Compact ultra-wideband phase inverter using microstrip-CPW-slotline transitions

A planar ultra-wideband phase inverter, which consists of a series of transitions between microstrip, coplanar waveguide, and slotline, is designed and implemented. This compact-sized phase inverter can be used to generate wideband 180^◦ phase differential signals, especially at high microwave frequencies up to millimeter-waves. The design is based on the impedance matching and smooth field transformation between the transitional stages. The fabricated transition has dimensions of 7.36 mm × 5.08 mm, and provides ultra-wide frequency bandwidth from 13 GHz to 38 GHz with low insertion loss of better than 2 dB within ±5^◦ phase deviation and with return loss of greater than 10 dB.