A waveguide switch driving circuit

Abstract

This invention discloses a waveguide switch driving circuit, relating to the field of radio frequency control technology. It includes an interface module, a driving module, and a protection module, with the protection module connected to the driving module and the interface module. The interface module includes a first power terminal, a second power terminal, and a power negative terminal. The first power terminal is connected to a first position driving power supply; the second power terminal is connected to a second position driving power supply; and the power negative terminal is connected to both the first and second position driving power supplies. The protection module includes a first switch module and a second switch module, with the first switch module connected to the first power terminal and the second switch module connected to the second power terminal. The driving module includes a rotation unit, which is connected to the first switch module, the second switch module, and the power negative terminal. This invention achieves automatic power-off upon reaching the desired position in the driving circuit and automatic power-on upon reaching the desired position in the indicator circuit, reducing component aging rates and improving the real-time performance and accuracy of position indication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of radio frequency control technology, and in particular to a waveguide switch driving circuit. Background Technology

[0002] Waveguide switches, as key passive components in microwave radio frequency systems, are widely used in radar, satellite communication, electronic countermeasures, and test and measurement fields. Their function is to achieve rapid and reliable switching of microwave signals between different waveguide channels. The drive circuit is the key electronic component that provides the switching power for the waveguide switch and realizes position status monitoring. Traditional and existing drive solutions mostly adopt discrete components or functional modular designs, but they have the following technical defects: when the waveguide switch switches to the target position, the drive power supply continues to conduct, causing the drive motor (rotating unit) and circuit to continuously heat up. This not only increases power consumption but also easily leads to overheating damage, affecting the long-term reliability of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, in order to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the present invention provides a waveguide switch driving circuit, including an interface module, a driving module and a protection module, wherein the protection module is connected to the driving module and the interface module; The interface module includes: A first power terminal is connected to the positive terminal of a first position drive power supply. The second power terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the second position drive power supply. The power supply negative terminal is connected to the negative terminals of the first position drive power supply and the second position drive power supply. The protection module includes: A first switch module, which is connected to a first power supply terminal; A second switch module, which is connected to a second power supply terminal; The drive module includes a rotating unit, which is connected to a first switch module, a second switch module, and a power negative terminal. When the rotating unit rotates to the first position, the first switch module is activated to disconnect the first power terminal from the first drive circuit of the rotating unit; When the rotating unit rotates to the second position, the second switch module activates to disconnect the second power supply terminal from the second drive circuit of the rotating unit.

[0004] Furthermore, the interface module also includes: A first position indicator terminal is connected to a first switch module; A second position indicator terminal is connected to a second switch module; A common indicator terminal, which is connected to the first switch module and the second switch module; When the rotating unit rotates to the first position, the first switch module is activated to connect the first indicator circuit from the first position indicator terminal to the common position indicator terminal; When the rotating unit rotates to the second position, the second switch module activates to connect the second indicator circuit from the second position indicator terminal to the common position indicator terminal.

[0005] Furthermore, both the first switch module and the second switch module include: The switch structure has a first contact connected to the rotating unit, a second contact connected to the first power terminal or the second power terminal, a third contact connected to the first position indicator terminal or the second position indicator terminal, and a fourth contact connected to the common indicator terminal. The transmission structure is mechanically coupled to the rotating unit. When the rotating unit rotates to its position, the transmission structure disconnects or connects the first and second contacts of the switch structure, and simultaneously connects or disconnects the third and fourth contacts of the switch structure.

[0006] Furthermore, the switch structure is a double-pole double-throw switch.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a potential suppression module, which is connected in parallel with the rotating unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the potential suppression module includes a first diode and a second diode, the anodes of the first diode and the second diode being connected to the cathode of the rotating unit, and the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode being connected to the anode of the rotating unit.

[0009] The present invention has the following advantages: This invention achieves automatic power-off upon reaching the designated position of the drive circuit through the first and second switch modules in the protection module. When the rotating unit drives the waveguide switch to precisely reach the first or second position, the corresponding switch module immediately activates, cutting off the first or second drive circuit. This improves upon the problem of long-term overheating of the motor coil and circuit due to continuous power supply in traditional solutions. It reduces component thermal stress and aging rate, improves the reliability of the drive circuit itself, and extends the overall service life of the waveguide switch. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drive circuit; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the waveguide switch in its first position; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the waveguide switch in the second position; In the picture: 10. Interface module; 11. First power terminal; 12. Power negative terminal; 13. Second power terminal; 14. First position indicator terminal; 15. Common indicator terminal; 16. Second position indicator terminal; 21. Switch structure; 22. Transmission structure; 31. Rotating unit; 41. First diode; 42. Second diode; 50. Waveguide switch. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0012] In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is 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 process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0013] As described in the background section, traditional and existing drive solutions often employ discrete components or modular designs, but they suffer from the following technical defects: when the waveguide switch is switched to the target position, the drive power supply remains on, causing the drive motor (rotating unit) and circuit to continuously heat up, which not only increases power consumption but also easily leads to overheating damage, affecting the long-term reliability of the system.

[0014] Example 1: Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems of the prior art, this embodiment provides a waveguide switch driving circuit, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the driving circuit includes an interface module 10, a driving module, and a protection module, wherein the protection module is connected to the driving module and the interface module. The interface module includes: The first power terminal 11 is connected to the positive terminal of the first position drive power supply. The second power terminal 13 is connected to the positive terminal of the second position drive power supply. The power supply negative terminal 12 is connected to the negative terminals of the first position drive power supply and the second position drive power supply. The protection module includes: A first switch module, which is connected to a first power supply terminal; A second switch module, which is connected to a second power supply terminal; The drive module includes a rotating unit 31, which is connected to the first switch module, the second switch module, and the negative terminal of the power supply. When the rotating unit rotates to the first position, the first switch module is activated to disconnect the first power terminal from the first drive circuit of the rotating unit; When the rotating unit rotates to the second position, the second switch module activates to disconnect the second power supply terminal from the second drive circuit of the rotating unit.

[0015] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, when the waveguide switch 50 needs to operate in the first position, a driving voltage is applied to the first power terminal. If the waveguide switch is not in the first position, the first driving circuit will be activated, and the voltage will be conducted to the rotating unit. The rotating unit will move to the first position, and when it reaches the first position, it will drive the waveguide switch to the first position, simultaneously triggering the first switch module to disconnect the first driving circuit. If the waveguide switch is already in the first position, the first driving circuit will be disconnected. Similarly, when the waveguide switch needs to operate in the second position, a driving voltage is applied to the second power terminal. If the waveguide switch is not in the second position, the second driving circuit will be activated, and the voltage will be conducted to the rotating unit. The rotating unit will move to the second position, and when it reaches the second position, it will drive the waveguide switch to the second position, simultaneously triggering the second switch module to disconnect the second driving circuit. If the waveguide switch is already in the second position, the second driving circuit will be disconnected, the second position indicator circuit will be activated, and the rotating unit will not operate.

[0016] In this embodiment, the rotating unit may be a motor, such as... Figure 1 The symbol M is shown. After receiving the drive voltage, the motor rotates, causing the waveguide switch to switch to the target position. At the same time, it causes the switching module to cut off the drive circuit, preventing the motor from being continuously powered.

[0017] This embodiment achieves automatic power-off upon reaching the designated position of the drive circuit through the first and second switch modules in the protection module. When the rotating unit drives the waveguide switch to precisely reach the first or second position, the corresponding switch module immediately activates, cutting off the first or second drive circuit. This improves upon the problem of long-term overheating of the motor coil and circuit due to continuous power supply in traditional solutions. It reduces component thermal stress and aging rate, improves the reliability of the drive circuit itself, and extends the overall service life of the waveguide switch.

[0018] Example 2: Because existing solutions use a "periodic sampling" method to detect position status, the sampling period is typically greater than 100ms, while the switching time of waveguide switches is mostly within the 50ms range, resulting in a delay in status indication. When the system needs to switch quickly and confirm the status in real time, the delay will cause the system response to lag, which cannot meet the requirements of scenarios with high real-time requirements such as radar and electronic countermeasures.

[0019] Therefore, in order to solve this technical problem, this embodiment is further improved based on embodiment 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown, in addition to the structure described in Embodiment 1, the interface module in this embodiment also includes: First position indicator terminal 14, which is connected to the first switch module; The second position indicator terminal 16 is connected to the second switch module; Common indicator terminal 15, which is connected to the first switch module and the second switch module; When the rotating unit rotates to the first position, the first switch module is activated to connect the first indicator circuit from the first position indicator terminal to the common position indicator terminal; When the rotating unit rotates to the second position, the second switch module activates to connect the second indicator circuit from the second position indicator terminal to the common position indicator terminal.

[0020] Specifically, this embodiment improves the synchronization between position switching and status feedback by integrating the linkage switch of the indication circuit and the drive circuit. When the waveguide switch reaches the target position under the drive of the rotating unit, the linkage switch module immediately activates, simultaneously cutting off the drive power supply and connecting the corresponding position indication circuit. This makes the update speed of the position status dependent on the position switching time, rather than being constrained by the sampling period of the electronic system. The external control system only needs to detect the on / off state of the corresponding indication circuit to obtain the position feedback of the waveguide switch, improving the dynamic response performance and control accuracy of the entire microwave system and realizing real-time feedback from the status indication circuit.

[0021] Example 3: This embodiment provides a solution for a switching module, such as... Figure 1 As shown, both the first switch module and the second switch module may include: The switch structure 21 has a first contact connected to the rotary unit, a second contact connected to the first power terminal or the second power terminal, a third contact connected to the first position indicator terminal or the second position indicator terminal, and a fourth contact connected to the common indicator terminal. The transmission structure 22 is mechanically coupled to the rotating unit. When the rotating unit rotates to its position, the first and second contacts of the switch structure are disconnected or connected through the transmission structure, while the third and fourth contacts of the switch structure are connected or disconnected.

[0022] In this embodiment, both the first contact and the second contact are Figure 1 The NC contacts shown are, in particular, the third and fourth contacts. Figure 1 The NO contact is shown. The NC contact is a normally closed contact, meaning that when the rotating unit is not in position and the transmission structure is not activated, the first and second contacts remain closed. The NO contact is a normally open contact, meaning that when it is also not activated, the third and fourth contacts remain open. When the rotating unit is in position, the transmission structure drives the switching structure, causing the first and second contacts to open (NC contact open), and simultaneously causing the third and fourth contacts to close (NO contact close), thereby switching the power supply connection and outputting a position indication signal.

[0023] For example, the switch structure may be a double-pole double-throw switch.

[0024] For example, the transmission structure can be a cam mechanism. The cam rotates synchronously with the rotating mechanism, and when it reaches its position, it pushes the corresponding micro switch or spring contact to realize the linkage switching between disconnecting the drive circuit and connecting the indicator circuit, ensuring that the mechanical position and electrical state are synchronized.

[0025] Preferably, the transmission structure may include a rotating paddle and at least one set of elastic contacts. The rotating paddle is fixed to the output shaft of the rotating unit and rotates synchronously with it; the elastic contact set may include a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm, wherein the first elastic arm is connected to the rotating unit as a common contact, and the second elastic arm is connected to the first power terminal or the second power terminal and the corresponding position indicator terminal as a selection contact. When the rotating unit rotates to the first position, the rotating paddle forces the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm out of contact, thereby disconnecting the drive circuit, and simultaneously makes the first elastic arm contact the third elastic arm, thereby connecting the indicator circuit.

[0026] Example 4: Because the electromagnetic coil is an inductive load, it stores magnetic field energy when current flows through it. When the circuit switch is turned off, the current in the coil is suddenly interrupted, the magnetic field disappears rapidly, and an extremely high reverse voltage spike is induced (potentially several times or even tens of times the power supply voltage). This reverse voltage is applied across the switching element, easily causing it to break down and be damaged. Some existing drive circuits lack protection circuits, making it easy for arcing to occur at the switch, which can easily damage the circuit and pose a safety hazard.

[0027] Therefore, this embodiment improves the driving circuit based on Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the driving circuit may also include a potential suppression module, which is connected in parallel with the rotating unit.

[0028] Specifically, the potential suppression module includes a first diode 41 and a second diode 42. The positive terminals of the first diode and the second diode are connected to the negative terminal of the rotating unit, and the negative terminals of the first diode and the second diode are connected to the positive terminal of the rotating unit.

[0029] Specifically, this embodiment utilizes the unidirectional conductivity of a diode to provide a low-impedance discharge path for the reverse induced electromotive force (i.e., back electromotive force) generated when the drive circuit is disconnected. When the first or second drive circuit is physically disconnected by the corresponding switch module, the current flowing in the rotating unit coil will flow into the diode connected in parallel and in a forward-biased state. Through this freewheeling circuit, the magnetic field energy stored in the coil is slowly dissipated, thereby avoiding instantaneous current interruption. This clamps the potentially extremely high reverse voltage spikes across the coil to a safe level, preventing high voltage from being directly applied to the contacts of the switch module or related control devices, reducing the safety hazards of component damage or arcing caused by voltage breakdown, reducing electromagnetic interference caused by voltage surges, and improving the electromagnetic compatibility of the entire circuit.

[0030] Furthermore, a current-limiting resistor can be connected in series between the negative terminal of the first diode and one end of the rotating unit, and between the negative terminal of the second diode and the other end of the rotating unit. This current-limiting resistor can be used to limit the amplitude of the freewheeling current when the back electromotive force of the rotating unit's coil freewheels through the corresponding diode, control the magnetic field energy consumption time, and avoid braking delay of the rotating unit due to excessive freewheeling time.

[0031] In addition, the drive circuit may also include a self-locking module, which is connected in parallel across the first switch module and / or the second switch module. The self-locking module may include a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) or a time-delayed disconnect relay, used to maintain the conduction of the drive circuit after the rotating unit is started but before it reaches its position, preventing the drive circuit from disconnecting prematurely due to mechanical vibration or contact jitter.

[0032] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A waveguide switch driving circuit, characterized in that, It includes an interface module, a driver module, and a protection module, wherein the protection module is connected to the driver module and the interface module; The interface module includes: A first power terminal is connected to the positive terminal of a first position drive power supply. The second power terminal is connected to the positive terminal of the second position drive power supply. The power supply negative terminal is connected to the negative terminals of the first position drive power supply and the second position drive power supply. The protection module includes: A first switch module, which is connected to a first power supply terminal; A second switch module, which is connected to a second power supply terminal; The drive module includes a rotating unit, which is connected to a first switch module, a second switch module, and a power negative terminal. When the rotating unit rotates to the first position, the first switch module is activated to disconnect the first power terminal from the first drive circuit of the rotating unit; When the rotating unit rotates to the second position, the second switch module activates to disconnect the second power terminal from the second drive circuit of the rotating unit.

2. The waveguide switch driving circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface module also includes: A first position indicator terminal is connected to a first switch module; A second position indicator terminal is connected to a second switch module; A common indicator terminal, which is connected to the first switch module and the second switch module; When the rotating unit rotates to the first position, the first switch module is activated to connect the first indicator circuit from the first position indicator terminal to the common position indicator terminal; When the rotating unit rotates to the second position, the second switch module activates to connect the second indicator circuit from the second position indicator terminal to the common position indicator terminal.

3. The waveguide switch driving circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first switch module and the second switch module include: The switch structure has a first contact connected to the rotating unit, a second contact connected to the first power terminal or the second power terminal, a third contact connected to the first position indicator terminal or the second position indicator terminal, and a fourth contact connected to the common indicator terminal. The transmission structure is mechanically coupled to the rotating unit. When the rotating unit rotates to its position, the transmission structure disconnects or connects the first and second contacts of the switch structure, and simultaneously connects or disconnects the third and fourth contacts of the switch structure.

4. The waveguide switch driving circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The switch structure is a double-pole double-throw switch.

5. A waveguide switch driving circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a potential suppression module, which is connected in parallel with the rotating unit.

6. A waveguide switch driving circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The potential suppression module includes a first diode and a second diode. The positive terminals of the first diode and the second diode are connected to the negative terminal of the rotating unit, and the negative terminals of the first diode and the second diode are connected to the positive terminal of the rotating unit.

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