Simple and high-sensitivity dielectric constant measurement using a high-directivity microstrip coupled-line directional coupler
Date
2022-06-23Source Title
IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques
Print ISSN
0018-9480
Electronic ISSN
1557-9670
Publisher
IEEE
Volume
70
Issue
8
Pages
3933 - 3942
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
Simple methods using a microstrip coupled-line directional coupler (CLDC) are presented for dielectric constant measurements. The material under test (MUT) is placed on the coupled-line section of the coupler, and either the coupler’s coupling ( |S31| ) or its isolation level ( |S41| ) is considered as the sensor’s response. Putting different MUTs on the microstrip line leads to a change in the effective dielectric constant of the structure and consequently causing a change in the coupling coefficient. In addition, since the isolation level of a microstrip coupled-line coupler depends on the phase velocity difference between the substrate and the medium above the signal strips, putting different MUTs on the line significantly changes the isolation level. This change is significantly greater than the change in |S21| level of a microstrip line when loaded with different MUTs. Validation of the method is presented through measurements for both solid and liquid MUTs.
Keywords
Coupled-line directional coupler (CLDC)Dielectric constant measurement
Material characterization
Microwave sensors