Enhanced Quadrature Hybrid Coupler Design for 5G N1 Band Using Defected Ground Structures
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Keywords
Defected Ground Structures, Hybrid Coupler, 5G Networks, Bandwidth Enhancement, RF Design
Abstract
This study addresses the performance limitations of conventional hybrid couplers used in sub-6 GHz 5G infrastructure, targeting the N1 band (1.92–2.17 GHz), and integrates Defected Ground Structure (DGS) technology. The objective is to enhance bandwidth, reduce return and isolation losses, and optimize phase coupling while maintaining cost-effectiveness using FR-4 epoxy substrates. A quadrature hybrid coupler was designed and optimized using microstrip line technology with DGS modifications. The study employed advanced electromagnetic simulation software to evaluate key performance parameters, including return loss, isolation loss, bandwidth, insertion loss, and phase coupling. The DGS-modified design was compared with a conventional coupler to quantify performance improvements. The DGS-modified coupler achieved significant enhancements across all performance metrics. Return loss improved to −23.17 dB, isolation loss to −44.39 dB, and bandwidth increased by 34%, reaching 693.2 MHz. Phase coupling also approached the ideal 90° with a deviation of only 2.56°, significantly outperforming the conventional design. However, the insertion loss increased slightly to −4.34 dB, reflecting a trade-off between bandwidth enhancement and efficiency that must be considered in practical implementations. Overall, the integration of DGS into hybrid coupler designs provides a practical and effective means of enhancing RF component performance for reliable 5G networks while maintaining low-cost fabrication. These results underscore the potential of DGS technology for developing scalable, application-oriented solutions for next-generation wireless communications.
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