A highly adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter and double-ridge waveguide phase shifter

Abstract

This application discloses a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter and a double-ridge waveguide phase shifter, relating to the field of waveguide technology. One type of single-ridge waveguide phase shifter includes a metal upper ground plane, a metal lower ground plane, a ridge, and an adjustment column. The adjustment column is a metal column whose height can be changed by rotation. The adjustment column is located in the middle of the ridge, with the lower surface of the ridge in contact with the lower metal ground plane. A gap exists between the upper surface of the ridge and the upper metal ground plane, which is used to propagate electromagnetic wave energy. Rotating the adjustment column changes the air height within the gap. This single-ridge waveguide phase shifter can change the height of the ridge waveguide by rotating the elliptical metal column, thereby achieving phase change. This gives the single-ridge waveguide phase shifter significant application advantages in height-constrained scenarios, while maintaining structural compactness while achieving phase adjustability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of waveguide technology, specifically to a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter and a double-ridge waveguide phase shifter. Background Technology

[0002] Metal waveguides, with their simple structure and low energy loss, are increasingly widely used in electromagnetic wave propagation applications. Metal waveguide phase shifters are primarily used to change the propagation phase of electromagnetic waves and are commonly used in microwave systems. Metal waveguide phase shifters also have extensive research and applications in communication systems, radar systems, and electronic countermeasures systems, and their performance is crucial to the entire communication system.

[0003] Currently, there are three main phase modulation methods for metal waveguide phase shifters:

[0004] 1. Connect a narrow side of the waveguide to a motor. Move the narrow side by pushing and pulling the motor to form a waveguide with a controllable width, thus achieving the function of phase adjustment. However, the structure of this metal waveguide phase shifter is not compact enough and space needs to be reserved for the push-pull piston.

[0005] Second, by placing a movable metal diaphragm along the wide side of a rectangular waveguide parallel to the electric field direction, the critical frequency of the waveguide can be changed, thereby changing the microwave transmission constant and thus achieving the purpose of adjusting the microwave phase. However, this type of metal waveguide phase shifter also has the disadvantages of not being compact enough and having a large size.

[0006] Third, phase shift can be achieved by adjusting the characteristic frequency of the photonic crystal structure on one side of the waveguide using an electrically adjustable variable capacitor. However, the photonic crystal adjustment mechanism is usually complex, has low power capacity, and also requires solving the problem of vacuum sealing.

[0007] In summary, most metal waveguide phase shifters adjust the electromagnetic wave propagation phase by controlling the size of the wide side, without any processing in the height direction of the metal waveguide. This limits the metal waveguide phase shifter in low-profile applications, and the piston introduces additional space occupation, which limits the waveguide phase shifter in some small-scale integrated applications.

[0008] Compared with traditional metal waveguide phase shifters, metal ridge waveguide phase shifters have smaller size, lower loss compared with traditional substrate integrated waveguide phase shifters, and simpler structure and lower processing cost compared with existing digital phase shifters. Therefore, the research on metal ridge waveguide phase shifters is of great significance. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address this issue, this application provides a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter and a double-ridge waveguide phase shifter, thereby solving the problem that existing metal waveguide phase shifters cannot adjust their height, which limits their application scenarios.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0011] In a first aspect, a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter includes a metal upper floor, a metal lower floor, a ridge, and an adjustment column. The adjustment column is a metal column, and its height can be changed by rotation. The adjustment column is located in the middle of the ridge. The lower surface of the ridge is in contact with the metal lower floor, and there is a gap between the upper surface of the ridge and the metal upper floor. The gap is used to propagate electromagnetic wave energy, and the air height within the gap can be changed by rotating the adjustment column.

[0012] Preferably, the adjusting column is an elliptical metal column.

[0013] Secondly, a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter includes a metal upper floor, a metal lower floor, a ridge, spring pillars, and metal pins. The lower surface of the ridge contacts the metal lower floor, and a gap exists between the upper surface of the ridge and the metal upper floor for propagating electromagnetic wave energy. A plurality of spring pillars are provided in the middle of the ridge, dividing the ridge into upper and lower parts. The metal pins pass through the metal upper floor and contact the upper surface of the ridge. By tightening or loosening the metal pins, the spring pillars can be compressed or extended, thereby changing the air height within the gap.

[0014] Preferably, the ridge is etched with multiple grooves.

[0015] Preferably, the surface of the metal floor is etched with multiple non-radiative slits along a direction perpendicular to energy propagation.

[0016] Thirdly, a height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter includes a metal upper floor, a metal lower floor, ridges, an adjustment column, and spring columns. The adjustment column is a non-metallic column, and its height can be changed by rotation. The upper surface of the ridge contacts the metal upper floor, and the lower surface of the ridge contacts the metal lower floor. The adjustment column divides the ridge into an upper ridge and a lower ridge. Multiple spring columns are provided in the middle of the upper and lower ridges, dividing the upper and lower ridges into upper and lower parts. Electromagnetic waves propagate through the adjustment column. By rotating the adjustment column, the spring columns can be compressed or extended, thereby changing the ridge height of the upper and lower ridges.

[0017] Preferably, the adjusting column is an elliptical non-metallic column.

[0018] Preferably, the adjusting column is a medium rod.

[0019] Preferably, the ridge is etched with multiple grooves.

[0020] Preferably, the surface of the metal floor is etched with multiple non-radiative slits along a direction perpendicular to energy propagation.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. A height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter, which can change the height of the ridge waveguide by rotating an elliptical metal column, thereby achieving phase change. This makes the single-ridge waveguide phase shifter have significant application advantages in height-limited scenarios, and it also takes into account the compactness of the structure while being phase-adjustable.

[0023] 2. Another type of height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter can change the height of the ridge waveguide by adjusting the screw length of the metal pin, thereby achieving phase change. This makes the single-ridge waveguide phase shifter a significant advantage in height-constrained scenarios, while also maintaining structural compactness while being phase-adjustable.

[0024] 3. A height-adjustable double-ridge waveguide phase shifter, which can change the height of the ridge waveguide by rotating an elliptical non-metallic column, thereby achieving phase change. This makes the double-ridge waveguide phase shifter have significant application advantages in height-limited scenarios, and it also takes into account the compactness of the structure while being phase-adjustable. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more intuitively illustrate the prior art and this application, several exemplary figures are provided below. It should be understood that the specific shapes and structures shown in the figures should not generally be regarded as limiting conditions for implementing this application; for example, based on the technical concept disclosed in this application and the exemplary figures, those skilled in the art are able to easily make conventional adjustments or further optimizations to the addition / reduction / classification, specific shapes, positional relationships, connection methods, size ratios, etc. of certain units (components).

[0026] Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the adjustment column of a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in Embodiment 1 of this application before and after rotation;

[0027] Figure 2 A transverse cross-sectional view of the adjustment column of a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter before and after rotation, as provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0028] Figure 3 A longitudinal sectional view of a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0029] Figure 4 A transverse cross-sectional view of a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0030] Figure 5A longitudinal sectional view of a height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0031] Figure 6 A transverse cross-sectional view of a height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal ridge structure of the ridge waveguide provided in this application;

[0033] Figure 8 A top view of the ridge waveguide provided for this application.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 1. Metal upper floor; 2. Metal lower floor; 3. Ridge; 4. Groove; 5. Adjustable column; 6. Spring column; 7. Metal pin; 8. Non-radiation gap. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] In the description of this application: unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., in this application are intended to distinguish the objects referred to and do not have any special meaning in terms of technical connotation (e.g., they should not be construed as an emphasis on importance or order). Expressions such as "comprising," "including," and "having" also mean "not limited to" (certain units, components, materials, steps, etc.).

[0038] The terms used in this application, such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and "middle," are generally used to facilitate intuitive understanding by referring to the accompanying drawings, and are not absolute limitations on the positional relationships in the actual product. Changes in these relative positional relationships, without departing from the technical concept disclosed in this application, should also be considered within the scope of this application.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2This embodiment provides a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter, including an upper metal floor 1, a lower metal floor 2, a ridge 3, and an adjustment column 5. The upper metal floor 1 and the lower metal floor 2 constitute the upper and lower metal walls of the single-ridge waveguide phase shifter, respectively. The adjustment column 5 is a metal column whose height can be changed by rotation. The adjustment column 5 is located in the middle of the ridge 3. The lower surface of the ridge 3 is in contact with the lower metal floor 2, and there is a gap between the upper surface of the ridge 3 and the upper metal floor 1. The gap is used to propagate electromagnetic wave energy. By rotating the adjustment column 5, the air height in the gap can be changed, that is, the distance between the upper surface of the ridge 3 and the upper metal floor 1 can be changed. The change in the height of the gap can cause the phase of electromagnetic energy to change, thereby realizing phase control.

[0041] Specifically, in this embodiment, the adjusting column 5 can be any column whose height can be changed by rotation. In this embodiment, it is preferably an elliptical metal column. By rotating the elliptical metal column, its height can be changed by altering its major and minor axes, thereby adjusting the distance between the upper surface of the ridge 3 and the upper metal floor 1. It should be noted that in the single-ridge waveguide phase shifter, since the adjusting column 5 is a metal column, electromagnetic wave energy will not propagate through the adjusting column 5, but only through the gap between the upper surface of the ridge 3 and the upper metal floor 1.

[0042] Please see Figure 7 The single-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in this embodiment has multiple slots 4 etched on its ridge 3. The slots 4 can be periodic slots or non-periodic slots. The slots 4 can be used to increase the phase of electromagnetic waves.

[0043] Please see Figure 8 The single-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in this embodiment has multiple non-radiative slots 8 etched on the surface of its metal upper ground plate 2 along a direction perpendicular to energy propagation. These non-radiative slots 8 can be periodic or aperiodic. The non-radiative slots 8 are very narrow and produce almost no radiation. These slots can further increase the phase of the electromagnetic wave. It should be noted that the non-radiative slots 8 can be any non-radiative slot shape.

[0044] The height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in this embodiment can change the height of the ridge waveguide by rotating the elliptical metal column, thereby achieving phase change. This makes the single-ridge waveguide phase shifter have significant application advantages in height-limited scenarios, and it also takes into account the compactness of the structure while being phase-adjustable.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] Please see Figure 3 and Figure 4This embodiment provides a height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter, including an upper metal floor 1, a lower metal floor 2, a ridge 3, spring posts 6, and metal pins 7. The upper metal floor 1 and the lower metal floor 2 respectively constitute the upper and lower metal walls of the single-ridge waveguide phase shifter. The lower surface of the ridge 3 contacts the lower metal floor 2, and there is a gap between the upper surface of the ridge 3 and the upper metal floor 1. The gap is used to propagate electromagnetic wave energy. Multiple spring posts 6 are provided in the middle of the ridge 3, which divide the ridge 3 into upper and lower parts. The metal pins 7 pass through the upper metal floor 1 and contact the upper surface of the ridge 3. By tightening or loosening the metal pins 7, the spring posts 6 can be compressed or extended. Furthermore, the compression or extension of the spring posts 6 can change the height of the ridge 3, thereby changing the air height in the gap, thus realizing phase control.

[0047] It should be noted that, due to the presence of the spring post 6, electromagnetic wave energy cannot propagate through the spring post 6, but can only propagate in the gap between the upper surface of the ridge 3 and the metal upper floor 1.

[0048] Please see Figure 7 The single-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in this embodiment has multiple slots 4 etched on its ridge 3. The slots 4 can be periodic slots or non-periodic slots. The slots 4 can be used to increase the phase of electromagnetic waves.

[0049] Please see Figure 8 The single-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in this embodiment has multiple non-radiative slots 8 etched on the surface of its metal upper ground plate 2 along a direction perpendicular to energy propagation. These non-radiative slots 8 can be periodic or aperiodic. The non-radiative slots 8 are very narrow and produce almost no radiation. These slots can further increase the phase of the electromagnetic wave. It should be noted that the non-radiative slots 8 can be any non-radiative slot shape.

[0050] The height-adjustable single-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in this embodiment can change the height of the ridge waveguide by adjusting the screwing length of the metal pin, thereby achieving phase change. This gives the single-ridge waveguide phase shifter a significant application advantage in height-constrained scenarios, while also maintaining structural compactness while achieving phase adjustment.

[0051] Example 3

[0052] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6This embodiment provides a height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter, including an upper metal floor 1, a lower metal floor 2, a ridge 3, an adjustment column 5, and spring columns 6. The upper metal floor 1 and the lower metal floor 2 constitute the upper and lower metal walls of the dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter, respectively. The adjustment column 5 is a non-metallic column, and its height can be changed by rotation. The upper surface of the ridge 3 contacts the upper metal floor 1, and the lower surface of the ridge 3 contacts the lower metal floor 2. The adjustment column 5 divides the ridge 3 into an upper ridge and a lower ridge. Multiple spring columns 6 are provided in the middle of the upper and lower ridges, dividing the upper and lower ridges into upper and lower parts. Electromagnetic waves propagate through the adjustment column 5. By rotating the adjustment column 5, the spring columns 6 can be compressed or extended, thereby changing the ridge height of the upper and lower ridges and thus achieving phase control.

[0053] Specifically, in this embodiment, the adjusting column 5 can be any non-metallic column whose height can be changed by rotation. In this embodiment, it is preferably an elliptical non-metallic column. By rotating the elliptical non-metallic column, the spring column 6 can be compressed or extended due to the change of its major and minor axes, thereby adjusting the height of the ridge 3 and thus achieving phase control. The principle of adjusting the phase by adjusting the height of the ridge 3 is that by adjusting the ridge height, the capacitance of the imaginary part of the ridge waveguide impedance can be changed, which is ultimately reflected in the change of the electromagnetic energy phase.

[0054] More preferably, the adjusting column 5 can be an elliptical dielectric rod. It should be noted that in the dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter, since the adjusting column 5 is a non-metallic column, electromagnetic wave energy will propagate within the adjusting column 5.

[0055] Please see Figure 7 The dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in this embodiment has multiple slots 4 etched on its ridge 3. The slots 4 can be periodic slots or non-periodic slots, and the slots 4 can be used to increase the phase of electromagnetic waves.

[0056] Please see Figure 8 The dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in this embodiment has multiple non-radiative slots 8 etched on the surface of its metal upper ground plate 2 along a direction perpendicular to energy propagation. These non-radiative slots 8 can be periodic or aperiodic. The non-radiative slots 8 are very narrow and produce almost no radiation. These slots can further increase the phase of the electromagnetic wave. It should be noted that the non-radiative slots 8 can be any non-radiative slot shape.

[0057] The height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter provided in this embodiment can change the height of the ridge waveguide by rotating the elliptical non-metallic column, thereby achieving phase change. This gives the dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter a significant application advantage in height-constrained scenarios, while also maintaining structural compactness while achieving phase adjustability.

[0058] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way (as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features). For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described; these embodiments not explicitly written should also be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0059] The present application has been described in a relatively specific and detailed manner above through general descriptions and specific embodiments. It should be understood that, based on the technical concept of the present application, several conventional adjustments or further innovations can be made to these specific embodiments; however, as long as they do not depart from the technical concept of the present application, the technical solutions obtained by these conventional adjustments or further innovations also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter, characterized in that, The device includes a metal upper floor, a metal lower floor, a ridge, an adjusting column, and spring columns. The adjusting column is a non-metallic column, and its height can be changed by rotation. The upper surface of the ridge contacts the metal upper floor, and the lower surface of the ridge contacts the metal lower floor. The adjusting column divides the ridge into an upper ridge and a lower ridge. Multiple spring columns are provided in the middle of the upper and lower ridges, dividing the upper and lower ridges into upper and lower parts. Electromagnetic waves propagate through the adjusting column. By rotating the adjusting column, the spring columns can be compressed or extended, thereby changing the ridge height of the upper and lower ridges.

2. The height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjusting column is an elliptical non-metallic column.

3. The height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regulating column is a medium rod.

4. The height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ridge is etched with multiple grooves.

5. The height-adjustable dual-ridge waveguide phase shifter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the metal floor is etched with multiple non-radiative slits along a direction perpendicular to energy propagation.

Images