Dielectric Waveguide Port Coupling Structure for Wideband CWG Multiplexers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current port-coupling solutions for ceramic waveguide (CWG) multiplexers/duplexers face limitations in coupling value, flexibility, and production difficulty due to deep blind holes, which are not optimal for wide bandwidth requirements.

Innovation Solution

A dielectric waveguide port coupling structure with a surface-metalized dielectric block featuring a blind groove and a coupling through-hole, accompanied by transmission lines and non-metalized regions, allowing for flexible adjustment of coupling values and easier production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a deep blind hole is used for port coupling, then coupling value is achieved, but manufacturing difficulty increases and production becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling valueVSAvoidproduction difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the traditional deep blind hole structure into two separate components: a shallow blind groove and a coupling through-hole. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured more easily while maintaining the required coupling function. The blind groove is shallow and can be easily formed, while the coupling through-hole provides the through-path for connection, together achieving the coupling effect without the complexity of a single deep blind hole.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure - the blind groove with its bottom wall - that mediates between the coupling through-hole and the transmission lines. The transmission lines are formed on the bottom wall of the blind groove, creating an intermediate coupling path that facilitates signal transmission while simplifying the overall structure and manufacturing process compared to a direct deep blind hole approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a deep blind hole is used for port coupling, then coupling function is realized, but flexibility in optimization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling functionVSAvoidoptimization flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic optimization of coupling parameters by allowing independent adjustment of multiple geometric features: the depth and shape of the blind groove, the position and size of the coupling through-hole, and the configuration of transmission lines on the bottom wall. This dynamic design space provides flexibility to optimize coupling function for different application requirements without being constrained by a fixed deep blind hole structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes to achieve optimized coupling performance. By varying parameters such as the blind groove depth, coupling through-hole diameter, transmission line width and spacing, and metalization thickness, the coupling function can be precisely tuned to meet different performance requirements while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a deep blind hole is used for port coupling, then coupling is achieved, but production and elaboration become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling effectVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coupling structure into easily manufacturable components: a shallow blind groove that can be formed by simple machining or molding, and a coupling through-hole that can be drilled and tapped. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex deep hole machining operations, significantly improving production efficiency and ease of elaboration while maintaining the required coupling effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blind groove structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a mounting surface for transmission lines on its bottom wall, acts as a shielded enclosure for the coupling elements, and facilitates heat dissipation. This self-service design reduces the need for additional components or complex assembly operations, thereby improving productivity and simplifying production processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 structure achieves higher coupling bandwidth and improved channel isolation, facilitating easier production and design flexibility for CWG multiplexers/duplexers, suitable for 5G communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

a coupling through-hole penetrating from a bottom wall of the blind groove to the second surface of the dielectric block, and used for connecting with an input or output device to input or output a signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave transmission: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

The metal material attached to the surface of the ceramic dielectric material serves as an electric wall to play a role in electromagnetic shielding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 3

at least one transmission line is provided on the bottom wall of the blind groove and extends from the coupling through-hole along a corresponding extension portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12548874B2Dielectric waveguide port coupling structure including a metalized dielectric block having a blind groove with a transmission line disposed therein
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US12548874B2 patent drawing
  • US12548874B2 patent drawing
  • US12548874B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dielectric waveguide port coupling structure comprising: a surface-metalized dielectric block having a first surface and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface; a blind groove opened in the first surface of the dielectric block; wherein the blind groove comprises a main portion and an extension portion each extending from the main portion toward a corresponding frequency blind hole that is located nearby and opened in the first surface of the dielectric block, the blind groove having its walls metalized; and a coupling through-hole penetrating from a bottom wall of the blind groove to the second surface of the dielectric block, and used for connecting with an input or output device to input or output a signal, wherein the coupling through-hole is metalized. A transmission line is on the bottom wall of the blind groove and extends from the coupling through-hole along a corresponding extension portion.