Radio frequency exciter with asymmetric junctions, radio frequency wave transmission or reception system and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

Radio frequency exciter with asymmetrical junctions, radio frequency wave transmission or reception system and associated manufacturing method. The radio frequency exciter (16) comprises primary ports (20), secondary receiving ports (22), secondary transmitting ports (24), and a junction device (30) connecting these ports. The junction device (30) comprises first and second substantially identical asymmetrical waveguide junctions (32, 32') arranged head-to-tail, each asymmetrical junction (32, 32') comprising: - a main conduit (34, 34'); - a first axial access (36A, 36A') and a first radial access (38A, 38A'); - a second axial access (36B, 36B') and a second radial access (38B, 38B').Each asymmetric junction (32, 32') is such that the first radial access (38A, 38A') and the second radial access (38B, 38B') are oriented respectively along a first direction and a second direction forming an angle between them between 85° and 95°. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Radio frequency exciter with asymmetrical junctions, radio frequency wave transmission or reception system and associated manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio frequency exciter for a radio frequency wave transmission or reception system, comprising:

[0002] - at least one primary port intended to be connected to a radiating antenna and to to carry waves of frequencies included in a reception frequency band or in a transmission frequency band;

[0003] - at least one secondary receiving port intended to carry waves of frequencies included in the reception frequency band and to be excluded from waves of frequencies included in the transmission frequency band;

[0004] - at least one secondary transmission port intended to carry waves of frequencies included in the transmission frequency band and to be excluded from waves of frequencies included in the reception frequency band;

[0005] - a junction device connecting at least one primary port to at least one secondary receiving port and at least one secondary transmitting port.

[0006] The invention applies in particular to the field of space telecommunications for antennas located on board spacecraft or on the ground, in particular for DTH (Direct To Home), HTS (High Throughput Satellite) or VHTS (Very High Throughput Satellite) applications.

[0007] Known radio frequency exciters conventionally include devices that allow different polarizations to be separated as well as transmit and receive frequency bands to be separated.

[0008] Prior art radio frequency exciters do not allow simultaneously:

[0009] - to be compact with regard to the radial size of the exciter;

[0010] - to cover wide frequency bands in transmission and / or reception;

[0011] - to present optimized radiation diagrams; and

[0012] - to avoid degradation of the received or transmitted signal due in particular to phase shifts induced by the junction device.

[0013] One object of the invention is then to propose a radio frequency exciter making it possible to improve the radial compactness of the exciter, to cover wider frequency bands, to optimize the corresponding radiation patterns and to improve the quality of the signal received or transmitted.

[0014] To this end, the invention relates to a radio frequency exciter of the aforementioned type, in which:

[0015] - the junction device comprises a first and a second junction substantially identical asymmetric waveguide junctions, each asymmetric waveguide junction comprising:

[0016] - a main conduit extending substantially parallel to an axis longitudinal;

[0017] - at a first axial end of the main conduit, a first axial access and a first radial access;

[0018] - at a second axial end of the main conduit opposite the first axial end of the main conduit, a second axial access and a second radial access;

[0019] each asymmetric junction being such that the first radial access and the second radial access are oriented, in planes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, respectively along a first direction and a second direction forming between them an angle between 85° and 95°, in particular substantially equal to 90°;

[0020] - the two asymmetric junctions are arranged such that:

[0021] - the first axial access of the first asymmetric junction is connected to the at least a primary port;

[0022] - the second axial access of the first asymmetric junction is connected to one at least one secondary receiving port and at least one secondary transmitting port;

[0023] - the first axial access of the second asymmetric junction is connected to the other at least one secondary receiving port and at least one secondary transmitting port;

[0024] - the first radial access of the first asymmetric junction is connected to the second radial access of the second asymmetric junction;

[0025] - the second radial access of the first asymmetric junction is connected to the first radial access of the second asymmetric junction.

[0026] On the one hand, the presence of radial access points for each asymmetric junction, and in particular their orientation relative to each other, allows the radio frequency exciter to reduce its radial footprint, cover wider frequency bands in transmission and / or reception, and improve the radiation pattern, notably by reducing the risk of generating harmonics of a higher order than that of the corresponding fundamental mode. On the other hand, the arrangement of the two identical back-to-back asymmetric junctions eliminates the phase shift between waves, particularly waves in the transmission frequency band. vertical and horizontal planes, which circulate from one asymmetric junction to the other respectively between the first radial access of the first asymmetric junction and the second radial access of the second asymmetric junction and between the second radial access of the first asymmetric junction and the first radial access of the second asymmetric junction.

[0027] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the radio frequency exciter comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0028] - for each asymmetric junction, the first radial access and the second access radial each include a slot made in a peripheral wall of the corresponding conduit, the slots being respectively intended for the passage of waves of linear polarization respectively horizontal and vertical;

[0029] - the junction device further comprises two emission filters, in particular identical, centered on the transmission frequency band, including:

[0030] - one connects the first radial access of the first asymmetric junction and the second radial access of the second asymmetric junction; and

[0031] - the other connects the second radial access of the first asymmetric junction and the first radial access of the second asymmetric junction;

[0032] - the second axial access of the second asymmetric junction is closed by a short-circuited or connected to an absorbing load of the radio frequency exciter;

[0033] - the radio frequency exciter comprises a first secondary receiving port, a second secondary receiving port, a first secondary transmitting port and a second secondary transmitting port;

[0034] - the radio frequency exciter is such that:

[0035] - the first secondary receiving port is intended to carry waves to right-hand circularly polarized, the second secondary receiving port is intended to carry left-hand circularly polarized waves, the radio frequency exciter further comprising a septum polarizer connecting the first secondary receiving port and the second secondary receiving port to the junction device; or

[0036] - the first secondary receiving port is intended to carry waves to horizontal linear polarization, the second secondary receiving port is intended to carry vertically linear polarized waves, the radio frequency exciter further comprising a polarization diplexer connecting the first secondary receiving port and the second secondary receiving port to the junction device;

[0037] - the radio frequency exciter is such that:

[0038] - the first secondary transmission port is intended to carry waves to right-hand circularly polarized, the second secondary transmission port is intended to carry left-hand circularly polarized waves, the radio frequency exciter including further a septum polarizer connecting the first secondary transmit port and the second secondary transmit port to the junction device; or

[0039] - the first secondary transmission port is intended to carry waves to horizontal linear polarization, the second secondary transmit port is intended to carry vertically linear polarized waves, the radio frequency exciter further comprising a polarization diplexer connecting the first secondary transmit port and the second secondary transmit port to the junction device;

[0040] - the first and second asymmetric junctions and / or the polarizer(s) to The septum and / or the polarization diplexer(s) are formed as a single piece.

[0041] The invention further relates to a radio frequency wave transmission or reception system comprising:

[0042] - a radiating antenna, for example a radiating horn;

[0043] - a radio frequency exciter as described above, at least one primary port of the radio frequency exciter being connected to the radiating antenna.

[0044] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a radio frequency exciter as described above, comprising:

[0045] - an additive manufacturing step comprising the additive manufacturing of the device junction;

[0046] - a step of arranging the junction device such that:

[0047] - the first axial access of the first asymmetric junction is connected to the minus one primary port;

[0048] - the second axial access of the first asymmetric junction is connected to one at least one secondary receiving port and at least one secondary transmitting port;

[0049] - the first axial access of the second asymmetric junction is connected to the other at least one secondary receiving port and at least one secondary transmitting port;

[0050] - the first radial access of the first asymmetric junction is connected to the second radial access of the second asymmetric junction;

[0051] - the second radial access of the first asymmetric junction is connected to the first radial access of the second asymmetric junction.

[0052] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0053] [Fig-1] - [Fig.1] is a simplified schematic illustration of a first mode implementation of a radio frequency wave transmission or reception system according to the invention;

[0054] [Fig.2] - the [Fig.2] is a simplified schematic illustration of an asymmetric junction of the radio frequency wave emission or reception system of the [Fig.1];

[0055] [Fig.3] - the [Fig.3] is a simplified schematic illustration of the junction device of the radio frequency wave transmission or reception system of the [Fig.1];

[0056] [Fig.4] - the [Fig.4] is a simplified schematic perspective illustration of a radio frequency exciter of the radio frequency wave emission or reception system of the [Fig.1];

[0057] [Fig.5] - the [Fig.5] a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a radio frequency exciter of the radio frequency wave emission or reception system of the [Fig.1], according to the invention;

[0058] [Fig.6] - [Fig.6] is a simplified schematic illustration of a second embodiment of a radio frequency wave emission or reception system according to the invention;

[0059] [Fig.7] - [Fig.7] is a simplified schematic illustration of a third embodiment of a radio frequency wave transmission or reception system according to the invention; and

[0060] [Fig.8] - [Fig.8] is a simplified schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of a radio frequency wave transmission or reception system according to the invention.

[0061] With reference to figures 1 to 4, a first embodiment of a radio frequency wave transmission or reception system 10 according to the invention is described.

[0062] The system 10 includes a radiating antenna 12 and a radio frequency exciter 16.

[0063] For example, the radiating antenna 12 is a radiating horn.

[0064] The radio frequency exciter 16 includes at least one primary port 20, at least one secondary receiving port 22, at least one secondary transmitting port 24 and a junction device 30.

[0065] According to the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the radio frequency exciter 16 comprises a first secondary receiving port 22A, a second secondary receiving port 22B, a first secondary transmitting port 24A and a second secondary transmitting port 24B. For example, the radio frequency exciter 16 comprises a single primary port 20.

[0066] Advantageously, the radio frequency exciter 16 further includes a short circuit 60.

[0067] Advantageously, in the first embodiment, the radio frequency exciter 16 further comprises a septum polarizer 66 connecting the first secondary receiving port 22A and the second secondary receiving port 22B to the junction device 30, in particular in the example of [Fig.1] to a second axial access 36B of a first asymmetric junction 32 of the junction device 30.

[0068] Even more advantageously, in the first embodiment, the radio frequency exciter 16 further comprises a septum polarizer 68 connecting the first secondary transmitting port 24A and the second secondary transmitting port 24B to the junction device 30, in particular in the example of [Fig.1] to a first axial access 36A' of a second asymmetric junction 32' of the junction device 30.

[0069] Advantageously, the radio frequency exciter 16 further comprises a transition module 56 connecting the junction device 30, in particular in the example of [Fig. 1] a first axial access 36A of the first asymmetric junction 32, and at least one primary port 20. In particular, the radio frequency exciter 16 comprises a transition module 56 when the cross sections of the waveguides forming the junction device 30 and the cross section of the radiating antenna 12 are of different geometric shapes.

[0070] At least one primary port 20 is connected to the radiating antenna 12 and is intended to carry waves of frequencies within a receive frequency band Rx or within a transmit frequency band Tx.

[0071] At least one secondary receiving port 22, in particular the first secondary receiving port 22A and the second secondary receiving port 22B, is intended to carry waves of frequencies within the Rx receiving frequency band and to exclude waves of frequencies within the Tx transmitting frequency band.

[0072] For example, in the first embodiment, the first secondary receiving port 22A is intended to carry right-hand circularly polarized waves and the second secondary receiving port 22B is intended to carry left-hand circularly polarized waves.

[0073] At least one secondary transmit port 24, in particular the first secondary transmit port 24A and the second secondary transmit port 24B, is intended to carry waves of frequencies within the transmit frequency band Tx and to exclude waves of frequencies within the receive frequency band Rx.

[0074] For example, in the first embodiment, the first secondary transmitting port 24A is intended to carry right-hand circularly polarized waves and the second secondary transmitting port 24B is intended to carry left-hand circularly polarized waves.

[0075] The junction device 30 connects at least one primary port 20 to at least one secondary receiving port 22 and to at least one secondary transmitting port 24.

[0076] The junction device 30 comprises the first asymmetric guide junction 32 waveguide and the second asymmetric 32' waveguide junction.

[0077] Advantageously, the junction device 30 further comprises two emission filters 48, 50 centered on the emission frequency band Tx and excluding in particular the frequencies of the reception frequency band Rx.

[0078] The first and second asymmetric junctions 32, 32' of the waveguide are substantially identical.

[0079] In the present description, in comparison to the elements of the first asymmetric junction 32, the numerical references of the elements of the second asymmetric junction 32' present the prime typographic sign.

[0080] The first and second asymmetric junctions 32, 32' each comprise:

[0081] - a main conduit 34, 34' extending substantially parallel to an axis longitudinal X, X';

[0082] - at a first axial end 34A, 34A' of the main conduit 34, 34', a first axial access 36A, 36A' and a first radial access 38A, 38A';

[0083] - to a second axial end 34B, 34B' opposite the first axial end 34A, 34A', a second axial access 36B, 36B' and a second radial access 38B, 38B'.

[0084] Each asymmetric junction 32, 32' is such that the first radial access 38A, 38A' and the second radial access 38B, 38B' are oriented, in planes PE substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, X', respectively along a first direction DI and a second direction D2 forming between them an angle α between 85° and 95°, in particular substantially equal to 90°.

[0085] Advantageously, the longitudinal axis X of the main pipe 34 of the first asymmetric junction 32 and the longitudinal axis X' of the main pipe 34' of the second asymmetric junction 32' are parallel.

[0086] The two asymmetric junctions 32, 32' are arranged such that:

[0087] - the first axial access 36A of the first asymmetric junction 32 is connected to at least one primary port 20;

[0088] - the second axial access 36B of the first asymmetric junction 32 is connected to one of at least one secondary receiving port 22 and at least one secondary transmitting port 24;

[0089] - the first axial access 36A' of the second asymmetrical junction 32' is connected to the other among at least one secondary receiving port 22 and at least one secondary transmitting port 24;

[0090] - the first radial access 38A of the first asymmetric junction 32 is connected to the second radial access 38B' of the second asymmetric junction 32';

[0091] - the second radial access 38B of the first asymmetric junction 32 is connected to the first radial access 38A' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0092] In particular, in the example of [Fig. 1], the two asymmetric junctions 32, 32' are arranged such that:

[0093] - the second axial access 36B of the first asymmetric junction 32 is connected to at least one secondary receiving port 22, in particular via the septum polarizer 66;

[0094] - the first axial access 36A of the second asymmetrical junction 32' is connected to at least one secondary 24-port transmission, in particular via the septum polarizer 68.

[0095] For each asymmetric junction 32, 32', the first radial access 38A, 38A' and the second radial access 38B, 38B' each have a slot 40, 40' formed in a peripheral wall 35, 35' of the corresponding conduit 34, 34', the slots 40, 40' being respectively intended for the passage of horizontally and vertically polarized linear waves.

[0096] In particular, each slot 40, 40' extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X, X' of the corresponding conduit 34, 34' and orthoradially or transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis X, X'. Each slot 40, 40' has a length measured along the longitudinal axis X, X' and a width measured orthoradially or transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis X, X', the length of the slot 40, 40' being, for example, greater than the width of the slot 40, 40'.

[0097] By "the first radial access 38A, 38A' and the second radial access 38B, 38B' are oriented, in planes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, X', respectively along a first direction DI and a second direction D2 forming between them an angle α between 85° and 95°, in particular substantially equal to 90°", the person skilled in the art will understand in particular that the slots 40, 40' are oriented with respect to each other with the angle α so that one of the slots 40, 40' allows the passage of horizontally polarized linear waves and the other of the slots 40, 40' allows the passage of vertically polarized linear waves.

[0098] Advantageously, the conduit 34, 34' of each asymmetric junction 32, 32' comprises a first portion 36, 36' at the first axial end 34A, 34A' and a second portion 38, 38' at the second axial end 34B, 34B'. In particular, the first portion 36, 36' of the conduit 34, 34' of each asymmetric junction 32, 32' is connected to the first axial access 36A, 36A' and to the first radial access 38A, 38A' and the second portion 38, 38' of the conduit 34, 34' of each asymmetric junction 32, 32' is connected to the second axial access 36B, 36B' and to the second radial access 38B, 38B'. For example, the first portion 36, 36' of the conduit 34, 34' of each asymmetric junction 32, 32' comprises an asymmetric polarization diplexer 37. In particular, each asymmetric polarization diplexer 37 is formed by the first portion 36, 36' of the corresponding conduit 34, 34' and depends in particular the geometry of the first portion 36, 36' of the corresponding duct 34, 34'. For example, as shown in [Fig. 4], each first portion 36, 36' of the duct 34, 34' has a first section in which two opposite walls flare out along the DI direction and an adjacent second section in which two opposite walls flare out along the D2 direction. These particular shapes allow the horizontal and vertical signals in linear polarization to be separated by creating a short-circuit plane through the reduction of the waveguide width along the DI direction in the first section and a short-circuit plane through the reduction of the waveguide width along the D2 direction in the second section. This allows the signals to be coupled over a wide band at the slots.

[0099] Advantageously, the conduit 34, 34' of each asymmetric junction 32, 32' has a rectangular or square cross-section as illustrated in the example in [Fig. 4]. Alternatively, the conduit 34, 34' of each asymmetric junction 32, 32' has a circular or elliptical cross-section.

[0100] Even more advantageously, the cross-section of the conduit 34, 34' of each asymmetric junction 32, 32' has a decreasing area from the first end 34A, 34A' to the second end 34B, 34B'.

[0101] Even more advantageously, as illustrated in the example of [Fig.4], the radial accesses 38A, 38A', 38B, 38B' of the asymmetric junctions 32 are formed by portions of waveguide 42.

[0102] In particular, the first radial access 38A of the first asymmetric junction 32 and the second radial access 38B' of the second asymmetric junction 32' are formed by a portion of waveguide 42 extending along an L-shaped path from the conduit 34 of the first asymmetric junction 32 to the conduit 34' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0103] Alternatively, the first radial access 38A of the first asymmetric junction 32 and the second radial access 38B' of the second asymmetric junction 32' are formed by a portion of waveguide 42 extending along a curvilinear path from the conduit 34 of the first asymmetric junction 32 to the conduit 34' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0104] In particular, the second radial access 38B of the first asymmetric junction 32 and the first radial access 38A' of the second asymmetric junction 32' are formed by a portion of waveguide 42 extending along an L-shaped path from the conduit 34 of the first asymmetric junction 32 to the conduit 34' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0105] Alternatively, the second radial access 38B of the first asymmetric junction 32 and the first radial access 38A' of the second asymmetric junction 32' are formed by a portion of waveguide 42 extending along a curvilinear path from pipe 34 from the first asymmetric junction 32 to pipe 34' from the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0106] For example, as illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the second axial access 36B' of the second asymmetric junction 32' is closed by short circuit 60 or connected to an absorbing load of the radio frequency exciter 16.

[0107] Advantageously, a first emission filter 48 connects the first radial access 38A of the first asymmetric junction 32 and the second radial access 38B' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0108] Even more advantageously, a second emission filter 50, in particular identical to the first emission filter 48, connects the second radial access 38B of the first asymmetric junction 32 and the first radial access 38A' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0109] For example, each of the first and second emission filters 48, 50 is formed by an L-shaped or curved waveguide. In particular, when the waveguide is L-shaped, the angle between the two arms of the L is between 45° and 135°, preferably approximately 90°.

[0110] Advantageously, the waveguides forming the first and second emission filters 48, 50 have an elliptical, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal cross-section. Alternatively, the waveguides forming the first and second emission filters 48, 50 have a polygonal cross-section with more than six vertices. Those skilled in the art will be able to select the most suitable cross-sectional shape based on the exciter's size constraints, manufacturing constraints, and filtering specifications.

[0111] Advantageously, as illustrated in the example of [Fig. 4], the first and second asymmetric junctions 32, 32' and / or optionally the septum polarizers 66, 68 and / or optionally the transition module 56 and / or optionally the waveguide portions 42 of the radial access ports 38A, 38A', 38B, 38B' are formed in one piece. Alternatively, the first and second asymmetric junctions 32, 32' and / or optionally the septum polarizers 66, 68 and / or optionally the transition module 56 and / or optionally the waveguide portions 42 of the radial access ports 38A, 38A', 38B, 38B' are formed in several pieces.

[0112] The transition module 56 connects the first axial access 36A of the first asymmetric junction 32 and the primary port 20.

[0113] The transition module 56 is configured to be connected to the radiating antenna 12, in particular to a radiating horn. The cross-section of the transition module 56 can be circular or square depending on the type of horn used, in particular depending on the geometric shape of the cross-section of the horn used.

[0114] In particular, the transition module 56 is an impedance adapter intended to connect the junction device 30 and the primary port 20, in particular the radiating antenna 12.

[0115] With reference to [Fig.5], a manufacturing process 100 of the radio frequency exciter 16 is described.

[0116] The manufacturing process 100 includes an additive manufacturing step 110.

[0117] The additive manufacturing step 110 includes the additive manufacturing of the junction device 30. Advantageously, the additive manufacturing step 110 further includes, where appropriate, the additive manufacturing of the septum polarizers 66, 68 and, where appropriate, of the transition module 56 in particular so that the junction device 30, the septum polarizers 66, 68 and the transition module 56 are in one piece.

[0118] The additive manufacturing of the junction device 30 includes in particular the additive manufacturing of the first and second asymmetric junctions 32, 32', and where applicable the waveguide portions 42 of the radial accesses 38A, 38A', 38B, 38B'.

[0119] Advantageously, with reference to [Fig.4], additive manufacturing is carried out in an additive manufacturing direction DFA substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X, X', in a direction going from the first axial access 36A' of the second asymmetric junction 32' to the first axial access 36A of the first asymmetric junction 32.

[0120] Even more advantageously, the additive manufacturing of the junction device 30, and in particular of the waveguide portions 42 of the radial access ports 38A, 38A', 38B, 38B', is such that:

[0121] - the first radial access 38A of the first asymmetric junction 32 is connected to the second radial access 38B' of the second asymmetric junction 32';

[0122] - the second radial access 38B of the first asymmetric junction 32 is connected to the first radial access 38A' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0123] The manufacturing process 100 further includes a step 120 of arranging the joining device 30 such that:

[0124] - the first axial access 36A of the first asymmetric junction 32 is connected to at least one primary port 20;

[0125] - the second axial access 36B of the first asymmetric junction 32 is connected to one of at least one secondary receiving port 22 and at least one secondary transmitting port 24;

[0126] - the first axial access 36A' of the second asymmetrical junction 32' is connected to the other among at least one secondary receiving port 22 and at least one secondary transmitting port 24.

[0127] A second embodiment is illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0128] In this second embodiment:

[0129] - the first secondary receiving port 22A is intended to carry waves at right-hand circularly polarized and the second secondary receive port 22B is intended to carry left-hand circularly polarized waves; and

[0130] - the first secondary transmitting port 24A is intended to carry waves at horizontal linear polarization and the second secondary transmit port 24B is intended to carry vertically linear polarized waves.

[0131] In this second embodiment, the radio frequency exciter 16 comprises:

[0132] - a septum polarizer 72 connecting the first secondary receive port 22A and the second secondary receiving port 22B at the junction device 30, in particular at the second axial access 36B of the first asymmetric junction 32; and

[0133] - a 74-polarization diplexer (or "orthomode transducer" in English) connecting the first secondary transmitting port 24A and the second secondary transmitting port 24B to the junction device 30, in particular to the first axial access 36A' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0134] A third embodiment is illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0135] In this third embodiment:

[0136] - the first secondary receiving port 22A is intended to carry waves at horizontal linear polarization and the second secondary receive port 22B is intended to carry vertically linear polarized waves; and

[0137] - the first secondary transmitting port 24A is intended to carry waves at right circular polarization and the second secondary transmit port 24B is intended to carry left circularly polarized waves.

[0138] In this third embodiment, the radio frequency exciter 16 comprises:

[0139] - a polarization diplexer 78 connecting to the first secondary receiving port 22A and the second secondary receiving port 22B to the junction device 30, in particular to the second axial access 36B of the first asymmetric junction 32; and

[0140] - an 80 septum polarizer connecting the first secondary 24A transmit port and the second secondary transmission port 24B to the junction device 30, in particular to the first axial access 36A' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0141] A fourth embodiment is illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0142] In this fourth embodiment:

[0143] - the first secondary receiving port 22A is intended to carry waves at horizontal linear polarization and the second secondary receive port 22B is intended to carry vertically linear polarized waves; and

[0144] - the first secondary transmitting port 24A is intended to carry waves at horizontal linear polarization and the second secondary transmit port 24B is intended to carry vertically linear polarized waves.

[0145] In this fourth embodiment, the radio frequency exciter 16 comprises:

[0146] - a polarization diplexer 84 connecting the first secondary receive port 22A and the second secondary receive port 22B to the junction device 30, in particular to the second axial access 36B of the first asymmetric junction 32; and

[0147] - a polarization diplexer 86 connecting the first secondary transmit port 24A and the second secondary transmission port 24B to the junction device 30, in particular to the first axial access 36A' of the second asymmetric junction 32'.

[0148] In each of the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, the first and second asymmetric junctions 32, 32' and / or where applicable the septum polarizer(s) 66, 68, 72, 80 and / or where applicable the polarization diplexer(s) 74, 78, 84, 86 and / or where applicable the transition module 56 and / or where applicable the waveguide portions 42 of the radial accesses 38A, 38A', 38B, 38B' are formed in one piece. Alternatively, in these embodiments, the first and second asymmetric junctions 32, 32' and / or where applicable the septum polarizer(s) 66, 68, 72, 80 and / or where applicable the polarization diplexer(s) 74, 78, 84, 86 and / or where applicable the transition module 56 and / or where applicable the waveguide portions 42 of the radial accesses 38A, 38A', 38B, 38B' are formed in several pieces.

[0149] In each of the first, second, third and fourth embodiments, the manufacturing process 100 is such that the additive manufacturing step 110 includes the additive manufacturing of the junction device 30, where applicable of the transition module 56 and in particular further where applicable of the septum polarizer(s) 66, 68, 72, 80 and / or of the polarization diplexer(s) 74, 78, 84, 86.

[0150] Thanks to the invention:

[0151] - the radial footprint of the radiofrequency exciter 16 is reduced, in particular by the orientation of the radial accesses 38A, 38A', 38B, 38B' of each asymmetric junction 32, 32' relative to each other;

[0152] - wider frequency bands are covered in transmission and / or reception;

[0153] - the radiation pattern of system 10 is improved in particular by reducing the risk of generating harmonics of a higher order than that of the corresponding fundamental mode; and

[0154] - the risks of phase shift between waves circulating from an asymmetric junction towards each other respectively between the first radial access of the first asymmetric junction and the second radial access of the second asymmetric junction and between the second radial access of the first asymmetric junction and the first radial access of the second asymmetric junction are reduced in particular by the arrangement of the two asymmetric junctions 32, 32' identical to each other.

Claims

1. Demands Radio frequency exciter (16) of a radio frequency wave transmission or reception system (10), comprising: - at least one primary port (20) intended to be connected to a radiating antenna (12) and to carry waves of frequencies included in a reception frequency band (Rx) or in a transmission frequency band (Tx); - at least one secondary receiving port (22) intended to carry waves of frequencies included in the receiving frequency band (Rx) and to exclude waves of frequencies included in the transmitting frequency band (Tx); - at least one secondary transmit port (24) intended to carry waves of frequencies included in the transmit frequency band (Tx) and to exclude waves of frequencies included in the receive frequency band (Rx); - a junction device (30) connecting T at least one primary port (20) to at least one secondary receiving port (22) and to at least one secondary transmitting port (24); characterized in that: - the junction device (30) comprises a first and a second substantially identical asymmetric waveguide junctions (32, 32'), each asymmetric waveguide junction (32, 32') comprising: - a main conduit (34, 34') extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (X, X'); - at a first axial end (34A, 34A') of the main conduit (34, 34'), a first axial access (36A, 36A') and a first radial access (38A, 38A'); - at a second axial end (34B, 34B') of the main conduit (34, 34') opposite the first axial end (34A, 34A') of the main conduit (34, 34'), a second axial access (36B, 36B') and a second radial access (38B, 38B'); each asymmetric junction (32, 32') being such that the first radial access (38A, 38A') and the second radial access (38B, 38B') are oriented, in planes (PE) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X, X'), respectively along a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) forming between them an angle (a) between 85° and 95°, in particular substantially equal to 90°; - the two asymmetric junctions (32, 32') are arranged such that: - the first axial access (36A) of the first asymmetric junction (32) is connected to at least one primary port (20); - the second axial access (36B) of the first asymmetric junction (32) is connected to one of at least one secondary receiving port (22) and at least one secondary transmitting port (24); - the first axial access (36A') of the second asymmetric junction (32') is connected to the other of at least one secondary receiving port (22) and at least one secondary transmitting port (24); - the first radial access (38A) of the first asymmetric junction (32) is connected to the second radial access (38B') of the second asymmetric junction (32');- the second radial access (38B) of the first asymmetric junction (32) is connected to the first radial access (38A') of the second asymmetric junction (32').;

2. Radio frequency exciter (16) according to claim 1, wherein for each asymmetric junction (32, 32'), the first radial access (38A, 38A') and the second radial access (38B, 38B') each have a slot (40, 40') formed in a peripheral wall (35, 35') of the corresponding conduit (34, 34'), the slots (40, 40') being respectively intended for the passage of horizontally and vertically polarized linear waves.

3. Radio frequency exciter (16) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the junction device (30) further comprises two emission filters (48, 50), in particular identical, centered on the emission frequency band (Tx) of which: - one (48) connects the first radial access (38A) of the first asymmetric junction (32) and the second radial access (38B') of the second asymmetric junction (32'); and - the other (50) connects the second radial access (38B) of the first asymmetric junction (32) and the first radial access (38A') of the second asymmetric junction (32').

4. Radio frequency exciter (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second axial access (36B') of the second asymmetric junction (32') is closed by a short circuit (60) or connected to an absorbing load of the radio frequency exciter (16).

5. Radio frequency exciter (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first secondary receiving port (22A), a second secondary receiving port (22B), a first secondary transmitting port (24A) and a second secondary transmitting port (24B).

6. Radio frequency exciter (16) according to claim 5, wherein: - the first secondary receiving port (22A) is intended to carry right-hand circularly polarized waves, the second secondary receiving port (22B) is intended to carry left-hand circularly polarized waves, the radio frequency exciter (16) further comprising a septum polarizer (66, 72) connecting the first secondary receiving port (22A) and the second secondary receiving port (22B) to the junction device (30);or - the first secondary receiving port (22A) is intended to carry horizontally linearly polarized waves, the second secondary receiving port (22B) is intended to carry vertically linearly polarized waves, the radio frequency exciter (16) further comprising a polarization diplexer (78, 84) connecting the first secondary receiving port (22A) and the second secondary receiving port (22B) to the junction device (30).

7. Radio frequency exciter (16) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: - the first secondary transmitting port (24A) is intended to carry right-hand circularly polarized waves, the second secondary transmitting port (24B) is intended to carry left-hand circularly polarized waves, the radio frequency exciter (16) further comprising a septum polarizer (68, 80) connecting the first secondary transmitting port (24A) and the second secondary transmitting port (24B) to the junction device (30); or - the first secondary transmitting port (24A) is intended to carry horizontally polarized waves, the second secondary transmitting port (24B) is intended to carry vertically polarized waves, the radio frequency exciter (16) further comprising a polarization diplexer (74, 86) connecting the first secondary transmitting port (24A) and the second secondary transmitting port (24B) to the junction device (30).

8. Radio frequency exciter (16) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first and second asymmetric junctions (32, 32') and / or the septum polarizer(s) (66, 68, 72, 80) and / or the polarization diplexer(s) (74, 78, 84, 86) are formed in one piece.

9. Radio frequency wave transmission or reception system (10) comprising: - a radiating antenna (12), for example a radiating horn; - a radio frequency exciter (16) according to any one of the preceding claims, at least one primary port (20) of the radio frequency exciter (16) being connected to the radiating antenna (12).

10. A method (100) for manufacturing a radio frequency exciter (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: - an additive manufacturing step (110) including the additive manufacturing of the junction device (30); - a step (120) for arranging the junction device (30) such that: - the first axial access (36A) of the first asymmetric junction (32) is connected to at least one primary port (20); - the second axial access (36B) of the first asymmetric junction (32) is connected to one of at least one secondary receiving port (22) and at least one secondary transmitting port (24); - the first axial access (36A') of the second asymmetric junction (32') is connected to the other of at least one secondary receiving port (22) and at least one secondary transmitting port (24);- the first radial access (38A) of the first asymmetric junction (32) is connected to the second radial access (38B') of the second asymmetric junction (32'); - the second radial access (38B) of the first asymmetric junction (32) is connected to the first radial access (38A') of the second asymmetric junction (32').

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