Multilayer Substrate Waveguide for 90-Degree Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multilayer substrates require additional power feed lines to change the propagation direction of signals by 90 degrees, leading to unnecessary radiation, increased size, and reduced design freedom due to discontinuous parts and increased circuit area.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer substrate design featuring a conductive tubular waveguide with a cross-section shaped like a quadrangular shape with cutouts, allowing 90-degree signal direction change without additional conductive patterns, using dielectric materials with different properties inside and outside the waveguide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a waveguide with a specific shape is used to change the propagation direction of a signal by 90 degrees, then additional power feed lines are needed, but this causes unnecessary radiation, increased size, and reduced design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the signal propagation path from a two-dimensional surface level (additional power feed lines on substrate surfaces) to a three-dimensional embedded structure (waveguide through hole penetrating intermediate dielectric layers). This dimensional change allows the signal to change propagation direction by 90 degrees internally without requiring additional discontinuous power feed lines on the substrate surfaces, thereby eliminating unnecessary radiation while achieving the desired direction change.
2Ease of operation
If additional power feed lines are added to change signal propagation direction, then the function is achieved, but the substrate area increases and design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide structure is nested within the existing multilayer substrate structure, specifically utilizing the intermediate dielectric layers that are already present between the first and second dielectric layers. The through hole and waveguide are embedded within this existing layered architecture, allowing the signal direction change function to be integrated without adding external components or increasing the overall substrate area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional power feed lines are used to change signal direction, then the propagation direction can be changed, but discontinuous parts are created causing harmful radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide provides a continuous enclosed path for signal propagation from the first dielectric layer through the intermediate dielectric layers to the second dielectric layer. This continuous enclosed structure eliminates discontinuities in the signal path, preventing the radiation of electromagnetic energy that would occur at discontinuous junctions of additional power feed lines, thereby maintaining signal integrity and reducing interference.
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
Reduces unnecessary radiation, minimizes substrate size, and enhances design flexibility by eliminating the need for additional conductive patterns and discontinuous parts, while maintaining efficient signal propagation.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide which is a conductive tubular member contacting with an inner peripheral surface of a through hole penetrating through specific parts of the intermediate dielectric layers
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer substrate (11) includes: a first dielectric layer (41) having a first conductive layer (21) on one side and a second conductive layer (22) on another side; a second dielectric layer (42) having a third conductive layer (23) on one side and a fourth conductive layer (24) on another side, the third conductive layer (23) being located apart from the second conductive layer (22); one or a plurality of intermediate dielectric layers (43) provided between the second conductive layer (22) and the third conductive layer (23); and a waveguide (31) which is a conductive tubular member contacting with an inner peripheral surface of a through hole penetrating through specific parts of the intermediate dielectric layers (43) in a direction from the second conductive layer (22) to the third conductive layer (23), an inside of the tubular member being filled with a dielectric material made of a material different from the first dielectric layer (41), the second dielectric layer (42), and the intermediate dielectric layer (43). A cross-section of the waveguide (31) along a direction perpendicular to a direction of penetration through the intermediate dielectric layers (43) has a shape obtained by cutting out both corners on one diagonal line of a quadrangular shape.