Multimode Directional Coupler for Harmonic Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beacon configurations face challenges in increasing frequency for satellite communications due to inefficiencies in transistors and tube manufacturing at higher frequencies, making it difficult to develop new beacon sources for satellites.
Innovation Solution
A multimode directional coupler is designed to extract 2nd or higher harmonic signals from a traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) or solid-state power amplifier, using a primary waveguide for fundamental signals and a secondary waveguide to isolate and extract higher harmonic signals with minimal perturbation, allowing these signals to be used as a beacon source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional beacon configurations are used at higher frequencies, then frequency increase is desired for satellite communications, but transistor efficiency and tube manufacturing become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the 2nd or higher harmonic signals from the fundamental signal using a multimode directional coupler. This allows the beacon source to operate at higher frequencies by utilizing harmonic frequencies generated by the TWTA, avoiding the need for inefficient transistors or tubes at those frequencies while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from fundamental frequency to 2nd or higher harmonic frequency. By operating the TWTA at a fundamental frequency and extracting its harmonics, the system achieves higher output frequencies without requiring components designed for those specific high frequencies, thus maintaining transistor efficiency and reliability
2Productivity
If a multimode directional coupler is used to extract harmonic signals, then harmonic signal extraction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directional coupler is segmented into a primary waveguide for the fundamental signal and a secondary waveguide for the harmonic signal. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each waveguide mode while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that efficiently extracts harmonic signals without excessive 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
This solution enables efficient extraction and amplification of higher harmonic signals, which can be transmitted as a beacon source, overcoming the limitations of conventional configurations and allowing for effective radio wave propagation studies across various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
a primary waveguide configured to propagate a fundamental signal from one port to another
Implementation Method 2
a secondary waveguide configured to extract 2nd or higher harmonic signals from the primary waveguide without perturbing the fundamental signal
Implementation Method 3
configured to extract the at least one secondary signal from the primary waveguide such that the primary signal is prevented from coupling into the secondary waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode directional coupler is provided. In some embodiments, the multimode directional coupler is configured to receive a primary signal and a secondary signal at a first port of a primary waveguide. The primary signal is configured to propagate through the primary waveguide and be outputted at a second port of the primary waveguide. The multimode directional coupler also includes a secondary waveguide configured to couple the secondary signal from the primary waveguide with no coupling of the primary signal into the secondary waveguide. The secondary signal is configured to propagate through the secondary waveguide and be outputted from a port of the secondary waveguide.