9.5

55

0.1

11.5
12

0.075

W=12

50

0.05
0.025

45

0
0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
S (mm)

0.7

0.8

0.9

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
0.6
S (mm)

0.7

0.8

0.9

Solution:
We draw the line C=0.1 on the first graph and the line Z0=50 on the second graph.
A point on each of these lines has to be then found, which must characterized by
the same pair of values (S, W) .
11.18 mm

r=1

11.18 mm

10 mm

0.19565 mm

0 L

c
L 75 mm

Note: If a coupler dimensioned for the requested C but with a different value
of Z0 is available, impedance transforming networks can be used in place of
redesigning a new coupler.
Z0

Z0
Z0

Z0

C=0.1
Z0

Z0
Z0

Z0
Z0

Couplers with quasi-TEM Lines

If quasi-TEM coupled lines are considered (Microstrip), the phase velocity of the
even and odd modes are not exactly coincident. Strictly speaking, that would
not allow to apply the model here assumed for the characterization of the
directional coupler.
In the practice, until the difference between the two velocities is not too large,
the same phase velocity can be assumed for both modes (equal to the average
of the actual values), assuming the lines as TEM. There are however some
differences comparing the performances with the ideal TEM coupler (a perfect
matching is no more possible)
2 mm

Microstrip Coupler

S21

-5
-10

r=2.33

0.4037 mm

1.575 mm

1000.1 MHz
-10.03 dB

m 0.1 S 0.4037 mm

S31

-15

2 mm

Z 0 Z cp Z cd 74.12

999.18 MHz
-26.38 dB

-20

eff , p 1.97, eff ,d 1.71

-25

S41

-30

1000.3 MHz
-35.83 dB

-35

eff ,medio 1.84, L

S11

-40
800

850

900

950
1000
1050
Frequency (MHz)

1100

1150

1200

L 55.24 mm

0 L
c

eff ,medio

Coupler with lumped couplings

To realize couplers with a large coupling (C<10 dB) structure with lumped
couplings are used. In planar technology two kinds of such couplers are
employed, the branch-line and the rat-race.
Branch-line
Eigenvalues of Y and S:
1

Yc,

Y1 j Yc Yc , S1 Y0 jBs Y0 jBs

Y 3 j Yc Yc , S 3 Y0 jBd Y0 jBd

Yc,

Yc,

Y 2 j Yc Yc , S 2 Y0 jBd Y0 jBd
Y 4 j Yc Yc , S 4 Y0 jBs Y0 jBs

L=
2
4

Yc,

In this case, to obtain S11=0 and S13=0

(ports 1-3 uncoupled), we must impose:

S1 S 2 0, S 3 S 4 0

This condition is actually feasible, giving in fact:

Bs Bd
1 Yc2 Yc2 Y02 with Bs Yc Yc , Bd Yc Yc
2
Y0

For S12 e S14 we have:

S12

2 jbs
1
1
S1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S1 S 4
4
2
1 bs2

1 bs2
1
1
,
S14 S1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S1 S 4
4
2
1 bs2

bs

Bs
Y0

Moreover, the unitary condition of S implies the following relation between

the phases of S12 and S14:

12 14
2
Then, being 12=-/2 14=. The parameter bs must be then >1 for having
S14 negative. By imposing now the requested coupling (|S14|2=C), we can
obtain the necessary value of bs:

bs2 1
S14
C,
2
1 bs

bs

1 C Yc Yc

Y0
1 C

Taking into account the first found condition ( Yc Yc Y0

finally obtain the expressions of Yc e Yc:
2

Yc Y0

1
C
, Yc Y0
1 C
1 C

) we

Branch-line coupler with C=0.5 (3 dB)

The couplers with C=3 dB are identified with the word Hybrid.
To realize an hybrid of branch-line type the characteristic impedances of the
lines must be:

Z c Z 0 1 0.5 35.35 , Z c Z 0

0.5
50
0.5

Z 0 50

Practical restrictions
One can easily verify that, with C tending to 0: ZcZ0 and Zc. In the
practice, even with con C=0.1 (10 dB) the corresponding value of Zc is
very difficult to realize (Zc =3Z0). Usually, C must be between 3 and 6 dB.
Frequency dependence
For this device, both matching and isolation vary with frequency (the
nominal value is obtained at the frequency where the length of the lines is
0/4). Also the coupling depends on f (the max is again at f0).
The bandwidth for a given value of maximum coupling increases with Cmax;
Usually, the frequency variation of matching and isolation is more
pronounced than that of the coupling.

Branch Line: a summary

Conditions to be imposed:
S11 S 33 S 22 S 44 0,
S13 S 24 0

S14 S 23 C
2

S12 S 34 1 C
2

-90

Yc

Design equations:

Yc Y0

1
C
, Yc Y0
1 C
1 C

Yc
=0

Yc
Yc

S parameters obtained:

S14 S 23 C , S12 S 34 j 1 C

For C=0.5 (3dB), it has (assuming Z0=1/Y0=50):

Z c Z 0 1 0.5 35.35 , Z c Z 0

0.5
50
0.5

Z 0 50

180
4

Branch-line C=3dB

Accoppiamento

-5
Adattamento

-10

Isolamento

-15
-20
-25
-30

DB(|S(1,1)|)
Schematic 1

DB(|S(3,1)|)
Schematic 1

-35

DB(|S(2,1)|)
Schematic 1

DB(|S(4,1)|)
Schematic 1

-40
-45
-50
800

850

900

950
1000
1050
Frequency (MHz)

1100

1150

1200

Rat-race coupler
0 4

Yc

P1

P3
Yc

0 4 Yc

Yc 0 4

Yc

Yc

Yc

P2

P4
Yc

30 4

There is only one symmetry axis (vertical)

It is anyhow possible to still use the eigenvalues method for finding the
dimensioning equations

-90

Conditions to be imposed:
S11 S 33 S 22 S 44 0,

S 23 S14 0

Yc

S13 S 24 C
2

=0

Yc

-90
=0
1

Yc Y0 1 C , Yc Y0 C

Yc

Yc

S parameters obtained:

Yc

For C=0.5 (3dB), we obtain (assuming Z0=1/Y0=50):

Z c

Yc

90
4

S13 j C , S 24 j C , S12 S 34 j 1 C

Z0
Z
0 70.707,
1 C
0.5

Yc

Design equations:

Z c

-90

S12 S 34 1 C
2

Yc

Z0
Z
0 70.707
0.5
C

Parameters dependence on f
Rat-race C=3dB

0
-5

Accoppiamento

-10
-15

Adattamento

-20
Isolamento

-25
-30

DB(|S(1,2)|)
RatRace

-35

DB(|S(1,4)|)
RatRace

-40

DB(|S(1,3)|)
RatRace

-45

DB(|S(1,1)|)
RatRace

-50
0.8

0.85

0.9

0.95
1
1.05
Frequency (GHz)

1.1

1.15

1.2

The bandwidth is larger than that of the branch-line

With the decreasing of the coupling the bandwidth increases
La practical feasibility limits the coupling between about 3 and 8 dB

3-port lossless networks

A 3-port reciprocal lossless network cannot be matched at
the 3 ports (i.e. S11=S22=S33=0 not possible).
In fact, imposing the unitary of S:
S12 S13 1
2

S12 S23 1
2

S12 S13 S23 0.5

2

S13 S 23 1
2

*
S13 S 23
0
*
0
S12 S 23

S12 S13* 0

S12 =0 or S 23 0 or S 23 0

These conditions are

incompatible so it is
impossible to have
S11=S22=S33=0

Is it still possible to realize a power splitter

with a 3-port?
Possible solution: a 3 dB hybrid with the uncoupled
port closed on a matched load

Pin

Pout= Pin /2

C=3dB
Z0

Porta
disaccoppiata

Circuito a 3 porte

Pout= Pin /2

The 3-port network is lossy

due to the presence of Z0.
This resistor however does
not dissipate power
because the port 4 is
uncoupled. Pin is then split
between ports 2 and 3
without losses

A 3-port divider: the Wilkinson network

0 4

Zc
Z0

Z0

RW

Zc

0 4

Due to the presence of RW the 3port network is lossy, so the

condition S11=S22=S33=0 can be
imposed

Z0

2-port network obtained by closing port 1 with Z0:

RW
2

Zc

Zc

0 4

0 4

Z0

S22=S33 and S23 can be computed thorugh the eigenvalues of this network

RW
2

RW
2

Zc

Zc

0 4

0 4

Even Network

2Z 0

Odd Network

22Z
Z0

Zp

Zd

Zc

Zc

0 4

2Z 0

RW
2

Z c2
Z c2 2 Z 02
Zp
, p 2
Z c 2Z 02
2Z 0
S 22

p d
2

Zd
0 p 0, d 0

Zc 2 Z0 ,
Per Z0=50 Zc=70.7, RW=100

RW 2Z 0

0 4

RW
R 2Z 0
, p W
2
RW 2 Z 0
Also S23=0:

S 23

p d
2

Evaluation of S11
Exciting port 1 with ports 2 and 3 closed with Z0, there is no current through
RW, so it can be discarded.
0 4

Z in

Zc
Zc

Z0

Z c2 2Z 02
1 Z c2
, in S11 2
Z in
2 Z0
Z c 2Z 02

Z0

0 4

Being

Z c 2 Z c also S11 vanishes.

Evaluation of S21= S31

Power entering port 1 is not reflected and there is there is no dissipation in
RW. So the power is all transferred to ports 2 e 3; for the symmetry, the power
exiting at each port is the half of Pin:

S 21 S31 0.5
2

The phase for both parameters is -90.

Frequency response
Divisore di Wilkinson

Trasmissione

-5
-10
-15
-20
-25

Adattamento

-30

DB(|S(1,1)|)
Ideale

-35

DB(|S(2,1)|)
Ideale

-40

DB(|S(3,1)|)
Ideale

-45
-50
0.8

0.85

0.9

0.95
1
1.05
Frequency (GHz)

1.1

1.15

1.2

The bandwidth for RL=20 dB is about 40% of f0

Transmission (|S21|=|S31|) is independent on frequency
Dissipation in RW is zero provided that the load at ports 2 and 3 is the
same

Microstrip implementation
The very small size of Rw (pseudo
lumped component) must be
accounted for. The two output lines
must be enough close to allow the
connection of Rw.
RW

On the other hand is not advisable to have

the output lines too close each other
because an unwanted coupling may arise.
So diverging lines are often used.