Orthomode Coupler Port Angles Eliminate Stubs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing orthomode couplers for reducing fundamental mode coupling in waveguides require space-consuming and weight-increasing stubs for frequency-dependent compensation, which is limiting for satellite deployments due to payload constraints.

Innovation Solution

An orthomode coupler design with waveguides arranged at angles between 110° and 115° relative to each other, eliminating the need for pre-compensation stubs and combining the advantages of asymmetrical and symmetrical feed structures to minimize fundamental mode coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stubs are used for frequency-dependent compensation of fundamental mode coupling, then coupling compensation is achieved, but space and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling compensationVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the stub components from the orthomode coupler design. By using a symmetrical feed structure with four waveguides arranged at specific angles, the patent achieves fundamental mode coupling compensation without requiring the traditional stub-based frequency-dependent compensation mechanism, thereby reducing weight while maintaining coupling compensation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an asymmetrical arrangement of four waveguides at specific angles (90°, 180°, 270°) to one reference waveguide. This asymmetrical geometry creates inherent frequency-independent coupling compensation, replacing the need for stub-based symmetrical compensation structures and reducing overall device weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If stubs are used for frequency-dependent compensation of fundamental mode coupling, then coupling compensation is achieved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling compensationVSAvoidvolume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the stub components from the orthomode coupler design. By using a symmetrical feed structure with four waveguides arranged at specific angles, the patent achieves fundamental mode coupling compensation without requiring the traditional stub-based frequency-dependent compensation mechanism, thereby reducing volume while maintaining coupling compensation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the coupling compensation function directly into the waveguide feed structure itself. The four-waveguide arrangement at specific angles provides inherent coupling compensation, eliminating the need for separate stub compensation components and reducing overall device volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional orthomode coupler design with stubs is used, then fundamental mode coupling is compensated, but payload efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling compensationVSAvoidpayload efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The four-waveguide feed structure provides self-service coupling compensation through its inherent geometric arrangement. The asymmetrical angles (90°, 180°, 270°) create frequency-independent coupling compensation automatically, eliminating the need for additional stub components and improving payload efficiency by reducing overall system weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 design saves space and weight, enabling more efficient use of satellite payload, such as fuel, by reducing the need for additional compensation components and effectively minimizing fundamental mode coupling.

Implementation Method 1

a waveguide (101) which is configured to guide a dual polarized electromagnetic wave

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

the first and second ports (110, 120) are arranged at an angle other than 90° relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the waveguide, and wherein longitudinal directions of the first and second ports form an angle between 110° and 115°

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGeometric mode separation: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3331089B1Ortho mode transducer for reducing coupling of fundamental modes

Publication Date: 2020.02.05 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

An orthomode coupler is provided for reducing coupling of fundamental modes. The orthomode coupler comprises a waveguide, a first terminal, and a second terminal. The waveguide is configured to guide a dual-polarized electromagnetic wave. The first terminal is positioned on the waveguide such that an electromagnetic wave passing through the first terminal exhibits a first polarization direction. The second terminal is positioned on the waveguide such that an electromagnetic wave passing through the second terminal exhibits a second polarization direction. The first and second terminals are arranged circumferentially around the waveguide at an angle to each other other than 90°. Furthermore, an arrangement for generating a circularly polarized electromagnetic wave in the waveguide of the orthomode coupler is provided. An orthomode coupler assembly is also provided.