Novel <i>N</i> -way reconfigurable power divider with switchable paths and adjustable frequency

Abstract A new N -way reconfigurable power divider with path switching and frequency tuning functions is proposed. The divider successfully realizes flexible path switching and frequency adjustment by using the innovative design of PIN diodes, reconfigurable parallel coupling lines and reconfigurable short-circuit branches. By dynamically adjusting the state of the PIN diode, the port connection and disconnection functions can be realized, and an advanced isolation network is introduced to ensure excellent port isolation performance during port switching. In addition, by embedding a varactor diode ( C v 2 ) between the coupling lines of the input port, the impedance matching during port switching is effectively guaranteed. Furthermore, by loading a reconfigurable short-circuit branch containing a varactor diode ( C v 1 ) on one side of the input port coupling line, the frequency adjustment function is realized. Finally, N transmission modes with 2 N − 1 operating states can be realized. For verification, a four-way reconfigurable power divider is designed and fabricated, and 15 states of four transmission modes of the power divider are realized, each state enabling frequency tuning capability. The results facilitate the potential application of the proposed power divider in wireless communication systems.