A microwave substrate and waveguide based power combiner and method of making the same

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses a microwave substrate and waveguide-based power combiner and a preparation method thereof. The power combiner comprises a first plurality of first stripline combiners for receiving signals of external power amplifiers and outputting a first plurality of first power combination signals; a second plurality of second stripline combiners for receiving the first plurality of first power combination signals and outputting a second plurality of second power combination signals; a second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures for receiving the second plurality of second power combination signals and transitioning the second plurality of second power combination signals from stripline transmission circuits to waveguide transmission circuits; and a reduced-height waveguide T-shaped combiner for receiving the second plurality of second power combination signals in the waveguide transmission circuits and outputting a final power combination signal. The embodiment solves the contradiction between the large volume and the small power of the existing microwave power combiner, which is difficult to meet the requirements of radar transmitter system miniaturization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radar transmitters. More specifically, it relates to a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide, and a method for fabricating the same. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of modern radar technology, its size is becoming smaller and its transmission power is becoming greater. In the past, radar used vacuum electronic devices to achieve high-power radio frequency transmission. However, the manufacturing process of vacuum electronic devices is demanding, and the supporting circuits, size, and reliability are difficult to meet the needs of modern radar. Therefore, small size and light weight have become the basic requirements of modern radar systems.

[0003] Currently, the use of solid-state amplifiers as unit circuits for multi-channel power combining is widely applied in modern radar transmission systems. With the maturity of GaN power amplifier technology, the output power level of a single solid-state amplifier has exceeded the kilowatt level. However, while traditional waveguide combiners have sufficient power capacity, their size is difficult to reduce. Planar circuit power combiners based on microwave substrates are small in size but have limited power capacity. Therefore, how to improve the power capacity of combiners while miniaturizing them has become a pressing challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide and a method for its fabrication, so as to solve at least one of the problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] The first aspect of this invention provides a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide, comprising:

[0007] A plurality of first stripline combiners are configured to receive signals from an external power amplifier and output a plurality of first power combined signals.

[0008] The second plurality of second stripline combiners are used to receive the first plurality of first power combined signals and output the second plurality of second power combined signals;

[0009] The second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures are used to receive the second plurality of second power combined signals and to transition the second plurality of second power combined signals from the stripline transmission circuit to the waveguide transmission circuit.

[0010] A reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer is used to receive a second plurality of second power synthesized signals in the waveguide transmission circuit and output the final power synthesized signal.

[0011] Optionally, multiple input terminals of the first plurality of first stripline synthesizers receive signals from the external power amplifier, and multiple output terminals of the first plurality of first stripline synthesizers are connected to multiple input terminals of the second plurality of second stripline synthesizers.

[0012] The second plurality of output terminals of the second plurality of second stripline synthesizers are connected to the second plurality of input terminals of the second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures through an integrated design, and the second plurality of output terminals of the second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures are connected to the second plurality of input terminals of the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer through an integrated design.

[0013] The final power synthesized signal is output from the output terminal of the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer.

[0014] Optionally, the first plurality of first stripline synthesizers include at least four 2-way stripline synthesizers;

[0015] The second plurality of second stripline synthesizers includes at least two 2-way stripline synthesizers; wherein

[0016] The 2-channel stripline synthesizer includes 2 equal-input-power stripline synthesizers.

[0017] Optionally, the stripline synthesizer includes a first Z-shaped stripline and a second Z-shaped stripline arranged in a three-dimensional cross configuration. The first end of the first Z-shaped stripline and the first end of the second Z-shaped stripline serve as the two input terminals of the two-channel stripline synthesizer, and the second end of the first Z-shaped stripline and the second end of the second Z-shaped stripline serve as the output terminal and the isolation terminal, respectively.

[0018] Optionally, the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure adopts a horizontal-vertical transition structure.

[0019] Optionally, the side of the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure closest to the second stripline synthesizer is connected to the output of the second stripline synthesizer via a stripline.

[0020] In the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure, the side closest to the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer is connected to the input end of the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer via a probe.

[0021] Optionally, the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure is also used to restore the horizontal structure after the transition by waveguide bends for waveguide T-type power synthesis.

[0022] Optionally, the power combiner includes a first-layer structure and a second-layer structure; wherein

[0023] The first plurality of first stripline synthesizers, the second plurality of second stripline synthesizers, and the second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures are disposed in the first layer structure;

[0024] The reduced-height waveguide T-synthesizer is disposed in the second layer structure.

[0025] Optionally, the peak power capacity at the input of the power combiner is greater than or equal to 1000W, and the power capacity at the output is greater than 10kW.

[0026] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide, comprising:

[0027] Using a first plurality of first stripline synthesizers, the signal from an external power amplifier is received and the first plurality of first power synthesized signals are output;

[0028] Using a second plurality of second stripline combiners, the first plurality of first power combined signals are received and the second plurality of second power combined signals are output;

[0029] Using a second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures, the second plurality of second power combined signals are received, and the second plurality of second power combined signals are transitioned from the stripline transmission circuit to the waveguide transmission circuit;

[0030] Using a reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer, the second plurality of second power synthesized signals in the waveguide transmission circuit are received and the final power synthesized signal is output.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0032] This invention provides a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and waveguides. By replacing the existing standard-sized waveguides with height-reduced waveguides, the volume of the waveguide combiner is effectively reduced. At the same time, the combiner adopts a planar stripline structure, which not only meets the requirements of high-power combining but also effectively reduces the number of waveguide combining circuits used, further reducing the overall volume of the high-power combiner. This invention solves the contradiction in the prior art where microwave power combiners are either too large or too small in power, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-power miniaturization in radar transmitter systems. It has outstanding substantive features and significant progress. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the principle of a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2This diagram shows a three-dimensional view of a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide, provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the present invention, the following description, in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, further explains the invention. Similar components in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art should understand that the specific description below is illustrative rather than restrictive and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Currently, the use of solid-state amplifiers as unit circuits for multi-channel power combining is widely applied in modern radar transmission systems. With the maturity of GaN power amplifier technology, the output power level of a single solid-state amplifier has exceeded the kilowatt level. However, while traditional waveguide combiners have sufficient power capacity, their size is difficult to reduce. Planar circuit power combiners based on microwave substrates are small in size but have limited power capacity. Therefore, how to improve the power capacity of combiners while miniaturizing them has become a pressing challenge.

[0038] In view of this, one embodiment of the present invention provides a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide, comprising a first plurality of first stripline combiners for receiving signals from an external power amplifier and outputting a first plurality of first power combined signals; a second plurality of second stripline combiners for receiving the first plurality of first power combined signals and outputting a second plurality of second power combined signals; a second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures for receiving the second plurality of second power combined signals and transitioning the second plurality of second power combined signals from a stripline transmission circuit to a waveguide transmission circuit; and a height-reducing waveguide T-type combiner for receiving the second plurality of second power combined signals in the waveguide transmission circuit and outputting a final power combined signal.

[0039] In a specific example, the technical problem to be solved in this embodiment is to increase the power capacity of a miniaturized binary N-channel (N≥4) power combiner. This is achieved by integrating the planar circuit combiner (first and second stage combiner) and the height-reduced waveguide combiner (third stage and beyond) into a single design, thus solving the problem of insufficient power capacity in the miniaturized power combiner.

[0040] Specifically, this embodiment provides a hybrid power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a reduced-height waveguide, hereinafter referred to as the combiner. It includes a stripline combiner based on a multilayer substrate, a stripline-waveguide probe transition structure, and a reduced-height waveguide T-type combiner, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 1As shown, the synthesizer includes stripline synthesizers A1–A6; stripline-waveguide probe transition structures B1–B2; and a height-reducing waveguide T-type synthesizer C1. This synthesizer is a binary synthesizer and is scalable, with a synthesizing capacity of 2 channels. n Road, n≥3.

[0042] This embodiment effectively reduces the size of the waveguide synthesizer by replacing the existing standard-sized waveguide with a reduced-height waveguide. At the same time, the synthesizer adopts a planar stripline structure, which not only meets the requirements of high-power synthesis but also effectively reduces the number of waveguide synthesis circuits used, further reducing the overall size of the high-power synthesizer. This solves the contradiction in the prior art where microwave power synthesizers are either too large or too small in power, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-power miniaturization of radar transmitter systems. It has outstanding substantive features and significant progress.

[0043] In one possible implementation, multiple inputs of the first plurality of first stripline synthesizers receive signals from the external power amplifier; multiple first outputs of the first plurality of first stripline synthesizers are connected to multiple first inputs of the second plurality of second stripline synthesizers; multiple second outputs of the second plurality of second stripline synthesizers are connected to multiple second inputs of the second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures via an integrated design; multiple second outputs of the second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures are connected to multiple second inputs of the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer via an integrated design; and the output of the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer outputs the final power synthesized signal.

[0044] In a specific example, six stripline synthesizers A1 to A6 are used as the first and second stage synthesizers. The output of the stripline synthesizers is connected to the input of the height reduction waveguide T-type synthesizer C1 through the corresponding stripline-waveguide probe transition structures B1 to B2. The height reduction waveguide T-type synthesizer C1 is used as the third stage synthesizer.

[0045] In a specific example, stripline synthesizers A1-A4 have microstrip interfaces X1-X8, which can be connected to the output of an external power amplifier. The outputs of the first-stage stripline synthesizers A1-A4 are connected to the inputs of the corresponding second-stage stripline synthesizers A5-A6. The outputs of the second-stage stripline synthesizers A5-A6 are structurally integrated with the inputs of the stripline-waveguide probe transition structures B1-B2. The outputs of the stripline-waveguide probe transition structures B1-B2 (probe structures) are structurally integrated with the input of the corresponding height-reducing waveguide T-type synthesizer C1. The output of the height-reducing waveguide T-type synthesizer C1 can serve as an interface between the radar transmitter system and the external antenna feed system.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the first plurality of first stripline combiners includes at least four 2-channel stripline combiners; the second plurality of second stripline combiners includes at least two 2-channel stripline combiners; wherein the 2-channel stripline combiners include two equal-input-power stripline combiners.

[0047] In a specific example, the stripline synthesizer is a microwave substrate-based stripline synthesizer, which belongs to a planar four-port microwave synthesis network. The two synthesis input ports are isolated from each other, there is a synthesis output port, and another isolated port is used to connect to an external power load. The stripline synthesizer belongs to a planar microwave circuit, which is easier to electrically connect to microwave power devices.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the stripline synthesizer includes a first Z-shaped stripline and a second Z-shaped stripline arranged in a three-dimensional cross configuration. The first end of the first Z-shaped stripline and the first end of the second Z-shaped stripline serve as the two input terminals of the two-channel stripline synthesizer, and the second end of the first Z-shaped stripline and the second end of the second Z-shaped stripline serve as the output terminal and the isolation terminal, respectively.

[0049] In a specific example, the stripline synthesizer includes two Z-shaped striplines arranged in a three-dimensional intersection, which are connected to two input terminals respectively to achieve power synthesis of two signals.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure employs a horizontal-vertical transition structure.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure is also used to restore the horizontal structure after the transition by waveguide bends for waveguide T-type power synthesis.

[0052] In a specific example, the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure adopts a horizontal-vertical transition structure, and after the transition, it is restored to a horizontal structure through waveguide bends for waveguide T-type synthesis.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the side of the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure closest to the second stripline synthesizer is connected to the output of the second stripline synthesizer via a stripline; the side of the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure closest to the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer is connected to the input of the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer via a probe.

[0054] In a specific example, the stripline side of the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure is connected to the output of the stripline synthesizer in the form of a stripline, and the waveguide side is connected to the waveguide synthesizer in the form of a probe.

[0055] In a specific example, to further enhance the power delivery capacity of the synthesizer, it is necessary to convert the planar circuit into a waveguide circuit to meet the higher power synthesis requirements of the next stage. This embodiment introduces a stripline probe structure to facilitate the transition between two different transmission circuit structures (stripline and waveguide).

[0056] In a specific example, this embodiment utilizes a reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer, which reduces the waveguide height dimension, compresses the volume of the waveguide synthesizer, and simultaneously has extremely high power capacity.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the power combiner includes a first layer structure and a second layer structure; wherein the first plurality of first stripline combiners, the second plurality of second stripline combiners, and the second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures are disposed in the first layer structure; and the reduced-height waveguide T-type combiner is disposed in the second layer structure.

[0058] In a specific example, the entire synthesizer is divided into two layers: the upper layer includes a stripline synthesizer and a stripline-waveguide probe transition structure, and the lower layer is a height-reduced waveguide T-type synthesizer.

[0059] In one possible implementation, the peak power capacity at the input of the power combiner is greater than or equal to 1000W, and the power capacity at the output is greater than 10kW.

[0060] In a specific example, the power combiner adopts an 8-input, 1-output structure, with a planar microstrip structure for the input interface and a rectangular waveguide interface for the output interface.

[0061] Furthermore, the various parts of the power combiner are designed as an integrated unit, with a peak power capacity at the input end greater than or equal to 1000W and a power capacity at the output end exceeding 10KW.

[0062] In a specific example, such as Figure 2 The three-dimensional view shown here is of a hybrid power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a reduced-height waveguide. It is important to emphasize that... Figure 2 It only indicates Figure 1 One half of the structure is symmetrical to the other half.

[0063] In a specific example, the power combiner includes a symmetrical first structure and a second structure; wherein the first structure includes at least two first stripline combiners 1, at least one second stripline combiner, at least one stripline-waveguide probe transition structure 2, and a first portion of the reduced-height waveguide T-type combiner 3; the second structure includes at least two first stripline combiners, at least one second stripline combiner, at least one stripline-waveguide probe transition structure, and a second portion of the reduced-height waveguide T-type combiner symmetrical to the first portion.

[0064] This embodiment effectively reduces the size of the waveguide synthesizer by replacing the existing standard-sized waveguide with a reduced-height waveguide. At the same time, the synthesizer adopts a planar stripline structure, which not only meets the requirements of high-power synthesis but also effectively reduces the number of waveguide synthesis circuits used, further reducing the overall size of the high-power synthesizer. This solves the contradiction in the prior art where microwave power synthesizers are either too large or too small in power, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-power miniaturization of radar transmitter systems. It has outstanding substantive features and significant progress.

[0065] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide, comprising: using a first plurality of first stripline combiners to receive signals from an external power amplifier and output a first plurality of first power combined signals; using a second plurality of second stripline combiners to receive the first plurality of first power combined signals and output a second plurality of second power combined signals; using a second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures to receive the second plurality of second power combined signals and transition the second plurality of second power combined signals from a stripline transmission circuit to a waveguide transmission circuit; and using a reduced-height waveguide T-type combiner to receive the second plurality of second power combined signals in the waveguide transmission circuit and output a final power combined signal.

[0066] This embodiment effectively reduces the size of the waveguide synthesizer by replacing the existing standard-sized waveguide with a reduced-height waveguide. At the same time, the synthesizer adopts a planar stripline structure, which not only meets the requirements of high-power synthesis but also effectively reduces the number of waveguide synthesis circuits used, further reducing the overall size of the high-power synthesizer. This solves the contradiction in the prior art where microwave power synthesizers are either too large or too small in power, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-power miniaturization of radar transmitter systems. It has outstanding substantive features and significant progress.

[0067] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0068] It should also be noted that in the description of this invention, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0069] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is impossible to exhaustively list all the implementation methods here. All obvious variations or modifications derived from the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide, characterized in that, include A plurality of first stripline combiners are configured to receive signals from an external power amplifier and output a plurality of first power combined signals. The second plurality of second stripline combiners are used to receive the first plurality of first power combined signals and output the second plurality of second power combined signals; The second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures are used to receive the second plurality of second power combined signals and to transition the second plurality of second power combined signals from the stripline transmission circuit to the waveguide transmission circuit. A reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer is used to receive a second plurality of second power synthesized signals in the waveguide transmission circuit and output the final power synthesized signal.

2. The power combiner based on a microwave substrate and waveguide according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of input terminals of the first plurality of first stripline synthesizers receive signals from the external power amplifier, and the plurality of first output terminals of the first plurality of first stripline synthesizers are connected to the plurality of first input terminals of the second plurality of second stripline synthesizers; The second plurality of output terminals of the second plurality of second stripline synthesizers are connected to the second plurality of input terminals of the second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures through an integrated design, and the second plurality of output terminals of the second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures are connected to the second plurality of input terminals of the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer through an integrated design. The final power synthesized signal is output from the output terminal of the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer.

3. The power combiner based on a microwave substrate and waveguide according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first plurality of first stripline synthesizers include at least four 2-way stripline synthesizers; The second plurality of second stripline synthesizers includes at least two 2-way stripline synthesizers; wherein The 2-channel stripline synthesizer includes 2 equal-input-power stripline synthesizers.

4. The power combiner based on a microwave substrate and waveguide according to claim 3, characterized in that, The stripline synthesizer includes a first Z-shaped stripline and a second Z-shaped stripline arranged in a three-dimensional cross configuration. The first end of the first Z-shaped stripline and the first end of the second Z-shaped stripline serve as the two input terminals of the two-channel stripline synthesizer. The second end of the first Z-shaped stripline and the second end of the second Z-shaped stripline serve as the output terminal and the isolation terminal, respectively.

5. The power combiner based on a microwave substrate and waveguide according to claim 4, characterized in that, The stripline-waveguide probe transition structure adopts a horizontal-vertical transition structure.

6. The power combiner based on a microwave substrate and waveguide according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure, the side closest to the second stripline synthesizer is connected to the output end of the second stripline synthesizer via a stripline. In the stripline-waveguide probe transition structure, the side closest to the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer is connected to the input end of the reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer via a probe.

7. The power combiner based on a microwave substrate and waveguide according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stripline-waveguide probe transition structure is also used to restore the horizontal structure after the transition by waveguide bends for waveguide T-type power synthesis.

8. The power combiner based on a microwave substrate and waveguide according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power combiner includes a first-layer structure and a second-layer structure; wherein The first plurality of first stripline synthesizers, the second plurality of second stripline synthesizers, and the second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures are disposed in the first layer structure; The reduced-height waveguide T-synthesizer is disposed in the second layer structure.

9. The power combiner based on a microwave substrate and waveguide according to claim 8, characterized in that, The peak power capacity at the input of the power combiner is greater than or equal to 1000W, and the power capacity at the output is greater than 10kW.

10. A method for fabricating a power combiner based on a microwave substrate and a waveguide, characterized in that, include Using a first plurality of first stripline synthesizers, the signal from an external power amplifier is received and the first plurality of first power synthesized signals are output; Using a second plurality of second stripline combiners, the first plurality of first power combined signals are received and the second plurality of second power combined signals are output; Using a second plurality of stripline-waveguide probe transition structures, the second plurality of second power combined signals are received, and the second plurality of second power combined signals are transitioned from the stripline transmission circuit to the waveguide transmission circuit; Using a reduced-height waveguide T-type synthesizer, the second plurality of second power synthesized signals in the waveguide transmission circuit are received and the final power synthesized signal is output.

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