Magnetic-Free Nonreciprocal Multifunction Device Based on Switched Delay Lines

Abstract

A magnetic-free multifunction nonreciprocal device based on switched delay lines (SDLs) has been proposed in this paper. It is constructed with two double balanced gyrators (DBGs) and four baluns, each pair of differential ports of the balun connect the ports at the same orientation of the two DBGs, respectively. Due to the asymmetry of the clock control signals acting on the switches, the time reversal symmetry of the transmission line between the Gilbert quad-switch-sets (GQSS) can be broken to achieve non-reciprocity. It can be used as a circulator, gyrator, or isolator by setting different control signals. The device has infinite working bandwidth in theory based on the SDLs. Common mode interference can be better suppressed by using differential transmission structures. Moreover, power capacity can be improved compared to the previous work. Then, experiments have been done to verify the device as a circulator. Broadband property and the anti-interference property have been verified.