Abstract
The broad goal of this project is to improve the efficiency of a broadband microstrip balun circuit at a center frequency of 5 GHz, for possible wireless applications. To obtain this result, the design optimization, simulation, fabrication and testing of the balun are done with stricter requirements as compared with traditional coupler design. . Starting with a conventional four-port coupler design, key modifications in the design have been implemented to obtain the desired magnitude and phase values at the two output ports. These modifications include center-tapping the output line of an even order multi-stage coupler, and including appropriate termination at the through port. The final outcome of this effort resulted in three designs: 2, 4 and 6 section balun networks, which show good amplitude and phase balance. The fabrication of the balun networks that were evolved in this work will be carried out in the next continuing project of another graduate student.