3DB Hybrid Coupler Switch.
Abstract:
High power switching of electromagnetic wave energy with a small, lightweight switching device is realized by mechanically rotating one or both of the quarter wavelength transmission line segments of a hybrid coupler. Each of the quarter wavelength transmission line segments of the hybrid coupler have an electromagnetic wave coupling surface and at least one of the segments has an electromagnetic wave de-coupling surface. Selective segment rotation places two coupling surfaces in close parallel proximity for 3db coupling and an equal power split between two output ports. Segment rotation that moves a decoupling surface into register with a coupling surface or another de-coupling surface de-couples the hybrid coupler resulting in the transmission of all power through a single output port. The center of rotation of the rotatable segments can be displaced from the geometric longitudinal center of rotation providing an eccentric rotary action in which coupling surfaces register in closer relationship than do de-coupling surfaces. In one embodiment coupling surfaces are planar and de-coupling surfaces are semi-cylindrical. Author