# name
Very compact 3D-printed folded branch-line hybrid coupler based on loaded helical-microstrip transmission lines

# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
This paper presents a 3D topology for high miniaturization of the well-known hybrid branch-line coupler at the UHF band. A preliminary work already proposed the use of helical-microstrip TLs combined with a folded structure for this purpose. This extended work includes a compactness enhancement by loading the TL segments with capacitors. An study of loaded helical-microstrip TL is reported as well. The coupler prototypes have been simulated and fabricated by using a combination of Additive Manufacturing and copper electroplating. The performance results have been compared to the conventional model showing a good agreement. In order to place the designed devices within the state of the art a figure of merit that combines the compactness and the relative bandwidth has been proposed, showing very good results in terms of miniaturization.

# metadata.dc.relation.ispartof[].value
Integration, the VLSI Journal, 2022, num.84, p. 142-150

# metadata.dc.rights[].value
cc-by-nc-nd (c) Salas Barenys, Arnau, et al., 2022

# metadata.dc.source[].value
Articles publicats en revistes (Enginyeria Electrònica i Biomèdica)

# metadata.dc.title[].value
Very compact 3D-printed folded branch-line hybrid coupler based on loaded helical-microstrip transmission lines