A Compact Slow-Wave Microstrip Branch-Line Coupler With High Performance

One compact slow-wave microstrip branch-line coupler is presented. The new structure not only effectively reduces the occupied area to 28% of the conventional branch-line coupler at 2.0 GHz, but also has high second harmonic suppression performance. The measured results indicate a bandwidth of more than 200 MHz has been achieved while the phase difference between S₂₁ and S₃₁ is within 90deg plusmn 1deg. Furthermore, the measured insertion loss is comparable to that of a conventional branch-line coupler. The new coupler can be easily implemented by using the standard printed-circuit-board etching processes and is very useful for wireless communication systems.