Tuning element module for modular waveguide joint

Abstract

A tuning element module (100) for a modular waveguide joint (200) for combining and / or separating first and second signals (301, 302) having different polarizations wherein the tuning element module (100) is configured to be removably attached to the modular waveguide joint (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of the present application relate to waveguide components, particularly tuning element modules for modular waveguide joints for combining and / or separating first and second signals having different polarizations. Some examples, without limiting the foregoing, relate to turnstile joints for orthogonal mode transducers, where the turnstile joint has a detachable turnstile structure. Background Art

[0002] Conventional waveguide joints (e.g., such as turnstile joints) for combining and / or separating first and second signals of different polarizations, used in orthogonal mode transducers, are not always optimal.

[0003] Turnstile joints including turnstile elements (e.g., metal protrusions such as pins) disposed at the center within the turnstile joint are known. However, generally, such turnstile elements of the turnstile joint are integrally formed with the turnstile joint. In addition, such turnstile elements are typically machined / milled as part of the machining / milling of the turnstile joint. Thus, conventional turnstile elements typically have a basic shape - because it is difficult to machine / mill the turnstile joint to have a complex / high-precision turnstile element shape - and the performance of conventional turnstile joints cannot be finely controlled.

[0004] In some cases, it may be desirable to enhance and / or tune the performance of the turnstile joint. In some cases, it may be necessary to modify the performance of the turnstile joint (e.g., selective performance modification, such as tuning the turnstile joint to favor one polarization state over another, or to favor a particular frequency band / sub-band over others). In some cases, it may be desirable to increase the design flexibility of the turnstile joint. In some cases, it may be desirable to simplify the manufacturing / machining of the turnstile joint (and thus reduce production costs).

[0005] The listing or discussion of any prior published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be regarded as an admission that the document or background is part of the prior art or common general knowledge. One or more aspects / examples of the present application may or may not solve one or more of the background problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The protection scope of various embodiments of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0007] According to various but not necessarily all examples of the present application, examples as claimed in the appended claims are provided. Any examples and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims should be construed as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] In accordance with at least some examples of the present application, a tuning element module for a modular waveguide joint is provided, which is configured to combine and / or separate first and second signals having different polarizations, wherein the tuning element module is configured to be detachably attached to the modular waveguide joint.

[0009] In accordance with at least some examples of the present application, a modular waveguide joint is provided for combining and / or separating first and second signals having different polarizations, wherein the modular waveguide joint is configured to receive a detachable tuning element module. The modular waveguide joint may also include the detachable tuning element module.

[0010] In accordance with at least some examples of the present application, an orthomode transducer including a modular waveguide joint is provided.

[0011] In accordance with at least some examples of the present application, an antenna system is provided, including:

[0012] An orthomode transducer;

[0013] An antenna configured to transmit and / or receive a combination of a first signal and a second signal; and optionally at least one diplexer.

[0014] In accordance with various but not necessarily all examples of the present application, a method of providing, assembling, and / or manufacturing the devices and / or systems as described herein is provided.

[0015] In accordance with various but not necessarily all examples of the present application, a method of using the devices and / or systems as described herein is provided.

[0016] The following portions of this "Summary of the Invention" section describe various features that may be features of any of the examples described in the foregoing portions of the "Summary of the Invention" section. The description of the functions should also be considered to disclose any means suitable for performing the functions.

[0017] In some but not necessarily all examples, the modular waveguide joint includes one or more selected from the following group:

[0018] A rotatable gate joint;

[0019] An orthomode joint; and

[0020] A joint of an orthomode transducer.

[0021] In some but not necessarily all examples, the tuning element module includes a rotatable gate for a rotatable gate joint.

[0022] In some but not necessarily all examples, the tuning element module includes means for adjusting one or more of the following:

[0023] The radio frequency performance of the modular waveguide joint;

[0024] The operating bandwidth of the modular waveguide joint;

[0025] The operating frequency of the modular waveguide joint;

[0026] The return loss characteristics of the modular waveguide joint.

[0027] In some but not necessarily all examples, the tuning element module includes an elongate member extending from a base member.

[0028] In some but not necessarily all examples, the elongate member includes one or more of the following:

[0029] At least one tuning stub; and

[0030] At least one metal pin.

[0031] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cross-sectional shape of the elongate member varies along its length.

[0032] In some but not necessarily all examples, the elongate member includes one or more of the following:

[0033] At least one cylindrical portion, and

[0034] At least one rectangular portion.

[0035] In some but not necessarily all examples, the elongate member includes a rectangular portion having rounded edges.

[0036] In some but not necessarily all examples, the elongate member includes a cylindrical portion having a plurality of protruding circular edges protruding therefrom.

[0037] In some but not necessarily all examples, the cross-sectional dimensions of the elongate member vary along its length.

[0038] In some but not necessarily all examples, the tuning element module further includes means for providing a radio frequency notch.

[0039] In some but not necessarily all examples, the tuning element module further includes at least one notch around the periphery of the base member.

[0040] In some but not necessarily all examples, the tuning element module further includes means for facilitating insertion of the modular waveguide joint.

[0041] In some but not necessarily all examples, the base member includes a chamfered edge or a beveled edge.

[0042] In some but not necessarily all examples, the tuning element module further includes means for positioning and / or aligning the tuning element module within the modular waveguide joint.

[0043] In some but not necessarily all examples, the base member includes at least one protruding boss member.

[0044] Although the above examples and alternative features of the present application are described separately, it should be understood that all configurations provided in all possible combinations and permutations are included within the scope of the present application. It should be understood that each example of the present application may include any or all of the features described with respect to other examples of the present application, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Some examples will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 Examples of the subject matter described herein are shown;

[0047] Figure 2 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0048] Figure 3 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0049] Figure 4 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0050] Figure 5 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0051] Figure 6 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0052] Figure 7 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0053] Figure 8 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0054] Figure 9 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0055] Figure 10 Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0056] Figures 11a - 11g Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0057] Figure 12a and 12b Another example of the subject matter described herein is shown;

[0058] Figure 13 Shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0059] Figure 14a and 14b Shows another example of the subject matter described herein;

[0060] Figures 15a - 15d Shows another example of the subject matter described herein; and

[0061] Figure 16 Shows another example of the subject matter described herein.

[0062] These figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For clarity and conciseness, some features and views in the figures may be shown schematically or enlarged in scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be enlarged relative to other elements to aid in the explanation. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to denote similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals need not be shown in all the figures.

[0063] In the drawings (and the specification), similar features may be labeled with the same three - digit number. In the drawings (and the specification), an optional subscript of three digits may be used to distinguish different instances of similar features. Thus, a three - digit number without a subscript may be used as a general label, while a three - digit number with a subscript may be used as a specific label. The subscript may consist of a single digit marking different instances. The subscript may consist of two digits, where the first digit marks a group of instances and the second digit marks a different instance within the group. Detailed Description

[0064] The drawings schematically illustrate various examples of the present application, and the following description depicts various examples of the present application, including a tuning element module 100 for a modular waveguide joint 200 that is configured to combine and / or separate a first signal 301 and a second signal 302 of different polarizations, where the modular waveguide joint 200 is for combining and / or separating the first signal 301 and the second signal 302 of different polarizations, and the tuning element module is configured to be removably attached to the modular waveguide joint.

[0065] Figure 1 Schematically shows the tuning element 100 of the waveguide joint 200, where the tuning element can be removed from the waveguide joint (as indicated by the dashed arrow and the dashed outline of the tuning element module 100' when attached to the waveguide joint).

[0066] The waveguide joint is configured to combine and / or separate a first signal 301 and a second signal ( Figure 1 not shown in

[0067] In some examples, the different polarizations are orthogonal polarizations, such as vertical polarization, V - polarization, and horizontal polarization, H - polarization.

[0068] In some examples, the waveguide joint is a joint of an orthogonal mode transducer (also known as an orthogonal mode transducer or OMT), such as a rotary gate joint, configured to allow orthogonal separation of two orthogonally polarized signals received by a dual-polarized antenna of a dual-polarized antenna system in a first (e.g., receive) operating mode. In a second (e.g., transmit) operating mode, the waveguide joint is configured to allow orthogonal combination of two orthogonally polarized signals for transmission via the dual-polarized antenna. In other words, the OMT is a waveguide component that can split an orthogonally polarized electromagnetic signal (e.g., having circular polarization TE 11 ) into two linearly polarized signals (e.g., having linear polarization TE 10 ); and, in the opposite direction, it can combine two linearly polarized signals into an orthogonally polarized electromagnetic signal (e.g., having circular polarization TE 11 ). In this way, the OMT can be used as a polarization duplexer.

[0069] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the waveguide joint in the x-y plane is schematically shown, where the transmission mode of a first signal 301 (including a signal component 3011 of the first signal input via port 2011 of the waveguide joint and a signal component 3012 of the first signal that is in phase opposition [i.e., 180° phase difference] with the first signal component and is input via port 2012 of the waveguide joint) is transformed into a signal 303 having a different transmission mode, and it is output via port 203 of the waveguide joint.

[0070] A similar arrangement as shown in Figure 1 can also be provided in the y-z plane (which is more clearly shown in the example of the waveguide joint 200 shown in Figure 8 ), where the transmission mode of a second signal 302 (including a signal component 3021 input via port 2021 of the waveguide joint and a signal component 3022 input via port 2022 of the waveguide joint) is converted into a signal 303 having a different transmission mode and is output via port 203 of the waveguide joint.

[0071] In some examples, the waveguide joint is a radio frequency (RF) structure configured to convert / combine a first and a second signal each propagating in a TE 10 mode (e.g., along a rectangular waveguide) into a signal propagating in a TE 11 mode (e.g., along a circular or rectangular waveguide). The waveguide joint is similarly configured to convert / separate a signal propagating in a TE 11 mode into a first and a second signal propagating in a TE 10 mode. In some examples, the first and second signals are converted / combined into a signal propagating along a support TE 10Signals propagating in a square waveguide in the TE01 mode of the mode and orthogonal setting.

[0072] In some examples, the signal is an RF electromagnetic wave. In some examples, the first signal and the second signal are in the 6 GHz band and the 8 GHz band respectively (the 6 GHz band is defined as from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz, and the 8 GHz band is defined as from 7.4 GHz to 8.5 GHz). In this way, the first and second signals provide a wide bandwidth, covering from 5.925 GHz to 8.5 GHz.

[0073] The tunable element that is detachably connected / inserted makes the waveguide joint modular, that is, the detachably attached tunable element serves as a tuning element module of the modular waveguide joint.

[0074] In some examples, the modular waveguide joint is a modular rotary joint, and the tuning element module is a detachable / separable rotary joint module of the modular rotary joint.

[0075] A conventional rotary joint (note: not modular and without a detachable / separable rotary joint module) is an RF structure that allows two signals with orthogonal polarizations to recombine. For each polarized signal, the recombination of two rectangular access signals with opposite phases in the TE 10 mode is performed, which results in a signal entering the circular waveguide in the TE 11 mode. In other words, the rotary joint is a polarization discriminator. When operating in the receiving mode (for example, receiving an input signal including signal components with orthogonal polarizations in the TE 11 mode at the input of the rotary joint), each linearly polarized component of the input signal is guided to a pair of output ports perpendicular / aligned to the input port. One or more metal pins may be included at the conventional rotary joint, usually just simple metal pins, at the center of the conventional rotary joint, to improve impedance matching and align and rotate these signals to provide an optimal signal TE 11 mode. However, in the conventional rotary joint, such metal pins are integrally / fixed / permanently attached to the rotary joint and are not detachable / separable.

[0076] An example of a modular rotary joint with a detachable / separable rotary joint module according to the present application may be somewhat similar in function to a conventional rotary joint, although there are significant differences, that is, in the examples of the present application, the rotary joint module is detachable / separable.

[0077] In the following description, the term "tuning element module" may be interchangeably referred to as a rotary vane module, a detachable rotary vane. In the following description, the term "modular waveguide joint" may be interchangeably referred to as a modular rotary vane joint and a rotary vane joint with a detachable rotary vane.

[0078] In some examples, the tuning element module is configured to be able to tune the waveguide joint, i.e., modify / adjust the performance. In some examples, the tuning element module includes means configured to adjust one or more of the following:

[0079] The radio frequency performance of the modular waveguide joint;

[0080] The operating bandwidth of the modular waveguide joint;

[0081] The operating frequency of the modular waveguide joint;

[0082] The return loss characteristics of the modular waveguide joint (e.g., favoring certain frequencies / sub-bands over others, and / or favoring one polarization over another).

[0083] The operating bandwidth (operating resonance mode) is the frequency range over which an RF component, such as a waveguide joint, can operate effectively. The operating bandwidth can be defined as the return loss of the component being greater than an operating threshold T, e.g., 3 or 4 dB.

[0084] Advantageously, providing a detachable tuning element module allows the tuning element module to be machined separately from the rest of the modular waveguide joint. Thus, the tuning element module (and the shape and dimensions of its metal pins) can be customized and machined to a complex shape / set of shapes with high precision; while the rest of the modular waveguide joint can be machined to a lower degree of precision. Thus, the manufacture of the waveguide joint can be simplified.

[0085] In addition, advantageously, providing a detachable tuning element module allows one tuning element module of a modular waveguide joint to be interchangeable / replaceable with another tuning element module. This enables the modular waveguide joint and antenna components including such waveguide joint (such as a device including an orthogonal mode transducer, having such a modular waveguide joint, and an antenna coupled thereto) to be tuned to modify its RF performance characteristics, thereby optimizing for a desired application by replacing one tuning element module with another optimized for the desired application. In contrast, in a conventional (non - modular) waveguide joint having a tuning element, the tuning element is integrally formed / permanently fixedly attached to the waveguide joint. Thus, the tuning element in a conventional (non - modular) waveguide joint is non - detachable, non - interchangeable / non - replaceable. Therefore, a conventional waveguide joint cannot be selectively tuned / modified in its RF performance as in the examples of the tuning element module and modular waveguide joint of the present application (in contrast, modifying the RF performance of a conventional waveguide joint requires a complete rework and modification of the entire waveguide joint structure).

[0086] Figure 2 Another example of the tuning element module 100 is shown.

[0087] The tuning element module includes an elongate member 101 extending from a circular base member 102 of the tuning element module. The base member of the tuning element module is configured to be inserted into a hole of corresponding shape in the modular waveguide joint (as shown by the hole 204 in the modular waveguide joint of Figure 4 and Figure 5 . The base and the hole are configured such that when the base is inserted into the hole, the upper surface of the base member is coplanar / flush with the surface of the modular waveguide joint (this surface corresponds to the internal lower surface of the modular waveguide joint, for example, in the case of using a modular waveguide joint in an OMT, this surface can correspond to the OMT layer).

[0088] In some examples, the cross - sectional shape and cross - sectional dimensions (i.e., width or diameter) of the elongate member vary along its length.

[0089] In some examples, the elongate member takes the form of one or more conductive / metal pins and / or one or more tuning / matching stubs. In some examples, such one or more pins or tuning / matching stubs can take the form of a stack of multiple conductive / metal pins of different shapes, where each pin can have a substantially cylindrical, cubic, or rectangular parallelepiped shape. In some examples, such one or more pins / tuning stubs can take the form of one or more conductive / metal portions having a substantially circular, square, or rectangular cross - section of different sizes. In some examples, the tuning element module 101 and / or some of its components (such as the pin / tuning stub 101 n)At least partially non-metallic (i.e., not all of them are metallic). In some examples, the tuning element module 101 and / or some of its components (such as pins / tuning stubs 101 n ) are made of a hybrid material, such as a combination of a plastic material and a metal, or a plastic material with a metal coating.

[0090] By using a tuning element module with cylindrical and cubic-shaped center pins, the RL and bandwidth can be improved, and the modular waveguide joint can be enhanced / implemented to convert the TE 10 mode to the TE 11 mode. Specifically, the tuning element can be configured to specifically control the RL of a sub-band or polarization by changing the size of the center pin. The tuning element module brings flexibility to the design of the modular waveguide joint and the OMT including this waveguide joint, avoiding the need to redesign the entire wireless circuit path or the entire OMT to improve device performance.

[0091] The tuning element module is designed to be detachable and interchangeable, providing flexibility to the design of the modular waveguide joint and the OMT including this waveguide joint, thereby reducing the cost of redesign. Since the OMT structure without the tuning element module can be broadband, the modular waveguide joint and the OMT can be modified at will to tune the performance within a wide operating frequency band by simply replacing the detachable and replaceable tuning element module. The shape and size of the metal pins of the tuning element module can be configured to favor the RL of one polarization rather than the other (RL asymmetry), or to favor the RL on a specific sub-band.

[0092] The rotary gate joint is a component with very high machining precision requirements, especially for metal pins. It involves a thorough milling process to achieve the required precision. However, the wireless circuit path on the same layer usually does not require a milling process as precise as that of the rotary gate joint. Therefore, the classical OMT rotary gate joint requires a high machining cost.

[0093] The present invention proposes to design and produce a separate rotary gate joint, which is the key point for improving the current OMT production. This reduces the machining cost of each layer including the radio channel and speeds up the process of separately manufacturing the rotary gate joint. In addition, higher quality and precision can be achieved by separately manufacturing this component.

[0094] The tuning element module includes means 103 for providing radio frequency notches. In some examples, such means includes providing at least one gap / notch 103 around the perimeter of the base member, such as a groove / depression around the circumferential sidewall. From Figure 7It can be seen that when the tuning element module is inserted into the modular waveguide joint, there is still a gap between the tuning element module and the modular waveguide joint, which is used as a radio frequency notch filter. This can ensure that the leakage current does not interfere with the operation of the waveguide joint. The shape and size of the gap / RF notch filter can be configured and optimized to limit as much as possible the current leakage that may occur due to the gap (play) between the tuning element module and the modular waveguide joint.

[0095] The tuning element includes means 104 for facilitating the insertion of the base member into the modular waveguide joint. In some examples, such means includes a chamfered or beveled edge 104 to facilitate the insertion of the base member into the hole of the modular waveguide joint.

[0096] Figure 3 and Figure 4 respectively show Figure 2 a perspective view and a plan view of the elongate member 101 of the tuning element module 100.

[0097] The elongate member includes a plurality of conductive / metal pins / tuning stubs 1011–1015 of different sizes and shapes.

[0098] In some examples, cylindrical pins are provided at the distal / top end of the elongate member, and cubic pins are provided at the proximal / bottom end of the elongate member near the base member (not shown).

[0099] In the example shown, the elongate member includes a stacked arrangement of all coaxially / concentrically arranged different pins 101 n i.e.:

[0100] pin 1011 of a cube / rectangular cuboid / rectangular prism shape, having a rounded edge 1011' protruding upward from the base member (not shown);

[0101] cylindrical pin 1012, having 4 equally spaced rounded edges 1012' protruding laterally from the sidewall of the cylindrical pin, and these protruding rounded edges are aligned with the rounded edges of the square pin;

[0102] another cube / rectangular cuboid / rectangular prism pin 1013, having a rounded edge 1013';

[0103] another cylindrical pin 1014; and

[0104] another cylindrical pin 1015, having a different diameter from the other cylindrical pins.

[0105] The elongate member having a plurality of metal pins 101 of different shapes and sizes n is configured to couple two polarization signals from a circular TE 11 mode (or a square TE 10and the TE01 mode with orthogonal setting) is gradually converted to rectangular TE 10 mode (and vice versa). This can avoid sudden transitions from one mode to another, thus ensuring high bandwidth and good RL. The total height of the metal pins can be approximately λ / 2, and the width of the bottom square pin can be approximately λ / 4.

[0106] In some examples, the elongate member and the plurality of metal pins of various shapes and sizes are configured to gradually convert / divide two polarization signals from the square TE 10 and the TE01 mode with orthogonal setting into two signals with a 180° phase difference.

[0107] Figure 5 shows Figure 2 a perspective view of the tuning element module 100 and shows the underside of the base member 102. The underside of the base member 102 includes means 105 for positioning and / or aligning the tuning element module in the hole of the modular waveguide joint (as discussed below with respect to Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). In some examples, such means includes at least one protruding boss member 105. In the example shown, such means includes a square base / protrusion configured to fit into one of the layers of the rotary joint. The square base serves as mechanical coding to ensure the correct orientation of the rotary joint module relative to the modular rotary joint and proper alignment of the cubic metal pins with the radio channels / rectangular waveguides exiting the rotary joint.

[0108] Figure 6 and Figure 7 show side cross-sectional views of a portion of the tuning element module 100 and the modular waveguide joint 200 into which the tuning element module is to be inserted. These views show the hole 204 and the recess 205 of the modular waveguide joint, which have corresponding shapes and are aligned to receive the base member 102 and the boss 105 of the tuning element module 100, respectively. When the tuning element module 100 is inserted and properly attached to the modular waveguide joint, the plane line AA of the tuning element module is coplanar with the plane line AA of the modular waveguide joint. Once inserted into the modular waveguide joint, the detachable rotary joint is flush with the modular waveguide joint layer. When the tuning element module is fully inserted into the modular waveguide joint, the illustrated plane lines AA, BB, and CC of the tuning element module and the modular waveguide joint coincide.

[0109] Figure 8 Schematically shows an example of a modular waveguide joint 200 with the tuning element module 100 inserted therein. The modular waveguide joint (and its tuning element module) is configured to convert a signal from the TE 10 mode to the TE 11 mode.

[0110] In this example, the modular waveguide joint is a rotary gate joint 200 (configured to allow two TE 10 mode polarization orthogonal combinations), and the tuning element module is the detachable rotary gate 100 of the rotary gate joint.

[0111] The rotary gate joint includes a central circular waveguide / arm / port 203, which is perpendicular to the coplanar arrangement of two pairs of rectangular waveguides / arms / ports 2011, 2012, 2021, 2022. The first pair of rectangular waveguides / ports 2011 2012 are coaxially aligned. The second pair of rectangular waveguides / ports 2021, 2022 are coaxially aligned. The first pair of rectangular waveguides / ports are orthogonally aligned with the second pair of rectangular waveguides / ports (and both the first and second pairs of waveguides / ports are perpendicular to the central circular waveguide / port 203 extending / protruding upward from the central intersection / crossing point of the four rectangular waveguides / ports).

[0112] The rotary gate is detachable and inserted into the central intersection / crossing point of the four rectangular waveguides / ports. To maximize the bandwidth at the rotary gate joint, the rotary gate may include a stack of multiple metal pins with different shapes and sizes, whose shapes transition from square to circular (e.g., at least as: square > square with rounded edges > circular with protruding rounded edges > circular cross-sectional shape).

[0113] Each of the four rectangular waveguides is configured to support / propagate signals in the TE 10 transmission mode. The circular waveguide (or backfire feed link) is configured to support / propagate signals in the TE 11 transmission mode.

[0114] The rotary gate joint uses two TE 10 waveguides per polarization (e.g., vertical polarization (V polarization) and horizontal polarization (H polarization)), thus forming a set of four orthogonal rectangular waveguides, which support these two polarizations, recombine at their intersection, and emit through the circular waveguide / port 203 in an orthogonal direction. In this regard, the first signal 301 (including the signal component 3011 input via port 2011 and the signal component 3012 input via port 2012) propagates in the TE 10 transmission mode. The second signal 302 (including the signal component 3021 input via port 2021 and the signal component 3022 input via port 2022) propagates in the TE 10 transmission mode. The first and second signals are converted into a signal 303 with the TE 11 transmission mode output via port 203.

[0115] In some examples, the rectangular waveguide of the rotary joint is a rounded rectangular waveguide. This can make the wave path smoother and can improve the return loss, RL, and the bandwidth of the rotary joint. The metal pins consist of multiple cylinders and optimized rounded cubes to improve the transition between circular and rectangular modes and to improve polarization separation.

[0116] Figure 9 Shown is an OMT 400, including: a module rotary joint 200, a rotary joint module 100, and radio paths 5001 and 5002 for polarizations #1 and #2, respectively.

[0117] The radio paths include straight and curved paths optimized to minimize the overall footprint of the OMT. A T-joint is used for each polarization to recombine the first and second signals. A stepped impedance waveguide is also used to adjust the size of the output waveguide to a common port defined to support two operating frequency sub-bands.

[0118] Figure 7 The main elements of the shown OMT correspond to the following blocks:

[0119] 0.1 – The circular waveguide of the rotary joint (e.g., 203 in Figure 8 ). This part is connected to the feed of the antenna (not shown).

[0120] 0.2 – The metal pins of the rotary joint (e.g., 101 in Figure 2 ). These are part of the detachable portion of the rotary joint, i.e., the detachable rotary joint module 100. The configuration of the metal pins (i.e., their shape and size) is for tuning the OMT performance.

[0121] 1.1 – E-plane right-angled rectangular waveguide

[0122] 1.2 – E-plane broadband T-joint

[0123] 1.3 – Stepped impedance waveguide

[0124] 1.4 – Right-angled waveguide optimized based on spline curves

[0125] 1.5 – Polarization #1 common port waveguide

[0126] 2.1 – Right-angled waveguide optimized based on spline curves

[0127] 2.2 – E-plane broadband T-joint

[0128] 2.3 - Stepped impedance waveguide terminated by the common port waveguide of polarization #2

[0129] Metal pin 101 nThe dimensions, clearance management, shape of the mechanical coding / boss 105, and the position of the clearance / RF notch filter 103 are parameters of the rotary joint module 100, which modify the operation of the modular rotary joint (i.e., the operation when the rotary joint module is inserted therein), and thus modify the operation of the OMT. Therefore, the performance of the rotary joint (and the OMT including it) can be adjusted via the configuration of the rotary joint module. The dimensions, clearances, and notch filter parameters of the metal pins can be considered to tune specific operating frequency sub-bands. Therefore, there is no need to modify the radio circuit path of the OMT. Additionally, the shape of the metal pins can be changed to modify the RL of each polarization. In nominal use, a square is used to balance the RL of each polarization, but asymmetric shapes such as rectangles can also be employed. In this way, different RL values for each polarization can be obtained.

[0130] It is noted that the rotary joint module of the modular OMT can be detachably connected to the modular OMT during modular OMT production. Additionally or alternatively, the rotary joint module can be detachably connected to the modular OMT in the field (i.e., after the deployment / installation of the modular OMT). The detachability of the rotary joint module (whether during production or in the field) enables the rotary joint module to be manufactured / processed independently of the rest of the modular OMT. For example, the modular OMT can be modified during production: a broadband core modular OMT (e.g., without a built-in rotary joint module) is initially created / developed once, and then the rotary joint module is created / modified separately according to the customer's requirements to be detachably connected to the modular OMT. The modular OMT can also be modified in the field: if the customer wants to modify the polarization or operating sub-frequency band of the in-field OMT, only the rotary joint module needs to be replaced. This avoids a complete rebuild / replacement of the entire OMT.

[0131] In some examples, a rotary joint mounted from the rear can be provided, but it can also be mounted from the front, which can simplify its replacement.

[0132] Figure 10 Shows Figure 8 the simulated results of the return loss of two orthogonal polarizations of the rotary joint.

[0133] Figure 11a –11g shows Figure 9 the simulated results of the return loss of various components / waveguide components in each radio circuit path of the OMT in

[0134] The OMT components in Fig. 11(a - e) are for polarization #1, while the components in Fig. 11(f - g) are for polarization #2. Each component can be optimized on its own to achieve the optimal RL in the desired frequency band.

[0135] The various components can be defined by multiple rectangles, square-round brick-shaped blocks, or spline-shaped brick-shaped blocks defined by multiple parameters (such as length, width, bending radius, height, etc.). The optimization of the components can be achieved through appropriate algorithms, such as can be implemented via RF software. This may generate thousands of virtual component models with different sizes and evaluate their RF performance according to the input specifications (e.g., the intended frequency band to be used). The parameters / sizes of the model with the best / optimal RF performance are used for real-world components. Multiple unit elements can be assembled, and another optimization can also be carried out during the assembly. The overall structure / assembly can be optimized while considering the adaptability, phase effects, etc. of each component and their interactions, and the optimal RL performance can be obtained through global optimization.

[0136] These components can be assembled into sub-components and re-optimized as blocks to ensure good recombination between the blocks.

[0137] Figure 11a –11e shows the 3D views of the following OMT components and their performance simulation results:

[0138] Figure 11(a) Right-angle E-plane elbow. This component is directly set after the rotator joint. Like the rotator joint, this component uses overlapping rectangular waveguide sections to achieve at least 44 dB of RL within 40% of the frequency band.

[0139] Figure 11(b) Right-angle H-plane elbow. This component is located after component 11(a). The machining plane direction (90°) of this component enables it to have a bending radius in the H-plane, thereby increasing the bandwidth. This component uses overlapping rectangular waveguide sections to achieve at least 40 dB of RL within 40% of the frequency band. Figure 9 The polarization #1 radio path in the OMT is continued by an E-plane bent waveguide and an E-plane T-joint, which allows signal recombination.

[0140] Figure 11(c) E-plane bent waveguide and E-plane T-joint. The curve of this component has been selected to reduce the occupied area of the OMT. This component uses overlapping rectangular waveguide segments to improve the performance of the E-plane T-joint. This results in an RL of at least 39 dB within 40% of the frequency band.

[0141] Figure 11(d) Step-impedance waveguide. This component is used to gradually change the cross-section of the waveguide. The initial size of these steps is approximately λ / 4 in length and then optimized to improve the RL performance. The output waveguide cross-section is greatly increased to approach the size of the double-ridged waveguide at the end of the channel. This component exhibits 37 dB RL on the target frequency band.

[0142] Figure 11(e) Right-angle E-plane elbow and H-plane right-angle elbow based on spline curves. This component is used to terminate the radio path of polarization #1. Using spline curves can not only control the propagation direction of waves, but also use a smoother waveguide shape for wave transmission. Since the tool only makes the radio channel along a single line, the machining process of this component is also simplified. The design of the H-plane right-angle elbow is similar to the component in Figure 11(b). This component has an RL of at least 42 dB across the entire frequency band.

[0143] Figure 11(f) Right-angle elbow based on spline curves. This component has a design similar to the spline curve in Figure 11(e). Different from using a circular cross-section, the optimized spline curve is most suitable for the behavior of waves, thus achieving a right angle. It provides an RL of 56 dB within 40% of the frequency band, which is a performance incomparable in the prior art. From a radio perspective, this component can almost be regarded as lossless.

[0144] Figure 11(g) E-plane T-junction with stepped impedance waveguide. For polarization #1, this T-junction component is very similar to Figure 11(c) and is used to recombine signals. Then, using a stepped impedance waveguide, the cross-section of the waveguide is gradually changed. The initial size of these steps is approximately λ / 4 in length and is then optimized to improve RL performance. The output waveguide cross-section is greatly increased to match the size of the double-signal waveguide at the end of the channel. This component exhibits an RL of 36 dB in the target frequency band.

[0145] Figure 12a and 12b respectively show the top view and bottom view of four machined layers used to form the OMT 400 (e.g., Figure 9 the OMT). These figures also show the detachable rotary gate module 100 at the modular rotary gate joint included in / integrated with the OMT.

[0146] The simplicity and compactness of the OMT example according to the present invention allow for the classical machining manufacturing of the OMT system through four different layers, plus the separate manufacturing of the detachable rotary gate, and then assembling them together.

[0147] Figure 13 shows the OMT 400 (e.g., in the assembled form of Figure 12a and 12b the layers), with a detachable rotary gate module at its basic center.

[0148] As shown below, the OMT can achieve high RF performance at 40% bandwidth with a minimum return loss (RL) of 30 dB. The requirements of 40% bandwidth and 30 dB RL are achieved by optimizing the components / unit components of the OMT, namely: elbows, stepped impedance paths, and spline-shaped power dividers. Each component is designed to obtain excellent RL (between 37 dB and 50 dB) over the entire target frequency band. By using custom-sized rectangular waveguides, the OMT allows the coverage of two consecutive frequency bands, namely the 5.925 GHz - 7.125 GHz band and the 7.4 GHz - 8.5 GHz band. The common port of the OMT, i.e., the circular port 203, eliminates the need to use R70 and R84 waveguides separately and enables carrier aggregation on a single waveguide, i.e., supports the circular waveguide in the TE 11 mode. In some examples, a square port and a square waveguide supporting the TE 10 mode and the TE01 mode in an orthogonal setting can be provided instead of the circular port and the circular waveguide supporting the TE 11 mode.

[0149] Figure 14a and 14b show examples of the high RF performance of the OMT in terms of simulation results of return loss and isolation when operating in the microwave frequency band. Figure 13 The simulation results show return loss values below -31 dB at port 1 and below -29 dB at port 2, respectively. Figure 14a The simulation results show an isolation value higher than 60 dB between the ports. Figure 14b

[0150] Due to the tuning ability of the OMT with a replaceable / interchangeable rotating gate, only the detachable rotating gate needs to be modified / optimized to modify the performance of the entire OMT without changing the radio channels and waveguides of the OMT. The nominal configuration of the OMT may correspond to a balanced performance between the operating frequency sub-bands and polarizations. Different configurations may be required according to the usage specifications, such as improving the RL of a specific frequency band. This can be achieved by slightly reducing the performance of the remaining operating frequency bands.

[0151] Figure 15a 15b and Figure 9 show Figure 9Examples of return loss for polarization #1 and polarization #2T of the OMT in the nominal configuration (solid line) and optimized for the high frequency band (dashed line). The only parameter changed is the size of the removable rotating gate (i.e., the size and shape of the metal pins of the removable rotating gate). The high frequency band RL (dashed line) is improved for both polarizations, from a maximum of -33 dB to -37 dB for polarization #1 and from a maximum of -29 dB to -33 dB for polarization #2. This corresponds to an improvement of approximately 4 dB. The low frequency band loses approximately 1 dB of RL for both polarization cases.

[0152] Figure 15c and 15d Examples of return loss for the OMT in two polarizations are shown, for the nominal configuration (solid line) and after optimization for polarization #1 (dashed line). The only parameter changed is the size of the removable rotating gate (i.e., the size and shape of the metal pins of the removable rotating gate). For polarization #1, the RL is improved from -31 dB to -32 dB, corresponding to an improvement of approximately 1 dB. Correspondingly, for polarization #2, the RL deteriorates from -29 dB to a maximum of -25.5 dB. This corresponds to a deterioration of approximately 3.5 dB.

[0153] Figure 16 An example of an antenna system 700 according to the present application is shown. In this example, the antenna system is a dual-band, dual-polarization antenna system, including: a broadband feed, two duplexers 600, a broadband OMT 400, and a dual-polarization antenna 500.

[0154] The OMT supports 2x2 carriers on a unique radio path for each polarization. Thus, the OMT provides dual-band and dual-polarization operation.

[0155] The two duplexers allow the use of two frequency bands, each duplexer corresponding to the polarization of the two frequency bands. The antenna system is capable of propagating four RF signals, two in the low frequency band and two in the high frequency band, with two independent orthogonal polarizations.

[0156] When transmitting a signal, these RF signals from the duplexers each propagate through a rectangular waveguide operating in the fundamental mode TE 10 to the broadband OMT. The broadband OMT requires two orthogonal polarization directions, namely vertical polarization (V polarization) and horizontal polarization (H polarization). The RF signals of the two frequency bands are transmitted through the broadband OMT. The broadband OMT ports connecting the duplexers operate in a rectangular TE 10 mode; the back-radiating feed link of the broadband OMT operates in a circular TE 11 mode waveguide. Due to the inherent characteristics of the antenna system, duality can be used to receive signals.

[0157] The goal of the broadband OMT is to aggregate carriers from separate operating frequency bands on a wide operating frequency band with the best possible transmission performance.

[0158] Compared with traditional OMT, the OMT example according to the present application can provide the following benefits / advantages:

[0159] Improved RF performance.

[0160] Extended bandwidth

[0161] Improved RL

[0162] Dual-carrier and dual-polarization operation on a unique radio channel for each polarization

[0163] Spline-shaped radio components: power divider, elbow, radio path

[0164] The detachable rotary joint enables flexible development of the RF performance of the OMT, easy manufacturing, and tuning capabilities

[0165] The example of the OMT according to the present application can provide at least the following advantages / improvements compared with traditional OMT: 1) a very wide bandwidth, and 2) the possibility of modifying the device performance by simply replacing the detachable rotary joint module.

[0166] Covering a very large bandwidth at a very low RL level enables the OMT to support dual-band and dual-polarization configurations. Specific waveguide dimensions can be used to support two sub-operating frequency bands: i) 5.925 GHz – 7.125 GHz and ii) 7.4 GHz – 8.5 GHz. By using an external duplexer, two carriers can be aggregated on each radio path of the OMT.

[0167] The use of the spline-based shape can improve flexibility in machining and allow for very high-performance RL over a very wide bandwidth. Specifically, a right-angle H-plane waveguide (see Figure 11a ) achieves an RL of less than -55 dB within 40% BW.

[0168] For the detachable rotary joint structure module, the stub effect can be obtained by using a set of cylindrical or rounded square metal pins, which allows for smooth signal transition and good polarization discrimination in the rotary joint. The example of the present application provides flexibility in both the shape and size selection and the manufacturing technology of the metal pins. The metal pins can be produced separately from the rest of the OMT using different manufacturing processes or suppliers. This can result in lower costs and help support the mechanical constraints of the OMT layer of the rotary joint, especially in terms of flatness management.

[0169] Examples of the present application provide a detachable turnstile module for a modular turnstile joint. The detachable turnstile module is a high-precision component that can be machined separately from the turnstile joint piece and the rest of the OMT. This can improve the RF reliability of the turnstile module. This also allows the performance of the entire OMT to be modified by simply replacing the detachable turnstile module, ensuring optimal RF performance without the risk of reduced or degraded transmit / receive signal quality.

[0170] Since the OMT structure can be assembled / composed of a set of unit blocks with very low RL and very wide frequency bands, by modifying only the detachable turnstile structure module, it is possible to choose:

[0171] - RL in favor of one polarization rather than the other (RL asymmetry)

[0172] - RL on a specific sub-band

[0173] This can lead to a reduction in redesign and engineering because only the detachable turnstile module needs to be modified (rather than the rest of the turnstile joint and the OMT).

[0174] Examples of the present application and its OMT with a detachable turnstile module can achieve an optimized use of available radio resources, such as by combining multiple channels on a single antenna. This can reduce deployment costs and the environmental impact of the network. The examples enable the use of dual-polarized broadband antennas to increase the capacity and quality of service (QoS) of the radio network, for example due to the ability to use a large bandwidth. The use of such dual-polarized broadband antennas can reduce the rental cost of the tower on which the antenna is installed, reduce the installation time, and relieve the load on the tower structure.

[0175] Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

[0176] The features described in the foregoing description can be used in combinations other than those explicitly described.

[0177] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, these functions can be performed by other features whether or not described.

[0178] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, these features can also be present in other examples whether or not described. Thus, the features described with respect to one example / aspect of the present application can include any or all of the features described with respect to another example / aspect of the present application, and vice versa, provided they are not mutually contradictory.

[0179] Although the previous paragraphs have described various examples of the present application, it should be understood that the examples given can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0180] The term "comprising" as used in this document has an inclusive rather than an exclusive meaning. That is, any mention of X comprising Y indicates that X can include only one Y or can include more than one Y. If "comprising" is to be used in an exclusive meaning, it can be explicitly stated in the context by referring to "comprising only one..." or using "consisting of".

[0181] In this description, "connected" and "coupled" and their derivatives denote an operative connection / coupling. It should be understood that any number or combination of intermediate components (including no intermediate components) can exist, i.e., so as to provide a direct or indirect connection / coupling.

[0182] In this description, various examples have been referred to. The description of a feature or function related to an example indicates that these features or functions exist in that example. The terms "example", "for example", "may" or "can", whether explicitly stated or not, indicate that these features or functions exist at least in the described example (whether described as an example or not), and they can but do not necessarily exist in some or all other examples. Thus, "example", "for example", "may" or "can" refer to a specific instance in a class of examples. The properties of an instance can be properties of only that instance, or properties of the class, or properties of a subclass of the class that includes some but not all instances of the class.

[0183] In this specification, unless otherwise explicitly stated, a reference to "a / the" [feature, element, component, device...] has an inclusive rather than an exclusive meaning and should be interpreted as "at least one" [feature, element, component, device...]. That is, any mention of X including a / the Y indicates that X can include only one Y or can include more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If "a" or "the" is to be used to denote an exclusive meaning, it will be explicitly stated in the context. In some cases, "at least one" or "one or more" can be used to emphasize the inclusive meaning, but the absence of these terms does not imply an exclusive meaning. As used herein, "at least one of the following: <list of two or more elements>" and "at least one of <list of two or more elements>" and similar phrases, where the list of two or more elements is joined by "and" or "or", denote at least any one element, or at least any two or more elements, or at least all elements.

[0184] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim refers to both the feature (or combination of features) itself and features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). Equivalent features include, for example, variant features and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0185] In this specification, various examples are referenced and adjectives or adjective phrases are used to describe the features of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic related to an example indicates that the characteristic is exactly consistent with the description in some examples and substantially consistent with the description in other examples.

[0186] The foregoing description has described some examples of the present application. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize possible alternative structural and method features that provide functions equivalent to the specific examples of such structures and features described above, and for the sake of brevity and clarity, have been omitted from the foregoing description. Nevertheless, the foregoing description should be understood to implicitly include references to such alternative structural and method features that provide equivalent functions, unless such alternative structures or method features are expressly excluded in the foregoing description of the examples of the present application.

[0187] Although every effort has been made in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the examples of the present application that are considered particularly important, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not specifically emphasized.

[0188] The examples of the present application and the appended claims may be appropriately combined in any manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Separate references in the specification to "example", "in some examples", and / or similar terms do not necessarily refer to the same example and are not mutually exclusive, unless otherwise stated and / or readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the specification. For example, a feature, structure, process, block, step, action, etc. described in one example may also be included in other examples, but not necessarily.

[0189] Each claim is incorporated into the specification as a further disclosure, and the claims are embodiments of the present application. Additionally, although the claims provided herein include specific dependencies, it is contemplated that any claim may be made dependent on any other claim, and to the extent that any alternative embodiment may be created by combining, integrating, and / or omitting the features of the individual claims and / or changing the dependencies of the claims, any such alternative embodiments and their equivalents are also within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A tuning element module for a modular waveguide joint for combining and / or separating first and second signals of different polarizations, wherein, The tuning element module is configured to be removably attached to the modular waveguide joint.

2. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The modular waveguide joint includes one or more selected from the group consisting of: Rotary vane joint; Orthomode joint; and Orthomode transducer joint.

3. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tuning element module includes a rotary vane for a rotary vane joint.

4. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tuning element module includes means for adjusting one or more of the following: The radio frequency performance of the modular waveguide joint; The operating bandwidth of the modular waveguide joint; The operating frequency of the modular waveguide joint; The return loss characteristics of the modular waveguide joint.

5. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The tuning element module includes an elongate member extending from a base member.

6. The tuning element module according to claim 5, wherein, The elongate member includes one or more of the following: At least one tuning stub; and At least one metal pin.

7. The tuning element module according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The cross-sectional shape of the elongate member varies along its length.

8. The tuning element module according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The elongate member includes one or more of the following: At least one cylindrical portion, and At least one rectangular portion.

9. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 8, wherein, The elongate member includes a rectangular portion having rounded edges.

10. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 9, wherein, The elongate member includes a cylindrical portion having a plurality of protruding circular edges protruding therefrom.

11. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims 5 to 10, wherein, The cross-sectional dimensions of the elongate member vary along its length.

12. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: Means for providing radio frequency notching.

13. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims subordinate to claim 5, further comprising: At least one notch around the perimeter of the base member.

14. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: Means for facilitating insertion into the modular waveguide joint.

15. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims subordinate to claim 5, wherein, The base member includes a chamfered edge or a beveled edge.

16. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for positioning and / or aligning the tuning element module in the modular waveguide joint.

17. The tuning element module according to any one of the preceding claims dependent on claim 5, wherein, The base member includes at least one protruding boss member.

18. A modular waveguide joint for combining and / or separating first and second signals having different polarizations, wherein, The modular waveguide joint is configured to receive a removable tuning element module.

19. The modular waveguide joint according to claim 18, further comprising: The removable tuning element module.

20. An orthomode transducer comprising the modular waveguide joint according to claim 18 or 19.

21. An antenna system comprising: The orthomode transducer according to claim 20; And An antenna configured to transmit and / or receive a combination of a first signal and a second signal.

22. The antenna system according to claim 21, further comprising: At least one diplexer.

Images