Coaxial RF Splitter Cavity Layout to Reduce Multipaction Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-power coaxial splitters are limited by multipaction effects, which lead to high losses and signal distortions, especially in space-deployed devices, and are inflexible in terms of port numbers and power handling, making it difficult to find splitters with odd or prime numbers of ports.
Innovation Solution
The design features a coaxial RF splitter with an arbitrary number of radial ports, including odd or prime numbers, utilizing a center conductor coupled to a conductor element suspended within a housing forming a vertical waveguide cavity, with square-axial branches and a thermal shunt for heat transfer, eliminating the need for plating and allowing formation from a single conductive workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional coaxial splitters with microstrip signal routing components are used, then signal routing is achieved, but insertion loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes microstrip signal routing components from the splitter design, extracting the harmful element that caused increased insertion loss. The solution uses direct waveguide cavity coupling instead of microstrip components, eliminating the source of energy loss while maintaining signal routing functionality through the waveguide structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical microstrip signal routing system with an electromagnetic waveguide cavity system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical microstrip components and their associated losses, using the waveguide's electromagnetic field distribution to achieve signal routing and power splitting.
2Power
If high-power radial devices are used, then power handling capability is improved, but cost increases and flexibility in form and fit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the waveguide cavity, specifically using a square cross-section instead of circular, and configuring branches at right angles. This parameter change enables high-power handling through improved field distribution while providing flexibility in port arrangement and form factor adaptation for high-density applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric branch configurations within the square waveguide cavity, allowing different port arrangements and orientations. This asymmetry provides flexibility in form and fit while maintaining high-power handling capabilities through optimized electromagnetic field distribution in the non-circular geometry.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional splitters are used, then even numbers of split ports are achieved, but prime number configurations are difficult to find
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal waveguide cavity structure that can accommodate any number of branches, including prime numbers. The square cross-section and modular branch configuration allow the same basic structure to be adapted for 3-way, 5-way, 7-way, or any other port configuration, making prime number splitters as manufacturable as even-numbered ones.
4Reliability
If waveguides or splitter devices are used in vacuum, then RF signal transmission is achieved, but multipaction effects occur causing high losses and signal distortions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a square cross-section waveguide cavity instead of circular, creating non-parallel surfaces and avoiding the geometric conditions that lead to multipaction. The curved field lines in the square geometry prevent electron accumulation and secondary emission cascades that occur in conventional circular waveguides operating in vacuum.
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
This configuration achieves low insertion loss, high thermal dissipation, and exceptional return loss performance, enabling high-power handling and flexibility in port configurations while reducing multipaction effects.
Implementation Method 1
A bottom-penetrating thermal shunt is formed into the conductor element and provides for heat transfer from the conductor element to the housing
Implementation Method 2
The housing volume forms a vertical waveguide cavity along a longitudinal axis which leads to the output ports
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are various enhanced assemblies and techniques for forming high-power radio frequency coaxial splitters. In one example, an apparatus includes an input coaxial port having a center conductor coupled to a first longitudinal end of a generally cylindrical conductor member formed along a longitudinal axis within a housing forming a cavity about the conductor member. Output coaxial ports are included having center conductors coupled to generally square output branches arrayed at a second longitudinal end about the conductor member in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A thermal shunt is included comprising a thermal connection between the housing and a recess formed into the conductor member along the longitudinal axis at the second longitudinal end.