Pluggable Receiver Splitter for 2T2R Microwave Radios

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antenna coupling devices in two-transmitter two-receiver (2T2R) digital microwave radios have a fixed structure, making it difficult to support flexible coupling factors and reducing insertion loss.

Innovation Solution

A circulator plate with an integrated receiver splitter, utilizing a ridged-waveguide with periodically changing internal height, allows for variable coupling factors by switching a pluggable insertion plate, reducing insertion loss and enabling compact design in the 5.9 GHz to 7.5 GHz frequency band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed structure circulator plate is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different coupling factors is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling factor flexibilityVSAvoidcirculator plate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circulator plate incorporates a pluggable insertion plate that can be dynamically adjusted to different positions along the waveguide. This dynamic positioning mechanism allows the same physical structure to provide different coupling factors (3 dB, 6 dB, 10 dB) by changing the insertion depth, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring multiple fixed structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the waveguide structure by introducing a variable insertion depth mechanism. By adjusting the position of the insertion plate within the waveguide, the coupling factor parameter can be varied continuously or discretely, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining a single base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the receiver splitter is integrated on the circulator plate, then the insertion loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidcirculator plate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiver splitter function is merged directly into the circulator plate structure by integrating the splitting mechanism within the waveguide itself. This eliminates the need for separate splitter components and their associated connectors and transitions, thereby reducing insertion loss while the overall complexity increase is managed through the shared waveguide structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If a ridged-waveguide is used instead of rectangular waveguide, then the circulator plate size is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecirculator plate sizeVSAvoidwaveguide ridge fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a ridged-waveguide structure where ridges are formed along the waveguide walls. These ridges create a curved or non-linear geometric feature that reduces the effective electrical length and allows for compact sizing. The manufacturing precision challenge is addressed through standardized ridge profiles that can be reproduced using precision molding or machining techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

The solution reduces insertion loss by 0.5 dB and provides variable coupling factors of 3 dB, 6 dB, and 10 dB without altering the PCB board, enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of the 2T2R digital microwave radio system.

Implementation Method 1

a ridged-waveguide is used to replace a rectangular waveguide to reduce the size of the circulator plate in 6 GHz to 8 GHz frequency band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Implementation Method 2

the receiver splitter is comprised of a ridged-waveguide and has a plurality of ridges (or pins, teeth, etc.), which periodically change the internal height of the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRidged-waveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentUS10374275B2Pluggable receiver splitter for two-transmitter two-receiver microwave digital radios

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A circulator plate for a microwave radio system is disclosed. The circulator plate includes a circulator including a first port, a second port, and a third port; a first isolator including an input port and an output port; a second isolator including an input port and an output port; and a splitter including an input port, a first output port, and a second output port. The output port of the first isolator is coupled to the first port of the circulator. The input port of the second isolator is coupled to the third port of the circulator. The input port of the splitter is coupled to the output port of the second isolator. The first output port of the splitter is configured to be coupled to a first receiver. The second output port of the splitter is configured to be coupled to a second receiver.