Multimode Waveguide Radiator Co-Aligned Phase Center
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test systems for multi-mode seekers face challenges in aligning and co-locating discrete signal sources at different wavelengths, leading to compromised performance due to blockages and the need for extensive metrology or space, especially when trying to radiate multiple signals from a common phase center.
Innovation Solution
A multimode radiation source comprising a waveguide radiator with multiple transmission media, allowing for the co-location and co-alignment of signals from different sources, such as RF, IR, and optical signals, to radiate from a common phase center using a circular waveguide horn radiator with orthomode transducers and optical fibers, ensuring all signals are aligned and radiated with a single phase center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete signal sources are used for multiple wavelengths, then each wavelength can be provided independently, but the sources cannot be easily co-located or angularly co-aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete signal sources (RF horn radiator and IR radiator) into a single integrated multimode signal source structure. The RF horn radiator and IR radiator are co-located at the same physical position with a common phase center, eliminating the need for separate test stations and achieving precise angular co-alignment through the shared radiation aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide radiator structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an RF horn radiator and an IR radiator through its waveguide channels. The same physical structure radiates both RF signals and IR signals with a common phase center, providing multi-wavelength capability without requiring separate dedicated structures for each wavelength.
2Reliability
If discrete tests are performed at different test stations, then each wavelength can be tested independently, but significant metrology or floor space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple test functions into a single compact test facility. By providing all wavelength signals from one co-located source, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate test stations, significant metrology infrastructure for transferring optical axes, and extensive floor space for moving sources far-a-field from the UUT.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an IR radiator is disposed in the center of an RF horn radiator, then both RF and IR signals can be provided from one structure, but the IR source imposes blockage in the RF radiator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waveguide radiator into multiple independent waveguide channels, each dedicated to a specific wavelength mode. The RF signals and IR signals travel through separate waveguide paths within the same radiator structure, eliminating mutual blockage while maintaining a common phase center for all radiated signals.
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 and compact alignment of multiple signals from different sources, improving performance by eliminating blockages and reducing the need for extensive metrology or space, allowing for precise testing of multi-mode seekers with co-aligned, spherical waves from a common phase center.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide radiator having a first feed port for receiving a first signal having a first frequency and a first wavelength and for providing the first signal to the waveguide radiator so that the waveguide radiator radiates the first signal at a first location as a first spherical wave with a first phase center
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode radiation source is disclosed. One embodiment includes a waveguide radiator and an orthomode transducer coupled to the waveguide radiator to provide a first signal to the waveguide radiator. The waveguide radiator is configured to receive the first signal and to radiate the first signal at a first location as a first spherical wave signal with a first phase center. The multimode source also includes transmission medium coupled to the waveguide radiator and configured to radiate a second signal and a third signal from the first location as a second spherical wave and a third spherical wave with substantially the first phase center.