Dual Band Antenna Waveguide With Hybrid Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing satellite antenna configurations face challenges in efficiently handling dual frequency bands, particularly the Ku band, due to insufficient available frequencies and interference issues, which complicates simultaneous reception and transmission of signals with the same frequency but orthogonal polarities.
Innovation Solution
A dual band antenna configuration is developed, featuring a waveguide with stubs, a 180-degree hybrid coupler, and high frequency band filters, which allows for the orthogonal transmission and reception of signals by preventing low frequency band signals from entering the high frequency band section and ensuring multimode matching of high frequency band signals, while using a polarizer to achieve circular polarization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If septum plates are provided to isolate signals with orthogonal polarities, then signal isolation is improved, but the antenna configuration cannot use separate frequency bands due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into distinct frequency band sections (low frequency band section and high frequency band section) separated by frequency selective structures. This segmentation allows different frequency bands to be handled independently, enabling multi-frequency operation without signal interference while maintaining proper isolation between orthogonal polarity signals within each band section.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the waveguide are designed with different properties optimized for specific frequency bands. The low frequency band section has characteristics suitable for Ku-band signals, while the high frequency band section has characteristics optimized for Ka-band signals. This local differentiation allows each section to handle its designated frequency range effectively, achieving both signal isolation and frequency band versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate conductor is provided for each frequency band, then frequency band separation is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a transmission path for both low and high frequency bands, provides frequency selective filtering through its segmented design, and maintains signal isolation between orthogonal polarities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conductors for each frequency band, reducing complexity while achieving frequency band separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate components (separate conductors for each frequency band, filtering elements, and isolation structures) into a single integrated waveguide structure with distinct sections. This merging achieves frequency band separation and signal isolation without requiring multiple independent conductor systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If four ports are used to receive separate signals with orthogonal polarities, then signal reception capability is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using four separate ports to receive signals with orthogonal polarities, the patent inverts the approach by using two ports with orthogonal polarities that can handle multiple frequency bands. The frequency band separation is achieved through the waveguide section design rather than through multiple ports, thereby reducing port complexity while maintaining signal reception capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the waveguide structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but signal isolation between frequency bands may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide sections are designed with specific dimensional parameters and geometric configurations that inherently provide frequency selective properties. By carefully selecting parameters such as section lengths, transition dimensions, and waveguide cross-sections, the structure achieves effective frequency band isolation through its geometry alone, eliminating the need for complex additional filtering components and reducing manufacturing cost.
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 simplifies the antenna design, reduces cost and complexity, and enables efficient simultaneous transmission and reception of dual frequency band signals with orthogonal polarities, enhancing signal isolation and frequency utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide, exhibiting a longitudinal axis; a horn, coupled to a proximal end of the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
the taper is dimensioned such that: the low frequency band signals do not proceed from the low frequency band second to the high frequency band section
Implementation Method 3
using a polarizer to achieve circular polarization
Implementation Method 4
a 180 degree hybrid coupler
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
A dual band antenna configuration constituted of: a waveguide extending from a proximal section to a high frequency band section; a first high frequency band port extending from the high frequency band section of the waveguide; a first low frequency band port extending, from an outer surface of a low frequency section of the waveguide, along a first radial path; a second low frequency band port extending, from the outer surface of the low frequency section of the waveguide, along a second radial path, the second radial path orthogonal to the first radial path; and a 180 degree hybrid coupler, wherein a first port of the 80 degree hybrid coupler in electrical communication with the first low frequency band port and a second port of the 180 degree hybrid coupler, different than the first port thereof, in 10 electrical communication with the second low frequency band port.