E-Plane T-Coupler for Compact In-Phase Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power splitters in waveguide technology for low frequency bands, such as C, L, and S bands, face challenges in achieving symmetrical and compact designs that allow radiating elements to be excited in phase without additional waveguide sections, leading to asymmetry and reduced bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A symmetrical T-coupler in the E plane with recessed junctions, where lateral waveguides are oriented parallel to each other and the transverse waveguide is mounted on the edge, allowing for in-phase excitation of radiating elements without additional waveguide sections, thereby reducing the height and maintaining compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a T-junction in the H plane is used to power radiating elements via electromagnetic coupling slots, then the distribution network can be located in the XY plane reducing thickness, but additional waveguide sections (stubs) are required to compensate for phase differences, increasing the distance between radiating elements and creating asymmetry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using a T-junction in the E plane instead of the H plane. This inversion changes the orientation of the electric field relative to the coupling slots, naturally producing in-phase excitation without requiring additional compensating waveguide sections, thus eliminating the asymmetry problem while maintaining planar configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the form of a 180-degree phase shift in one of the output arms of the E-plane T-junction. This controlled asymmetry compensates for the inherent phase differences created by the electromagnetic coupling slots, allowing symmetric in-phase excitation of radiating elements without additional external waveguide sections
2Device complexity
If a T-coupler in the E plane with input port arranged normal to the XY plane is used to excite radiating elements in phase, then additional waveguide sections are not required, but the space requirement in height and overall size of the coupler increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the input port of the E-plane T-coupler to be parallel to the XY plane instead of normal to it, effectively changing the dimensional arrangement from vertical (Z-axis) to horizontal (XY-plane). This dimensional change allows the coupler to maintain compact height while achieving in-phase excitation of radiating elements through the recessed junction configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs recessed junctions where the lateral waveguides are nested within the transverse waveguide structure. This nesting arrangement allows the E-plane T-coupler to achieve compact dimensions by integrating the lateral waveguides into the transverse waveguide, reducing the overall height and space requirements while maintaining the in-phase excitation capability
3Length of stationary object
If lateral waveguides are mounted flat with large side parallel to XY plane and transverse waveguide is edge mounted, then a compact symmetrical design is achieved, but recessed junctions must be used to maintain E-plane coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the recessed junctions as integral parts of the waveguide fabrication process, creating the recesses during the initial manufacturing stage rather than as separate post-processing steps. This preliminary action simplifies the overall manufacturing process by combining the recessed junction formation with the waveguide fabrication, reducing the number of discrete manufacturing operations required
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 a compact, symmetrical power distributor that powers radiating elements in phase, reducing size and maintaining bandwidth, while avoiding the need for additional waveguide sections, thus improving the efficiency and performance of radiating networks.
Implementation Method 1
The two lateral waveguides (10, 20) are mounted flat with their large side parallel to an XY plane, the transverse waveguide (30) is mounted on the edge with its small side parallel to the XY plane. Each side waveguide is coupled to the transverse waveguide by a recessed junction E-plane tee coupler
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~3
AI summary
The power splitter comprises at least two parallel rectangular lateral waveguides (61, 62) and a rectangular transverse waveguide (63) having two opposite ends (63a, 63b) respectively connected to the two lateral waveguides. The two lateral waveguides (61, 62) are oriented along a Y direction and mounted flat with their long side parallel to an XY plane, the transverse waveguide (63) is oriented along an X direction perpendicular to the Y direction and mounted on its edge with its short side parallel to the XY plane, and each lateral waveguide is coupled to the transverse waveguide by a tether coupler in the E plane with a fixed junction, the two ends (63a, 63b) of the transverse waveguide (63) being respectively fixed within each lateral waveguide (61, 62), at the center of said respective lateral waveguide.