Passive Coaxial Power Splitter with Stacked Wedge Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in passively dividing or combining microwave power over a broad frequency range, such as 2 to 20 GHz, for applications like radar and satellite communication, where efficient power distribution to multiple outputs or combining multiple power streams into a single output is required.
Innovation Solution
A passive coaxial signal power splitter and combiner apparatus utilizing a coaxial waveguide section with stacked wedge-shaped trays and antenna elements, which divides or combines electromagnetic waves across multiple output ports, achieving broadband frequency response and efficient thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power splitting/combining devices are used, then power distribution is achieved, but the bandwidth is limited and cannot cover a decade of frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple antenna elements arranged in a specific geometric configuration within the waveguide. Each antenna element acts as an independent power distribution path, allowing the device to handle multiple frequency ranges simultaneously. This segmentation enables broadband operation by dividing the frequency spectrum across multiple resonant elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the transmission medium and the resonant cavity for the antenna elements. The same physical structure enables both power splitting and power combining operations, and can operate across a decade of frequency range, making it a universal solution for different frequency requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broadband frequency response is achieved over a decade range, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are nested within the waveguide structure, with each antenna element fitting into the available space within the waveguide cavity. This nested configuration allows multiple antenna elements to be housed in a compact arrangement, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining broadband frequency response capability.
3Productivity
If multiple antenna elements are used for power distribution, then power splitting efficiency is improved, but thermal management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management function is merged with the structural support function. The waveguide structure itself serves as the thermal conduction path, conducting heat away from the antenna elements. This eliminates the need for separate thermal management components and simplifies the overall device while maintaining efficient power distribution.
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 enables broadband frequency response over a decade or more, such as 2 to 20 GHz, with efficient power distribution and thermal management, facilitating the use in high-power amplification systems like TWTA, while being easy to manufacture and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
coupling the EM wave into a coaxial guided wave structure comprising a plurality of antenna elements
Implementation Method 2
transforming the signal to an electromagnetic (EM) wave propagating in a coaxial input waveguide section
Data Source
AI summary
A passive coaxial signal power splitter apparatus includes an input port, an input coaxial waveguide section coupled to the input port, a guided wave structure coupled to the input coaxial waveguide section, a plurality of antenna elements arranged in the guided wave structure, and an output port coupled to each of the antenna elements. A passive coaxial signal power combiner includes a plurality of input ports, a guided wave structure coupled to the plurality of input ports, a plurality of antenna elements in the guided wave structure, wherein each antenna element is coupled to one or more of the input ports, a coaxial waveguide section coupled to the guided wave structure, and an output port coupled to the coaxial waveguide section.