Multi-Probe Power Combiner Asymmetric Probe Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waveguide power combining systems face inefficiencies due to unequal power distribution among probes, leading to loss of power and energy waste when amplifiers do not saturate equally, often caused by asymmetrical positioning of probes within the waveguide.
Innovation Solution
A multi-probe power combiner system that equalizes the amplitude balance of input and output wave signals by varying probe properties such as depth, size, and material properties, allowing for optimized energy transfer and phase alignment among probes, even when symmetry is not enforced by the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If probes are symmetrically positioned in the waveguide, then equal power distribution among amplifiers is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability when symmetry cannot be enforced by the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each probe unique with specifically tailored properties (depth, diameter, position, material composition) to compensate for asymmetric waveguide structures. Instead of uniform probes, each probe is customized to achieve equal power distribution in its specific location, allowing the system to adapt to non-symmetric waveguide geometries while maintaining equal power distribution among all amplifiers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embraces asymmetry by deliberately designing probes with different properties rather than forcing symmetry. The probe properties (depth, diameter, material) are intentionally made asymmetric to match the asymmetric waveguide structure, allowing the system to achieve equal power distribution without requiring symmetric probe positioning or identical probe geometries
2Productivity
If probe properties are varied to equalize amplitude balance, then power combining efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying probe properties (depth, diameter, material composition, position) to optimize power distribution. Each probe parameter is adjusted to compensate for position-dependent variations in coupling efficiency, allowing the system to achieve equal amplitude balance across all probes. This parameter optimization enables high power combining efficiency despite the increased complexity of having non-uniform probe configurations
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 system achieves improved power combining efficiency by ensuring similar coupling amplitudes and phases among probes, reducing power loss and energy waste, and optimizing the performance of the aggregate power amplifiers.
Implementation Method 1
A first set of a plurality of waveguide probes disposed in the input waveguide coupled to a second set of plurality of waveguide probes disposed in the output waveguide via a plurality of devices
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-probe power combiner system for equalizing the amplitude balance of an output wave signal. The system includes a plurality of power amplifiers, and each of the plurality of power amplifiers is capable of amplifying a received input wave signal. A waveguide includes a plurality of walls, an opening, and a direction of energy propagation toward the opening. A plurality of waveguide probes is coupled to the plurality of power amplifiers. Each of the plurality of waveguide probes i) is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of power amplifiers, ii) extends into the waveguide, and iii) includes at least one probe property that is different from at least one probe property of another one of the plurality of waveguide probes.