Hybrid Waveguide Probe for DC-to-Terahertz Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnection standards, such as coaxial and rectangular waveguide connectors, face limitations in extending frequency range beyond Terahertz frequencies, leading to signal degradation, measurement repeatability issues, and restricted frequency bands, hindering calibrated measurements across the entire frequency range.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid interconnection probe combining dielectric and metal waveguide structures with high-pass and low-pass filter characteristics, enabling frequencies from DC to Terahertz range, allowing versatile interfacing with various standards and reducing signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If coaxial connector size is reduced to increase maximum operating frequency, then frequency range is extended, but fragility increases and measurement repeatability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection system is segmented into multiple sections: a first section with a first waveguide mode for lower frequencies and a second section with a second waveguide mode for higher frequencies. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its frequency range, avoiding the need to continuously reduce connector size across the entire frequency spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the waveguide mode parameter between sections. The first section operates in a first waveguide mode (e.g., TE10 mode) while the second section operates in a second waveguide mode (e.g., TE20 mode). This parameter change enables frequency extension without proportionally reducing physical dimensions, maintaining reliability.
2Speed
If rectangular metal waveguide size is reduced to operate at higher frequencies, then operating frequency is increased, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and frequency bands are sliced
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide interconnection is divided into multiple sections, each operating in different waveguide modes. The first section uses a first waveguide mode for lower frequencies while the second section uses a second waveguide mode for higher frequencies. This segmentation allows each section to have relaxed manufacturing tolerances appropriate for its frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide interconnection structure is designed to support multiple waveguide modes and frequency ranges within a single unified structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized waveguide standards (WR-2, WR-1, etc.) and allows calibrated measurements across the entire frequency range from DC to Terahertz.
3Speed
If waveguide dimensions are reduced for higher frequencies, then maximum frequency is increased, but signal reflections increase due to alignment sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection is divided into sections operating in different waveguide modes. Each section is designed with appropriate dimensions for its operating frequency range, reducing the sensitivity to alignment errors and minimizing signal reflections at flange connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary waveguide section that couples different waveguide modes. This intermediary section acts as a transition element that minimizes reflections by providing a gradual mode transformation, rather than abrupt transitions between different frequency bands.
4Speed
If multiple waveguide standards are used to cover different frequency bands, then frequency coverage is extended, but device complexity and measurement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide interconnection is designed as a universal structure that supports multiple waveguide modes and frequency ranges within a single unified system. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized extension heads for different WR standards, reducing device complexity while maintaining broad frequency coverage from DC to Terahertz.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple waveguide standards and frequency bands into a single unified waveguide interconnection structure. Instead of requiring separate extension heads for WR-2, WR-1, and other standards, the unified structure allows calibrated measurements across the entire frequency range using a single interconnection system.
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 probe achieves a wideband frequency range with reduced signal loss, improved alignment, increased contact area, and enhanced survivability, supporting multiple connector types and enabling seamless measurements across diverse frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric waveguide structure with a high-pass filter characteristic establishing a high frequency interconnection between a first access port of the first electronic device and a second access port of the second electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a metal waveguide structure with a low-pass filter characteristic establishing a low frequency interconnection between a first access port of the first electronic device and a second access port of the second electronic device
Implementation Method 3
combining dielectric waveguide elements with metal waveguide elements, which can be fabricated on different material substrates. The interconnection structure that results from this combination provides an ultra-wide bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
A ultra-wideband interconnection probe (100) connectable to a first access port of a first electronic device (101), the first access port comprising a first tapered coupler (101a) and to a second access port of a second electronic device (102), the second access port comprising a second tapered coupler (102a), the ultra-wideband interconnection probe (100) comprising a dielectric waveguide structure (120) establishing a high-pass characteristic interconnect, operating over a high frequency range starting from a low cut-off frequency fCL in the microwave range or in the millimeter-wave range, wherein the dielectric waveguide structure (120) comprises a first tapered end (120a) connectable to the first access port via the first tapered coupler (101a) and a second tapered end (120b) connectable to the second access port via the second tapered coupler (102a).