Multi-combline warped-mode directional couplers

A first report of multi-combline warped-mode directional couplers using three lines is presented. The technique outlined can be extended to many different designs and additional lines. The specific example given has been designed as a 3-way equal power splitter with a phase difference of 180 and 0 deg between the two outer lines and the central line. The coupler is fed from the central line at the input. The device exhibits significant coupling over the range 0.7 to 9 GHz, but with ripples at the lower frequencies and loss at the higher frequencies the most useful range is about 3 to 8 GHz.