Asymmetric Waveguide Component for Compact Orthomode Junctions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide components for orthomode junctions and transducers have a large footprint, which is a challenge for high-throughput satellite systems requiring numerous feed chains, and reducing this footprint without compromising RF performance is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide component with a common waveguide featuring a first portion and a second portion with different cross-sections, including two coupling probes orthogonally arranged to couple with different polarization components, and an asymmetric second portion with two-fold rotational symmetry to minimize cross-polarization and probe-to-probe coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a four-probe OMT design is used to achieve high-order modes rejection and high RF performance, then the cross-polarization discrimination is improved, but the footprint diameter increases to about 5/6 wavelengths at the highest operating frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using a common waveguide with non-identical cross-sections for the two polarization components. The first cross-section is optimized for the first polarization component while the second cross-section is optimized for the second polarization component, breaking the symmetry of traditional four-probe designs. This asymmetric structure enables compact footprint while maintaining high cross-polarization discrimination through optimized field distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar symmetric arrangement to a three-dimensional asymmetric structure by varying the cross-sectional dimensions of the common waveguide along its length. The cross-sections are optimized in different dimensional aspects (width and height) for different polarization components, enabling compact integration while maintaining performance.
2Area of stationary object
If the common waveguide cross-section is reduced to decrease footprint, then the footprint is reduced, but the RF performance and cross-polarization discrimination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing different regions of the common waveguide for different functions. The first portion of the common waveguide has a cross-section optimized for coupling the first polarization component, while the second portion has a cross-section optimized for the second polarization component. This localized optimization enables compact overall dimensions while maintaining high RF performance in each polarization channel.
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 proposed design achieves a compact footprint while maintaining high RF performance, including enhanced cross-polarization discrimination and reduced probe-to-probe coupling, compatible with dual-linear and dual-circular polarization operations.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling probes are further arranged to couple to different polarization components of an electromagnetic field present in the common waveguide. The coupling probes may couple to the different polarization components of the electromagnetic field through longitudinal coupling slots.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
This application relates to a waveguide component for use in an orthomode junction or an orthomode transducer. The waveguide component comprises a common waveguide with a longitudinal direction, comprising at least a first portion and a second portion with different cross- sections, and two coupling probes, each arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal direction, wherein the coupling probes are further arranged to couple to different polarization components of an electromagnetic field present in the common waveguide. The second portion of the common waveguide has a cross-section with at most two-fold rotational symmetry. The application further relates to a method of manufacturing such waveguide component.