Mode conversion device

Abstract

A TE mode conversion device includes a first waveguide, a conversion structure and a second waveguide connected in sequence, the first waveguide extends along a first direction, the second waveguide extends along a second direction, the first direction intersects the second direction; the conversion structure includes a first channel and a second channel connected at least partially, the first channel and the second channel are arranged staggeredly along the first direction and the second direction; relative to the first waveguide, the first channel and the second channel respectively protrude from different sides of the first waveguide perpendicular to the second direction; relative to the second waveguide, the first channel and the second channel respectively protrude from different sides of the second waveguide perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, the loss during conversion can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a TE mode conversion device, belonging to the field of antenna technology. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the high gain and large bandwidth of waveguides, radar technology development has shifted towards waveguides. In practical antenna feeding designs, antenna radiation performance largely depends on the polarization of the fed electromagnetic wave. For example, to generate a horizontally polarized wave, excitation is required using the horizontally polarized TE01 mode. However, in a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), the dominant mode, TE10, is the easiest to excite and propagate stably in a rectangular waveguide. Therefore, efficient conversion between the TE10 and TE01 modes is necessary.

[0003] In related technologies, a port-direct output structure is used for mode conversion. However, this structure occupies a large size, which is not conducive to compact spatial layout. Furthermore, it leads to high losses and limited operating bandwidth during the conversion process, which prevents the waveguide's inherent advantages of wide bandwidth and low loss transmission from being fully utilized, making it difficult to meet the application requirements of high-performance radar systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a space-compact TE mode conversion device with low conversion loss.

[0005] In this disclosure:

[0006] A TE mode conversion device includes a first waveguide, a conversion structure, and a second waveguide connected in sequence. The conversion structure is disposed between the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The first waveguide extends along a first direction, and the second waveguide extends along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect.

[0007] The conversion structure includes a first channel and a second channel that are at least partially connected, and the first channel and the second channel are offset along the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

[0008] Relative to the first waveguide, the first channel and the second channel protrude from different sides of the first waveguide perpendicular to the second direction;

[0009] Relative to the second waveguide, the first channel and the second channel protrude from different sides of the second waveguide perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present disclosure, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, the first waveguide has a first long side direction parallel to the first direction and a first short side direction parallel to the second direction, and the second waveguide has a second long side direction parallel to the second direction and a second short side direction parallel to the first direction.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present disclosure, relative to the first waveguide, the first channel and the second channel are respectively flush with different sides of the first waveguide perpendicular to the first direction. The length of the first channel in the first direction is a1, the length of the second channel in the first direction is a2, and the length of the first waveguide in the first direction is d1, wherein d1≤3a1≤2d1 and d1≤3a2≤2d1.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present disclosure, the first channel and the second channel at least partially overlap in the first direction, wherein: a1+a2>d1.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present disclosure, relative to the second waveguide, the first channel and the second channel are respectively flush with different sides of the second waveguide perpendicular to the second direction. The length of the first channel in the second direction is b1, the length of the second channel in the second direction is b2, and the length of the second waveguide in the second direction is d2, wherein d2≤3b1≤2d2 and d2≤3b2≤2d2.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present disclosure, the first channel and the second channel at least partially overlap in the second direction, wherein: b1+b2>d2.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present disclosure, the length of the first channel protruding from the first waveguide along the second direction is h1, the length of the second channel protruding from the first waveguide along the second direction is h2, the length of the first waveguide in the first direction is d1, and the length of the first waveguide in the second direction is c1, wherein h1+h2+c1=d1.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present disclosure, the length of the first channel protruding from the second waveguide along the first direction is g1, the length of the second channel protruding from the second waveguide along the first direction is g2, the length of the second waveguide in the first direction is c2, and the length of the second waveguide in the second direction is d2, wherein g1+g2+c2=d2.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present disclosure, along the second direction, one side of the first channel protrudes relative to the first waveguide and the other side is recessed relative to the first waveguide, and one side of the second channel is recessed relative to the first waveguide and the other side protrudes relative to the first waveguide.

[0018] Along the first direction, one side of the first channel protrudes relative to the second waveguide, and the other side is recessed relative to the second waveguide; one side of the second channel is recessed relative to the second waveguide, and the other side protrudes relative to the second waveguide.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present disclosure, the conversion structure extends along a third direction parallel to the electromagnetic wave transmission direction of the conversion structure, and the length L of the conversion structure in the third direction satisfies: λ≤L≤2λ, where λ represents the operating wavelength of the TE mode conversion device.

[0020] The TE mode conversion device disclosed herein has a compact structure, low conversion loss, and the sidelobe level is basically consistent before and after conversion, thus avoiding the introduction of additional radiation interference. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a TE mode conversion device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the TE mode conversion device from another angle;

[0023] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the TE mode conversion device from another angle;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front view of the TE mode conversion device shown;

[0025] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross section of the middle BB line;

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the TE mode conversion device shown;

[0027] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Left view of the TE mode conversion device shown;

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Top view of the TE mode conversion device shown;

[0029] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the TE mode conversion device shown.

[0030] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The broadband performance characterization diagram of the TE mode conversion device is shown below.

[0031] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The radiation patterns of the TE mode conversion device and the ordinary structure in antenna applications are shown.

[0032] Those skilled in the art should understand that the accompanying drawings provided herein are for the purpose of illustrating specific embodiments of the present invention, and the scale shown in the drawings is only for the illustrated embodiments; other embodiments are not necessarily implemented to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0034] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish the features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this utility model are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" covers the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, which does not exclude that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" may also include other elements. In this utility model, the word "several" means two or more.

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the figure, this utility model embodiment discloses a TE mode conversion device, which includes a first waveguide 1, a conversion structure 3, and a second waveguide 2 connected in sequence. The conversion structure 3 is disposed between the first waveguide 1 and the second waveguide 2. The first waveguide 1 extends along a first direction A1, and the second waveguide 2 extends along a second direction A2, with the first direction A1 intersecting the second direction A2. The first waveguide 1 has a first long side direction parallel to the first direction A1 and a first short side direction parallel to the second direction A2. The second waveguide 2 has a second long side direction parallel to the second direction A2 and a second short side direction parallel to the first direction A1. In some embodiments, the first direction A1 is perpendicular to the second direction A2. The first waveguide 1 is an input waveguide, and the second waveguide 2 is an output waveguide.

[0037] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3As shown, the conversion structure 3 includes a first channel 31 and a second channel 32 that are at least partially connected. The first channel 31 and the second channel 32 at least partially overlap in the first direction A1 and at least partially overlap in the second direction A2. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 partially overlap in the first direction A1 and are offset in another part. The first channel 31 and the second channel 32 partially overlap in the second direction A2 and are offset in another part. Compared with direct docking, this embodiment, by offsetting the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 along both the first direction A1 and the second direction A2, can guide the electromagnetic field to continuously and smoothly transform from the TE10 mode to the TE01 mode, thereby achieving low-loss, wide-bandwidth mode conversion. At the same time, this offset structure can improve the conversion purity, making the antenna sidelobe level height basically consistent before and after conversion, avoiding the introduction of additional radiation interference. In addition, this structure is compact and easy to implement using planar processing technology, avoiding the complex three-dimensional machining of traditional twisted waveguides, significantly reducing manufacturing costs and process difficulty, and is particularly suitable for miniaturized and integrated packaging applications.

[0038] In one embodiment of this utility model, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, relative to the first waveguide 1, the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 are flush with different sides of the first waveguide 1 perpendicular to the first direction A1, such that the length of the conversion structure 3 in the first direction A1 is equal to the length of the first waveguide 1 in the first direction A1. Relative to the second waveguide 2, the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 are flush with different sides of the second waveguide 2 perpendicular to the second direction A2, such that the length of the conversion structure 3 in the second direction A2 is equal to the length of the first waveguide 1 in the second direction A2. This arrangement provides sufficient space for the electromagnetic wave to complete a smooth and gradual transition of the entire mode, reducing losses. Relative to the first waveguide 1, the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 protrude from different sides of the first waveguide 1 perpendicular to the second direction A2. Relative to the second waveguide 2, the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 protrude from different sides of the second waveguide 2 perpendicular to the first direction A1. This arrangement simultaneously ensures that the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 are flush with different sides of both the first waveguide 1 and the second waveguide 2.

[0039] For details, please refer to Figure 1As shown, the first waveguide 1 includes two first side surfaces 11, both perpendicular to the first direction A1. The two first side surfaces 11 are flush with the first side surface surrounding the first channel 31 and the first side surface surrounding the second channel 32, respectively. The second waveguide 2 includes two second side surfaces 21, both perpendicular to the second direction A2. The two second side surfaces 21 are flush with the second side surface surrounding the first channel 31 and the second side surface surrounding the second channel 32, respectively. The first waveguide 1 includes two third side surfaces 12, both perpendicular to the second direction A2. The second side surface surrounding the first channel 31 and the second side surface surrounding the second channel 32 protrude beyond the two third side surfaces 12. The second waveguide 2 includes two fourth side surfaces 22, both perpendicular to the first direction A1. The first side surface surrounding the first channel 31 and the first side surface surrounding the second channel 32 protrude beyond the two fourth side surfaces 22, respectively.

[0040] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, along the second direction A2, one side of the first channel 31 protrudes relative to the first waveguide 1, and the other side is recessed relative to the first waveguide 1. Similarly, one side of the second channel 32 is recessed relative to the first waveguide 1, and the other side protrudes relative to the first waveguide 1. This arrangement causes both the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 to be misaligned with the first waveguide 1 along the second direction A2. Along the first direction A1, one side of the first channel 31 protrudes relative to the second waveguide 2, and the other side is recessed relative to the second waveguide 2. Similarly, one side of the second channel 32 is recessed relative to the second waveguide 2, and the other side protrudes relative to the second waveguide 2. This arrangement also causes both the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 to be misaligned with the second waveguide 2 along the second direction A2.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the length of the first channel 31 in the first direction A1 is a1, the length of the second channel 32 in the first direction A1 is a2, and the length of the first waveguide 1 in the first direction A1 is d1, where a1+a2>d1, d1≤3a1≤2d1, and d1≤3a2≤2d1. Please refer to... Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the length of the first channel 31 in the second direction A2 is b1, the length of the second channel 32 in the second direction A2 is b2, and the length of the second waveguide 2 in the second direction A2 is d2, where b1 + b2 > d2, d2 ≤ 3b1 ≤ 2d2, and d2 ≤ 3b2 ≤ 2d2. By limiting the ratios between a1 and d1, a2 and d1, and b1 and b2 and d2, the ratios of the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 in the first direction A1 relative to the first waveguide 1, and the ratios of the first channel 31 and the second channel 32 in the second direction A2 relative to the second waveguide 2, can be controlled, thereby ensuring conversion efficiency.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 8 As shown, the length of the first waveguide 1 in the first direction A1 is d1, and the length of the second channel 32 protruding from the first channel 31 in the first direction A1 is a3, where a1 + a3 = d1. The length of the second waveguide 2 in the second direction A2 is d2, and the length of the first channel 31 protruding from the second channel 32 in the second direction A2 is b3, where b2 + b3 = d2.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 4 As shown, the first channel 31 protrudes from the first waveguide 1 along the second direction A2 by a length of h1, the second channel 32 protrudes from the first waveguide 1 along the second direction A2 by a length of h2, and the length of the first waveguide 1 along the second direction A2 is c1, where h1 + h2 + c1 = d1 = a1 + a3. Please refer to... Figure 7 As shown, the first channel 31 protrudes from the second waveguide 2 along the first direction A1 by a length of g1, and the second channel 32 protrudes from the second waveguide 2 along the first direction A1 by a length of g2. The length of the second waveguide 2 in the first direction A1 is c2, where g1 + g2 + c2 = d2 = b2 + b3. This ensures that the dimensions of the conversion structure 3 in the first direction A1 are equal to those in the second direction A2, achieving a uniform distribution of the electromagnetic field in both directions.

[0044] The conversion structure 3 extends along a third direction A3 parallel to the electromagnetic wave transmission direction of the conversion structure 3. The length L of the conversion structure 3 along the third direction A3 satisfies: λ≤L≤2λ, where λ represents the operating wavelength of the TE mode conversion device. The third direction A3 is perpendicular to both the first direction A1 and the second direction A2.

[0045] A third waveguide 4 is disposed on the side of the first waveguide 1 facing away from the conversion structure 3, and the third waveguide 4 is disposed at an angle to the first waveguide 1. A stepped structure 5 is disposed at the corner between the first waveguide 1 and the third waveguide 4, which helps to reduce transmission loss. In one embodiment of the present invention, the third waveguide 4 extends along the second direction A2, and the extension direction of the third waveguide 4 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the first waveguide 1.

[0046] To evaluate the broadband performance of the TE mode conversion device, its impedance matching return loss (S11) and transmission efficiency insertion loss (S21) in the 75-79 GHz band were characterized. The characterization results are as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the results indicate that the TE mode conversion device has excellent broadband performance in this frequency band.

[0047] The antenna performance of the TE mode conversion device and a conventional structure used in a LOP-SoC (Low Power Chip) was tested. The test results are as follows: Figure 11As shown, V represents the simulation diagram of the angular distribution along the length of the antenna radiating aperture, and H represents the simulation diagram of the angular distribution along the width of the antenna radiating aperture. It can be seen that the antenna using the TE mode conversion device exhibits radiation patterns and sidelobe characteristics that are highly consistent with those of a conventional structure. This result demonstrates that the TE mode conversion device, while achieving mode conversion, does not significantly impact antenna performance, reflecting its low loss and high reliability characteristics.

[0048] This utility model also discloses a radar system including the above-described TE mode conversion device.

[0049] This utility model also discloses an electronic device, which includes a TE mode conversion device; or, the electronic device includes a radar system.

[0050] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present utility model. The understanding of the present utility model should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present utility model. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present utility model should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A TE mode conversion device, characterized in that, It includes a first waveguide, a conversion structure, and a second waveguide connected in sequence. The conversion structure is disposed between the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The first waveguide extends along a first direction, and the second waveguide extends along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect. The conversion structure includes a first channel and a second channel that are at least partially connected, and the first channel and the second channel are offset along the first direction and the second direction, respectively. Relative to the first waveguide, the first channel and the second channel protrude from different sides of the first waveguide perpendicular to the second direction; Relative to the second waveguide, the first channel and the second channel protrude from different sides of the second waveguide perpendicular to the first direction.

2. The TE mode conversion device of claim 1, wherein, The first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, the first waveguide has a first long side direction parallel to the first direction and a first short side direction parallel to the second direction, and the second waveguide has a second long side direction parallel to the second direction and a second short side direction parallel to the first direction.

3. The TE mode conversion device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Relative to the first waveguide, the first channel and the second channel are respectively flush with different sides of the first waveguide perpendicular to the first direction. The length of the first channel in the first direction is a1, the length of the second channel in the first direction is a2, and the length of the first waveguide in the first direction is d1, where d1≤3a1≤2d1 and d1≤3a2≤2d1.

4. The TE mode conversion device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first channel and the second channel at least partially overlap in the first direction, wherein: a1+a2>d1.

5. The TE mode conversion device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Relative to the second waveguide, the first channel and the second channel are respectively flush with different sides of the second waveguide perpendicular to the second direction. The length of the first channel in the second direction is b1, the length of the second channel in the second direction is b2, and the length of the second waveguide in the second direction is d2, where d2≤3b1≤2d2 and d2≤3b2≤2d2.

6. The TE mode conversion device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first channel and the second channel at least partially overlap in the second direction, wherein: b1+b2>d2.

7. The TE mode conversion device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first channel protrudes from the first waveguide by a length h1 along the second direction, the second channel protrudes from the first waveguide by a length h2 along the second direction, the first waveguide has a length d1 in the first direction, and the first waveguide has a length c1 in the second direction, wherein h1+h2+c1=d1.

8. The TE mode conversion device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first channel protrudes from the second waveguide by a length of g1 along the first direction, the second channel protrudes from the second waveguide by a length of g2 along the first direction, the second waveguide has a length of c2 in the first direction, and the second waveguide has a length of d2 in the second direction, wherein g1+g2+c2=d2.

9. The TE mode conversion device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Along the second direction, one side of the first channel protrudes relative to the first waveguide, and the other side is recessed relative to the first waveguide; one side of the second channel is recessed relative to the first waveguide, and the other side protrudes relative to the first waveguide. Along the first direction, one side of the first channel protrudes relative to the second waveguide, and the other side is recessed relative to the second waveguide; one side of the second channel is recessed relative to the second waveguide, and the other side protrudes relative to the second waveguide.

10. The TE mode conversion device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The conversion structure extends along a third direction parallel to the electromagnetic wave transmission direction of the conversion structure, and the length L of the conversion structure in the third direction satisfies: λ≤L≤2λ, where λ represents the operating wavelength of the TE mode conversion device.

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