Hybrid Spatial Power Combining With Planar Splitters and Antipodal Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spatial power-combining devices are large and heavy, making them less suitable for compact applications, and they struggle to maintain performance across a wide range of frequency bands efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hybrid structure incorporating a planar splitter/combiner and an antipodal antenna array, where the planar splitter divides or combines signals, allowing for reduced device size and weight while maintaining performance across desired frequency bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional spatial power-combining devices are used, then they can provide broadband radio frequency power amplification, but they are large and heavy making them unsuitable for compact applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional waveguide structures to a two-dimensional planar printed circuit board configuration. The signal distribution and combining functions are implemented through planar transmission lines (microstrip, stripline, or coplanar waveguide) on a PCB substrate, fundamentally changing the spatial dimensionality of the device architecture to achieve compactness while maintaining broadband performance across 4-40 GHz frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical waveguide structures with electromagnetic field-based planar transmission lines on a printed circuit board. Instead of using physical waveguide walls and metallic structures for signal distribution, the invention uses controlled impedance traces and transmission line theory to achieve the same signal routing and power combining functions in a planar, compact format that is suitable for modern electronic systems.
2Volume of moving object
If antenna structures are arranged in close proximity to reduce size, then device compactness improves, but maintaining performance across wide frequency ranges becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the transmission line characteristics, including impedance values, line widths, spacing, and substrate properties, to optimize performance across the 4-40 GHz frequency range. By carefully controlling these parameters in the planar transmission lines, the device achieves broadband operation despite the compact size, allowing close proximity arrangement of antenna structures without sacrificing frequency range adaptability.
3Weight of stationary object
If planar splitter/combiner structure is used, then device size and weight are reduced, but complexity of signal distribution may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal planar transmission line structure that simultaneously performs multiple functions: signal distribution, impedance transformation, filtering, and power combining. The same PCB trace network that routes signals to individual amplifier elements also serves as the combining structure at the output, eliminating the need for separate mechanical distribution and combining components, thus reducing weight while managing complexity through multi-functionality.
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 results in spatial power-combining devices that are significantly smaller and lighter, capable of operating within 4 GHz to 40 GHz frequency ranges with reduced length, achieving comparable performance to traditional designs with minimal frequency loss.
Implementation Method 1
a planar signal splitter arranged between the input port and the plurality of amplifier assemblies. In certain embodiments, the planar signal splitter comprises a plurality of transmission lines on a substrate
Implementation Method 2
The amplifiers receive the split signals and in turn transmit amplified split signals across the output antipodal antenna array
Implementation Method 3
The output antipodal antenna array and an output coaxial waveguide section combine the amplified split signals to form an amplified electromagnetic signal
Data Source
AI summary
Spatial power-combining devices with reduced dimensions are disclosed. Spatial power-combining devices are provided that employ a hybrid structure including both a planar splitter/combiner and an antipodal antenna array. Planar splitters may be arranged to divide an input signal while antipodal antenna arrays may be arranged to combine amplified signals. In other applications, the order may be reversed such that antipodal antenna arrays are arranged to divide an input signal while a planar combiner is arranged to combine amplified signals. Advantages of such spatial power-combining devices include reduced size and weight while maintaining suitable performance for operation in desired frequency bands.