A Novel Variable Power Divider with Continuous Power Division

In this paper, a novel variable power divider based on varactor diodes is introduced and described in detail. Its main components are 3-dB couplers, varactor diodes and lumped elements. The proposed power divider is initially studied using the even-and odd-mode technique. Then, based on the derived equations and as an experimental verification, the proposed varactor-based power divider operating at the centre frequency of 2.5 GHz is fabricated and its performance is measured. It is shown that the power divider offers a maximum insertion loss of about 1.8 dB with a minimum dynamic range of over 6 dB in the frequency range from 2.3 GHz to 2.7 GHz. The results are discussed.