Dielectric Waveguide Probe Coupling for Duplexer Area Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dielectric waveguide duplexers face issues with area occupation, electromagnetic field leakage, and unwanted emissions due to their structural requirements, necessitating a smaller, more efficient input/output structure for connecting antennas to dielectric waveguides.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric waveguide input/output structure featuring parallelepiped-shaped resonators with linear-shaped probes and aligned coupling windows, eliminating the need for microstrip lines and reducing component count, thereby minimizing area and volume while preventing electromagnetic field leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a microstrip line is used for conversion between dielectric waveguide and coaxial line, then the input/output function is achieved, but the area occupied by the microstrip line cannot be reduced because it requires a certain length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the microstrip line conversion structure from the system. Instead of using a microstrip line to convert between dielectric waveguide and coaxial line, the invention directly couples the dielectric waveguide resonator to the coaxial connector through a probe, removing the unnecessary conversion stage and reducing the occupied area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the microstrip line conversion structure and the coupling mechanism into a single direct coupling structure. The probe directly connects the dielectric waveguide resonator to the coaxial connector, combining the resonance function and the input/output function into one integrated structure, thereby eliminating the need for separate conversion elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a metal case cover is added on the microstrip line to prevent electromagnetic field leakage, then electromagnetic field containment is improved, but the device volume and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the source of electromagnetic field leakage by eliminating the microstrip line structure. Since the microstrip line is removed, the need for a metal case cover to contain leakage is also eliminated, thereby reducing the device volume without compromising electromagnetic field containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of electromagnetic field leakage into a benefit by using a probe coupling structure that inherently contains the electromagnetic fields within the dielectric resonator. The probe structure guides the fields through the dielectric material, which naturally confines the fields, turning a potential leakage problem into a controlled field distribution advantage.
3Ease of operation
If a separate dielectric waveguide is used for input/output, then the input/output function is achieved, but the component count and device volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dielectric waveguide resonator and the input/output waveguide into a single integrated component. The same dielectric resonator that stores energy also serves as the input/output transmission path, eliminating the need for a separate input/output waveguide and reducing the total component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric resonator is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the energy storage element (resonator) and the input/output transmission waveguide. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated input/output waveguide components, reducing both component count and device volume.
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 allows for a compact, cost-effective dielectric waveguide duplexer with reduced component count, minimizing area occupation and volume, and eliminating the need for additional measures against electromagnetic field leakage, while maintaining effective frequency characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a first dielectric waveguide resonator and a second dielectric waveguide resonator which are obtained by coating an exterior of an approximately parallelepiped-shaped dielectric body with an electrically conductive film except for coupling windows
Implementation Method 2
the coupling windows are formed with linear-shaped probes composed of electrically conductive films, the probes having one ends connected to feeding points which are formed on edges of the one side surfaces and insulated from the electrically conductive films
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a dielectric waveguide input/output structure for connecting to a coaxial connector a plurality of dielectric waveguide resonators each comprising an approximately parallelepiped-shaped dielectric block, wherein the plurality of dielectric waveguide resonators include a first dielectric waveguide resonator and a second dielectric waveguide resonator each having an exterior coated with an electrically conductive film, except for a coupling window, wherein each of the coupling window is formed with a probe composed of an electrically conductive film, the probe having one end connected to a feeding point, and the other end connected to the electrically conductive film, and wherein the first dielectric waveguide resonator and the second dielectric waveguide resonator are arranged in such a manner that the one side surfaces thereof are located in opposed relation to each other.