Adjustable Waveguide Busbar Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance multiplexers for communications satellites face challenges with energy loss and passive intermodulation due to the division of microwave signals into non-neighboring frequencies, which is not suitable for high-performance applications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible waveguide busbar system with dual waveguides and adjustable coupling members that allow for precise adjustment of phase lengths and energy coupling between microwave filters, enabling efficient signal processing and minimizing energy absorption and intermodulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a circulator chain is used to divide microwave signals into non-neighboring frequencies, then frequency division is achieved, but energy loss increases due to absorption in the reflection-free terminator and passive intermodulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable coupling members that can dynamically adjust the coupling coefficient between waveguides, allowing the system to adapt to different frequency division requirements while maintaining optimal energy transmission and minimizing losses in the terminator
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the coupling coefficient parameter between waveguides using adjustable coupling members, enabling flexible frequency division without the energy losses associated with fixed circulator chain configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If a circulator chain is used to divide microwave signals into non-neighboring frequencies, then frequency division is achieved, but passive intermodulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable coupling members enable dynamic control of energy distribution between waveguides, allowing the system to achieve frequency division while minimizing the conditions that generate passive intermodulation
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the coupling coefficient parameter, the invention optimizes the energy distribution to reduce passive intermodulation effects while maintaining the desired frequency division functionality
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed phase lengths are used in the waveguide busbar, then manufacturing is simplified, but the system cannot be adjusted for different frequency and bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable coupling members that allow the phase lengths and coupling coefficients to be modified after manufacturing, combining the simplicity of fixed manufacturing with post-fabrication adaptability for different frequency and bandwidth requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide busbar is manufactured with predetermined phase lengths optimized for standard configurations, while adjustable coupling members are pre-installed to enable later customization without requiring complete remanufacturing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a flexible multiplexer with low energy dissipation and adjustable phase relationships, enhancing the performance of high-output microwave signal processing by optimizing the phase lengths and energy distribution between filters.
Implementation Method 1
at least one adjustable coupling member that provides a connection between the first single waveguide and the second single waveguide and that is configured to adjust a phase length of the connection
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide busbar for conducting microwaves includes a group input for coupling in a group microwave signal, a plurality of filter inputs for coupling in a plurality of microwave signals, a dual waveguide that comprises a first single waveguide and a second single waveguide. The plurality of filter inputs are disposed along the dual waveguide, as well as at least one adjustable coupling member that provides a connection between the first single waveguide and the second single waveguide and that is configured such that it adjusts a phase length of the connection.