Formulation of mode conversion in differential transmission lines with bend discontinuity

This paper formulates mode conversions of transmission and reflection from differential mode to common mode in differential transmission lines with bend discontinuity using a very simple model. The formulae tell us that the mode conversion is caused by not only the path difference in the bend but also the difference between the characteristic impedance and port impedance. The formulae were validated by full-wave simulation under the assumption that effect of the bend region is small and results showed that path difference reduction and impedance matching at the input and output ports are significant in suppressing mode conversion. This suggests that the tightly coupled asymmetrically tapered bend proposed by the authors should be effective for suppressing mode conversion.