Hybrid Diplexer Using Planar Transmission Lines and Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diplexers either rely exclusively on planar transmission lines or waveguides, limiting their frequency range and efficiency in separating broadband signals, as they cannot efficiently handle both low and high frequencies simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid diplexer is implemented using both planar transmission lines and waveguides, where a low-pass filter is constructed with a planar transmission line and a high-pass filter with a waveguide, allowing for non-overlapping or overlapping frequency ranges to be passed, thereby covering a wider contiguous frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a diplexer uses only planar transmission lines, then it is easier to manufacture and integrate, but it cannot efficiently handle high frequency signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines planar transmission line technology with waveguide technology in a hybrid diplexer structure. The planar transmission line handles low frequency signals while the waveguide handles high frequency signals, merging two different technological approaches to achieve broad frequency coverage from DC to millimeter wave ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The diplexer design achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both planar transmission line and waveguide pathways within a single device. This allows the diplexer to universally handle both low frequency and high frequency signals, making it adaptable across a wide frequency spectrum without requiring separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a diplexer uses only waveguides, then it can efficiently handle high frequency signals, but it cannot efficiently handle low frequency signals and is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges waveguide and planar transmission line structures into a hybrid diplexer. The waveguide portion efficiently handles high frequency signals while the planar transmission line portion handles low frequency signals, combining the strengths of both technologies to achieve broad frequency coverage without requiring entirely waveguide construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The diplexer applies different structural qualities to different frequency pathways: waveguide structure for high frequency signals and planar transmission line structure for low frequency signals. This local differentiation optimizes performance for each frequency range while managing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a diplexer uses only planar transmission lines, then the device complexity is lower, but the frequency range coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges planar transmission line and waveguide technologies in a hybrid configuration where each technology serves its optimal frequency range. This combination extends the frequency range coverage from DC through millimeter waves while maintaining reasonable device complexity by using planar structures for low frequency and waveguide for high frequency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a diplexer uses a hybrid waveguide and planar transmission line structure, then the frequency range coverage is extended to at least 65 GHz, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid diplexer merges waveguide and planar transmission line structures, with the waveguide portion handling high frequency signals up to at least 65 GHz and the planar transmission line portion handling low frequency signals. This merging extends frequency range coverage while managing complexity through functional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The diplexer implements local quality optimization by using waveguide structure specifically for high frequency pathways and planar transmission line structure for low frequency pathways. This localized application of different structural qualities achieves broad frequency coverage while controlling overall device complexity.
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 hybrid approach enables the diplexer to efficiently separate broadband signals across a wider frequency range, from 0 Hz to at least 65 GHz, improving signal handling capabilities compared to diplexers using only one technology.
Implementation Method 1
A first signal path is implemented between the first port and the second port, using a planar transmission line
Implementation Method 2
A second signal path is implemented between the first port and the third port using a waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid diplexer combining planar transmission line(s) and a waveguide is disclosed. In one embodiment, a diplexer includes first, second, and third ports. The diplexer also includes a first signal path and a second signal path. The first signal path may be used to convey lower frequencies, and may be implemented using planar transmission lines. The second signal path may be used to convey higher frequencies, and may be implemented, at least in part, using a waveguide. The first signal path may be coupled between the first port and the second port, while the second signal path may be coupled between the first port and the third port. In one embodiment, the first signal path may implement a low-pass filter, while the second signal path may implement a high-pass filter.