Reconfigurable hybrid matrix-based power divider with variable power-dividing ratios and frequencies

In this Letter, the authors present a reconfigurable power divider using a hybrid matrix with variable impedance tuners. The proposed hybrid matrix-based power divider with varactor-tuned impedance tuners (VTITs) can simultaneously obtain variable power-dividing ratios at the centre frequency and variable operating frequencies for the 3 dB coupling states. The VTITs, consisting of a transmission line, an inductor, and a varactor located between the line and the inductor, are connected in parallel between two hybrid couplers for high impedance variation. Measured results demonstrate that the power-dividing ratio of the proposed divider varies from −14.3 to 13.3 dB with a return loss above 20 dB and the isolation above 20 dB at a centre frequency of 2.45 GHz. Moreover, it achieves an insertion loss of 0.7–1.45 dB and a phase variation of less than 8° across the variable power-dividing ratio at the centre frequency. The frequency-tuning range for the 3 dB coupling states is 750 MHz with a small phase variation of 5°.