Multi-Port Combiner Using Modular Building Blocks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combiners, such as micro-strip and waveguide combiners, face limitations in high combining losses, power handling, size, weight, cost, and bandwidth, especially at millimeter-wave frequencies, making them unsuitable for scalable and efficient high-power signal combination.
Innovation Solution
A compact, planar, multi-port combiner design using interchangeable low-loss transmission lines and building block portions with feeding and combining probes, allowing for scalable construction and efficient signal combination across various frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If micro-strip-based combiners are used to combine low power signals, then the combiner size is small and reliability is high, but combining losses are high especially at millimeter-wave frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner is divided into multiple modular building blocks, each handling a portion of the total power. These blocks can be cascaded or parallel-connected to achieve the desired power handling while maintaining low losses through optimized local coupling structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from planar micro-strip configurations to three-dimensional waveguide structures with probes extending into the waveguide volume. This dimensional change enables better field coupling, improved power handling, and reduced combining losses at millimeter-wave frequencies.
2Quantity of substance
If waveguide combiners are used to handle high power, then power handling capability is significantly improved, but the combiner becomes too large, heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple feeding probes are nested within a single waveguide structure, with each probe serving as an independent input channel. This nesting allows multiple signals to be combined within a compact waveguide volume, reducing the overall size and weight compared to separate waveguide paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the transmission path for combined power, acts as a thermal management conduit, and supports multiple feeding probes for signal input. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structures for each function, reducing weight.
3Quantity of substance
If waveguide combiners are used to combine multiple energy source outputs, then power handling is improved, but the size, weight, and cost increase with the number of energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner is segmented into modular building blocks that can be easily replicated and connected. Each block handles a specific number of inputs, and multiple blocks can be cascaded to handle any number of energy sources, maintaining a compact footprint through systematic modular expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple feeding probes are arranged in three-dimensional space within the waveguide, utilizing vertical and lateral positioning to accommodate multiple inputs without proportionally increasing the overall device footprint. This spatial arrangement allows N-way combining in a compact volume.
4Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial spatial combiners are used to achieve bandwidth capability, then bandwidth is improved, but the construction becomes complex and difficult to fabricate
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding probes are designed as standardized, replicable components with consistent geometries and positions. This standardization allows for easy fabrication using conventional techniques, and the modular nature enables straightforward assembly and testing, significantly reducing manufacturing 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 solution provides a compact, high-power, wideband, low-loss combiner with superior thermal management, capable of handling multiple input signals with minimal combining losses and efficient power transfer, suitable for high-frequency applications.
Implementation Method 1
interchangeable low-loss transmission lines (such as, e.g., rectangular waveguides, double-ridge waveguides, rectangular coaxial strip-lines, or the like)
Implementation Method 2
a combining probe that combines the first and second input signals to output a combined signal
Data Source
AI summary
A broadband building block portion is provided, which may be used to construct N-way multi-port combiners. The building block portion comprises a first feeding probe that receives a first input signal, a second feeding probe that receives a second input signal, a combining probe that combines the first and second input signals to output a combined signal, and a transmission line coupled to the first and second feeding probes.