Revolving Multi-Band Tuning Probe for Wider Frequency Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave impedance tuners lack the ability to efficiently cover multiple frequency bands using single horizontal and vertical axis movement controls, requiring additional mechanical and electronic components for broader frequency coverage.
Innovation Solution
A configurable revolving tuning probe assembly combining multiple tuning slugs on a disc, controlled by a single vertical axis mechanism, allowing for enhanced frequency coverage without additional remote control or structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single tuning probe is used in existing impedance tuners, then the tuner can be kept simple in structure, but the frequency coverage is limited to a single band
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tuning slugs of different lengths are merged into a single revolving assembly that can be rotated to position different slugs in the tuning location. This combining approach enables multi-band frequency coverage while avoiding the need for multiple separate tuner structures or additional remote control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The tuning assembly is made dynamic by enabling rotation of the disc-shaped structure to bring different tuning slugs into the active tuning position. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different frequency bands on demand, transforming a static single-band tuner into a versatile multi-band system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tuning slugs are added to expand frequency coverage, then the frequency bandwidth increases, but the mechanical and electronic control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single vertical axis movement mechanism and carriage are designed to perform multiple functions: they can position different tuning slugs into the active location and also rotate the disc to select which slug is active. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for each tuning slug, maintaining simplicity while enabling multi-band operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The revolving disc assembly is designed to be self-selecting through its rotational mechanism. By rotating the disc to different angular positions, the system automatically brings the appropriate tuning slug into the active tuning location without requiring complex electronic switching or additional actuators for each slug.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional remote control mechanisms are added for multi-band tuning, then frequency coverage improves, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The revolving disc assembly acts as an intermediary mechanical structure that enables multi-band tuning using the existing carriage movement. Instead of adding separate remote control mechanisms for each frequency band, the disc mediates between the single vertical axis control and the multiple tuning slugs, translating simple vertical movement into multi-band tuning capability.
4Reliability
If the gap between tuning probe and center conductor is decreased to increase capacitance, then the reflection factor increases, but the risk of short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tuning function is segmented across multiple slugs of different lengths rather than relying on a single slug with extremely small gaps. Each slug is designed with appropriate length to achieve the desired capacitance and reflection factor without requiring dangerously small gaps that would risk short circuits.
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
Enables wider frequency bandwidth operation with existing tuner calibration and data processing routines, minimizing cost and complexity by integrating multiple slugs into a single probe system.
Implementation Method 1
the insertion loss between the DUT and the tuner reduces the effective reflection factor I LOAD at the DUT reference plane. The only method to increase the reflection factor in a passive load pull system i.e. a system not using active feedback signal injection (see ref. 8) is increasing the reflection factor of the tuner. Since the tuning probe 34 is capacitively coupled with the center conductor 33
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-band remotely configurable tuning probes for slide screw impedance tuners allow instantaneous larger frequency coverage beyond the capacity of existing tuning probes using the single horizontal and vertical axis mechanism of a prior art single probe, single band tuner. This is done by carving multiple slugs of different length and frequency coverage as segments of a disc-shaped revolving slab, which rotates inside the legs of a captive unit and locks at distinct angles. The captive unit is attached to the vertical control mechanism of the tuner and rotation is ensured using multiple traverse lateral studs on the disc unit and a set of vertical studs on the slabline close to the idle port of the tuner. An automated procedure ensures remote switching between tuning slugs. Calibration and tuning is as in prior art single probe tuners.