Continuous Waveguide for Multi-Static Radar Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide arrangements for multi-static radar systems are inefficient due to multiple signal conversions at each module, leading to increased space requirements and power loss, which complicates the integration of modules and reduces coherence between subsystems.
Innovation Solution
A continuous waveguide arrangement with interfaces that directly couple the source signal to each module, eliminating the need for reconversion and minimizing power loss, while allowing for flexible signal distribution and module design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If individual plastic rectangular waveguides are used to interconnect subsystems with end-to-end links, then the system can be implemented with packaged SOCs, but the source signal loses power twice at each module (conversion and reconversion) requiring stronger sources or shorter waveguide arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into multiple continuous paths, with each path serving a specific module. The segmentation allows the signal to be distributed to multiple modules simultaneously without requiring conversion at each module, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining ease of integration with packaged SOCs.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous waveguide acts as an intermediary that directly couples the source to multiple modules without requiring conversion interfaces at each module. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for repeated conversion and reconversion, reducing power loss while maintaining integration capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If individual plastic rectangular waveguides with conversion interfaces are used at each module, then signal distribution is achieved, but more space is required on each module for the conversion and reconversion interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waveguide functions are merged into a single continuous waveguide structure that serves multiple modules simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate conversion interfaces at each module, reducing the space required on each module while maintaining full signal distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous waveguide structure performs multiple functions: it distributes signals to multiple modules, maintains signal integrity, and eliminates the need for conversion interfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the space requirement on each module while achieving complete signal distribution.
3Loss of energy
If traditional rectangular metal waveguides are used for lower millimetre wave frequencies, then the best performance in terms of decibel loss per metre is achieved, but the waveguide is bulky and difficult to integrate with packaged SOCs
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide parameters (material composition, cross-sectional dimensions, and structural configuration) are changed to create a plastic rectangular waveguide that maintains low signal loss characteristics while achieving a compact size suitable for integration with packaged SOCs. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between performance and ease of manufacture.
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 enhances signal coherence and reduces power loss, enabling smaller modules with improved angular and depth resolution in multi-static radar systems by maintaining continuous signal propagation and reducing the need for on-chip oscillators, thus improving overall system efficiency and integration.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous waveguide configured for guiding a source signal provided by the source
Implementation Method 2
a coupler configured for coupling the first layer to the module associated with the interface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A waveguide arrangement (1) for coupling a plurality of modules (5) to a source. The waveguide arrangement (1) comprises a continuous waveguide (10) configured for guiding a signal provided by the source and a plurality of interfaces (15), each interface (15) being associated with one of the plurality of modules (5) and being configured for transferring a part of the source signal guided in the waveguide (10) to its associated module (5). The continuous waveguide (10) allows the source signal to propagate continuously without needing reconversion at each module (5). As such, the waveguide arrangement (1) loses less power and is more efficient. Moreover, each module (5) receives the exact same input signal which improves the coherence between the modules (5).