Dielectric Waveguide Socket with Metallic Cladding
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency signals face significant challenges in transmission due to the short wavelengths encountered in sub-terahertz frequencies, leading to signal radiation and loss, especially in dielectric waveguides that are prone to interference from external sources and require effective launching and interfacing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric waveguide socket and plug configuration with a tapered and inclined design, utilizing a Vivaldi antenna and a dielectric core with metallic cladding to efficiently launch and receive sub-terahertz signals, along with a deformable gap filler material to minimize impedance mismatch and interference, allowing for low-loss signal propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a dielectric waveguide is used to transmit high-frequency signals, then signal propagation is enabled, but signal radiation and loss increase due to short wavelengths in sub-terahertz frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a metallic cladding layer within the dielectric waveguide structure, creating a nested configuration where the metal layer is surrounded by dielectric material. This nested structure confines the electromagnetic fields more effectively, reducing radiation losses while maintaining signal propagation capability in the sub-terahertz frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining dielectric material with metallic cladding. This composite waveguide leverages the insulating properties of the dielectric and the field-confining properties of the metal, creating a hybrid structure that mitigates signal radiation and loss while enabling high-frequency signal transmission.
2Reliability
If a dielectric waveguide is used for signal transmission, then signal conduction is achieved, but interference from external sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic cladding is nested within the dielectric waveguide, creating a shielded configuration. The metal layer acts as a barrier that blocks external electromagnetic interference from reaching the signal-carrying dielectric core, while the nested structure maintains signal conduction integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic cladding serves as an intermediary barrier between the dielectric core and the external environment. It mediates the interaction between external interference and the signal, blocking harmful external fields while allowing the signal to propagate through the dielectric core undisturbed.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional waveguide interface is used, then signal launching is simplified, but impedance mismatch increases leading to signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tapered interface design where the waveguide dimensions gradually change from the connector interface to the main waveguide body. This gradual parameter change enables impedance transformation, matching the impedance between different sections and minimizing reflections and signal loss while maintaining ease of connection.
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 efficient propagation of high-frequency signals with reduced radiation and interference, maintaining signal integrity over longer distances while being cost-effective and robust against external interference.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a Vivaldi antenna and a dielectric core with metallic cladding to efficiently launch and receive sub-terahertz signals
Implementation Method 2
Propagation in a dielectric waveguide may be viewed in the same way, with the waves confined to the dielectric by total internal reflection at its surface
Implementation Method 3
a deformable gap filler material to minimize impedance mismatch and interference, allowing for low-loss signal propagation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
In described examples of a dielectric waveguide (DWG) socket (960), a DWG stub (930) has a dielectric core member surrounded by dielectric cladding. The DWG stub (930) has an interface end (933) and an opposite mating end. A socket body (960) is coupled to the DWG stub (930), such that a mounting surface of the socket body (960) is configured to mount the socket body (960) on a substrate (902), and such that the core member of DWG stub (930) forms an angle of inclination with the substrate (902). The socket body (960) is configured to couple with the end of a DWG cable (980), such that the end of the DWG cable (980) is held in alignment with the mating end of the DWG stub (930).