Mechanical diplexer filter and systems and methods for use thereof

Abstract

A diplexer is provided. The diplexer includes a waveguide tee and two waveguide filters. The waveguide tee is connected to the two waveguide filters. The two waveguide filters are five-pole (Five-cavity) Bandpass H-plane rectangular waveguide filters. The diplexer is constructed of silver-plated aluminum. A first waveguide filter is on the H side of the diplexer and a second waveguide filter is on the L side of the diplexer.

Description

MECHANICAL DIPLEXER FILTER AND SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR USE THEREOFCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 561,868, filed March 6, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The field of the invention relates generally to a diplexer filter, and more specifically, to systems and methods for an innovative design and configuration of a diplexer filter.BACKGROUND

[0003] Diplexer filters play a crucial role in signal processing, enabling the separation of different frequency bands in communication systems. The diplexer filter facilitates the utilization of a singular or shared antenna, as well as a shared waveguide, operating seamlessly at two distinct frequencies.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for improved waveguide twists.

[0005] This background section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, a diplexer is provided. The diplexer includes a waveguide tee and two waveguide filters. The waveguide tee is connected to the two waveguide filters. The two waveguide filters are five-pole (Five-cavity) Bandpass H-plane rectangular waveguide filters. The diplexer is constructed of silver-plated aluminum. A firstwaveguide filter is on the H side of the diplexer and a second waveguide filter is on the L side of the diplexer. The device may7include additional, less, or alternate functionality7, including that discussed elsewhere herein.

[0007] Advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments which have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present embodiments may be capable of other and different embodiments, and their details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The Figures described below depict various aspects of the systems and methods disclosed therein. It should be understood that each Figure depicts an embodiment of a particular aspect of the disclosed systems and methods, and that each of the Figures is intended to accord with a possible embodiment thereof. Further, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following Figures, in which features depicted in multiple Figures are designated with consistent reference numerals.

[0009] There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently- discussed, it being understood, however, that the present embodiments are not limited to the precise arrangements and are instrumentalities shown, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary- diplexer filter, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates a graph of the performance characteristics of the exemplary7diplexer filter shown in Figure 1.

[0012] The Figures depict preferred embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily7recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The present embodiments may relate to, inter alia, an innovative design and configuration of a design and configuration of a waveguide twist.

[0014] A diplexer is a passive device that implements frequency -domain multiplexing. Two ports (e.g. , L and H) are multiplexed onto a third port (e.g. , S). The signals on ports L and H occupy disjoint frequency bands. Consequently, the signals on L and H can coexist on port S without interfering with each other.

[0015] Typically, the signal on port L will occupy a single low frequency band and the signal on port H will occupy a higher frequency band. In that situation, the diplexer consists of a lowpass filter connecting ports L and S and high pass filter connecting ports H and S. Ideally, all the lowband signal power on port L is transferred to the S port and vice versa. All the highband signal power on port H is transferred to port S and vice versa. Ideally, the separation of the signals is complete. None of the low band signal is transferred from the L port to the H port.

[0016] The diplexer facilitates the utilization of a singular or shared antenna, as well as a shared waveguide, operating seamlessly at two distinct frequencies. This functionality is achieved with remarkably low signal losses and outstanding frequency separation, specifically optimized for the E-band range spanning from 60 to 90 gigahertz. The design ensures that the antenna or waveguide can efficiently and effectively operate across this frequency spectrum, catering to diverse communication needs with minimal signal degradation and superior frequency discrimination.

[0017] The diplexer, being a passive device, is normally reciprocal: the device itself allows for tw o-w ay transmission.

[0018] This system described herein introduces a diplexer that allows for easy tuning, specifically tailored for large-scale production. The system design emphasizes costeffectiveness and simplicity in manufacturing processes, all while maintaining excellent frequency separation and minimizing transition losses. This design streamlines the productionworkflow and ensures optimal performance. This allows the designed diplexer to be versatile and an efficient solution for a wide range of applications.

[0019] The diplexer device described herein achieves frequency separation through the incorporation of two dedicated bandpass filters and a customized combiner / divider known as a Waveguide Tee. A Waveguide Tee is a 3-port device that can be used to either divide or combine power in a waveguide system. It is formed when three waveguides tubes are connected in the form of the English alphabet T.

[0020] This specialized configuration is precisely adapted to accommodate and optimize the performance of the two filters. The integration of these components ensures robust and reliable frequency separation, contributing to the overall efficiency and performance of the system.

[0021] In the diplexer device, mechanical separation is achieved by using two five-pole (Five-cavity) Bandpass H-plane rectangular waveguide filters, connected to a Waveguide Tee combiner / divider (Matched Tee-junction).

[0022] The frequency range of both filters is adaptable and can be finely tuned using screws, providing a means to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. Simultaneously, this feature allows for the optional selection of the desired frequency passband, adding a layer of flexibility to the system. The chosen material for construction is silver-plated aluminum, which ensures both excellent conductivity and durability in diverse operational conditions. This design not only caters to precision tuning but also underscores the versatility and robustness of the filters in various frequency applications.

[0023] The Mechanical Diplexer Filter is constructed using aluminum, a material selected for its lightweight properties and ease of processing, making it both practical and cost-effective. Additionally, a later silver-plating process is employed to further enhance the filter's performance by reducing signal losses. This dual-material approach ensures not only the efficiency of the filter but also its suitability for diverse applications where weight considerations and manufacturing simplicity’ are essential factors.

[0024] This configuration of the diplexer provides for mechanical frequency isolation. The mechanical separation mechanism enhances frequency isolation, contributing to improved performance in separating and processing different frequency bands.

[0025] The configuration also allows for tunable parameters. The abi li ty to tune frequency bands allows for customization based on specific communication system needs, providing adaptability and versatility.

[0026] The configuration further allows for reduced insertion loss. The Mechanical Diplexer Filter minimizes insertion loss, ensuring efficient signal transmission and reception across the separated frequency bands.

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary diplexer filter 100, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The diplexer filter 100 includes two five-pole (Five-cavity ) Bandpass H-plane rectangular waveguide filters 110 connected to a Waveguide Tee combiner / divider (Matched Tee-junction) 105.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a graph of the performance characteristics of the exemplary diplexer filter 100 (shown in Figure 1).

[0029] In the exemplary' embodiment, a diplexer filter is made of two waveguide filters connected to a waveguide tee. The waveguide tee is connected between the two waveguide filters. In the exemplary' embodiment, the two waveguide filters are five-pole (Five-cavity) Bandpass H-plane rectangular waveguide filters. In the exemplary embodiment, the waveguide Tee is a Waveguide Tee combiner / divider (Matched Tee-junction).

[0030] In some embodiments, the diplexer is constructed of silver-plated aluminum. In additional embodiments, a first waveguide filter is on the H side of the diplexer and a second waveguide filter is on the L side of the diplexer.

[0031] In further embodiments, the two waveguide filters are configured to be tunable. The two waveguide filters are configured to be manually tuned by a user.

[0032] In additional embodiments, the diplexer is configured for mechanical frequency isolation. The mechanical separation mechanism enhances frequency isolation. The diplexer is further configured to include tunable parameters.ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

[0033] Description above gives in detail diplexer filters according to the exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, suffixes “module"’ and “unit or portion"’ for components used herein in description are merely provided only for facilitation of preparing this specification, and thus they are not granted a specific meaning or function. Hence, it should be noticed that “module” and “unit or portion” can be used together. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components will be provided with the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. The expression in the singular form in this specification will cover the expression in the plural form unless otherwise indicated obviously from the context.

[0034] It will be apparent to those skilled in that art that various modifications and variations can be made in the fabrication and configuration of the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the design of the present invention is scalable.

[0035] As another variation, the antenna system of the present invention may be attached to multiple different types of substrates such as, but not limited to, vehicles, buildings, flag poles, ships, boats, may be deployed on aircraft, or may be handheld. The antenna system of the present invention may be mounted vertically as shown herein, or may be mounted in other orientations, such as horizontally on the side, bottom or top of a structure, or inside a vehicle or other structure comprising non-interfering material.

[0036] In addition, a variety of materials may be used to fabricate the components of the apparatus of the invention.

[0037] As embodied herein, the antenna system of the present invention may be connected to various types of RF transceivers or transponders, such as radios, GPS receivers or radars. Thus, the antenna system of the present invention may be used for a wide variety ofapplications in RF transmission and reception, navigation and / or communication. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of the invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0038] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word ‘"a” or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “example” or “one example” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the recited features. Further, to the extent that terms “includes,” “including,” “has,” “contains,” and variants thereof are used herein, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprises” as an open transition word without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0039] Furthermore, as used herein, the term “real-time” refers to at least one of the time of occurrence of the associated events, the time of measurement and collection of predetermined data, the time to process the data, and the time of a system response to the events and the environment. In the examples described herein, these activities and events occur substantially instantaneously.

[0040] The patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being expressly recited in the claim(s).

[0041] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A diplexer comprising: a waveguide tee; and two waveguide filters, wherein the waveguide tee is connected between the two waveguide filters.

2. The diplexer of Claim 1, wherein the two waveguide filters are five- pole (Five-cavity) Bandpass H-plane rectangular waveguide filters.

3. The diplexer of Claim 1, wherein the waveguide Tee is a Waveguide Tee combiner / divider (Matched Tee-junction).

4. The diplexer of Claim 1, wherein diplexer is constructed of silver- plated aluminum.

5. The diplexer of Claim 1, wherein a first waveguide filter is on the H side of the diplexer and a second waveguide filter is on the L side of the diplexer.

6. The diplexer of Claim 1, wherein the two waveguide filters are configured to be tunable.

7. The diplexer of Claim 6, wherein the two waveguide filters are configured to be manually tuned by a user.

8. The diplexer of Claim 1, wherein the diplexer is configured for mechanical frequency isolation.

9. The diplexer of Claim 8, wherein the mechanical separation mechanism enhances frequency isolation.

10. The diplexer of Claim 1, wherein the diplexer is further configured to include tunable parameters.

11. A system comprisin :a waveguide tee; and two waveguide filters, wherein the waveguide tee is connected between the two waveguide filters.

12. The system of Claim 11, wherein the two waveguide filters are five- pole (Five-cavity) Bandpass H-plane rectangular waveguide filters.

13. The system of Claim 11, wherein the w aveguide Tee is a Waveguide Tee combiner / divider (Matched Tee-junction).

14. The system of Claim 11, wherein diplexer is constructed of silver- plated aluminum.

15. The system of Claim 11, wherein a first waveguide filter is on the H side of the w aveguide tee and a second w aveguide filter is on the L side of the w aveguide tee.

16. The system of Claim 11, wherein the two waveguide filters are configured to be tunable.

17. The system of Claim 16, wherein the two waveguide filters are configured to be manually tuned by a user.

18. The system of Claim 11 , wherein the system is configured for mechanical frequency isolation.

19. The system of Claim 18, wherein the mechanical separation mechanism enhances frequency isolation.

20. The system of Claim 11, wherein the system is further configured to include tunable parameters.

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