The power of a square-wave signal can be divided without adverse effect on either the amplitude or phase of the waveform.

A method for dividing the power of an electronic signal rich in harmonics involves the use of an improved divider topology. A divider designed with this topology could be used, for example, to propagate a square-wave signal in an amplifier designed with a push-pull configuration to enable the generation of more power than could be generated in another configuration.

Many power-divider topologies have been conceived for application in power amplifiers operating at microwave and lower radio frequencies. Some examples are (1) the Wilkinson hybrid topology, which is restricted to division by powers of two, (2) the radial-wave power hybrid topology, which includes a lumped-element filter network, and (3) the circularsector topology, which features a narrow usable frequency range.

The present improved topology was developed for an application in which there is a requirement to divide the power of a square-wave radio signal and deliver the signal to an antenna. Another requirement is to maintain the relative amplitude and phase relationship between the fundamental-frequency component and each of the harmonic frequency components. The present improved power-divider topology satisfies these requirements. The figure presents an example of output waveforms from a power divider of this topology.

This work was done by William Herbert Sims III of Marshall Space Flight Center. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Electronics/ Computers category.
This invention has been patented by NASA (U.S. Patent No. 6,320,478). Inquiries concerning nonexclusive or exclusive license for its commercial development should be addressed to Sammy Nabors, MSFC Commercialization Assistance Lead, at (256) 544-5226 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Refer to MFS-31186.

This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).

Power Divider for Waveforms Rich in Harmonics (reference MFS-31186) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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