Contactless Microstrip-to-Waveguide Transition With Gap Waveguide Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide transitions between microstrip and tubular waveguides require high precision assembly, which increases costs and complicates manufacturing due to the need for precise positioning of feeding probes or ridges, especially at higher frequencies where components become smaller.
Innovation Solution
A microstrip to waveguide transition using a waveguide module with a repetitive structure that forms a gap waveguide, allowing electromagnetic energy to pass between a patch antenna on a PCB and a tubular waveguide without electrical contact, using a machined or separately configured repetitive structure to attenuate signals in undesired directions, and alignment taps for precise assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If feeding probes or ridges are used for waveguide transition, then signal transmission between microstrip and waveguide is achieved, but assembly precision requirements increase and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transition structure is divided into separate modular components: a waveguide module with integrated repetitive structures and a PCB module with patch antenna. This segmentation eliminates the need for precise positioning of feeding probes within the waveguide, as the modules connect through a standardized interface defined by the repetitive structure geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical feeding probe system with an electromagnetic field-based gap waveguide structure. The repetitive metallic structures create controlled electromagnetic coupling between the patch antenna and waveguide aperture without requiring physical electrical contact, thereby eliminating precision mechanical positioning requirements.
2Reliability
If feeding probes are precisely positioned in waveguide structure, then transition performance is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The repetitive metallic structures are pre-integrated into the waveguide module during manufacturing, establishing the electromagnetic coupling path before assembly. This preliminary integration of the field-coupling mechanism eliminates the need for complex post-assembly positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap waveguide structure with repetitive metallic elements serves as an intermediary between the patch antenna and waveguide aperture. This intermediate structure provides a standardized interface that mediates the electromagnetic energy transfer without requiring direct precision alignment between the antenna and waveguide interior components.
3Productivity
If higher frequencies are used for operation, then signal bandwidth is improved, but component size decreases and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The repetitive structure geometry (spacing, dimensions, pattern) is optimized as a function of operating frequency. By parameterizing the gap waveguide structure according to frequency requirements, the design maintains its tolerance-insensitive characteristics across different frequency bands while supporting higher frequency operations and broader bandwidth.
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 high-performance transitions with reduced assembly complexity and cost, achieving efficient signal propagation while eliminating the need for precise electrical contact, thus simplifying the assembly process and improving mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
The repetitive structure is configured to attenuate electromagnetic signal propagation in a frequency band past the repetitive structure while allowing propagation via the passage
Implementation Method 2
the patch antenna faces the passage into the waveguide aperture... allowing propagation via the passage
Data Source
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AI summary
A microstrip to waveguide transition comprising a waveguide module and a section of printed circuit board (PCB). The waveguide module comprises a waveguide aperture and a repetitive structure, the waveguide aperture being arranged extending through the module for attaching a waveguide to an external side of the module, the repetitive structure comprising a plurality of protruding elements arranged to surround the waveguide aperture on an internal side of the module and to define a passage into the waveguide aperture on the internal side, wherein the repetitive structure is configured to attenuate electromagnetic signal propagation in a frequency band past the repetitive structure while allowing propagation via the passage, the transition further comprising a PCB with a patch antenna connected to a transmission line and arranged to face the passage into the waveguide aperture.