RF Amplifier Rack Layout With Side-Mounted Power Combiner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high power RF amplifiers require multiple SSD amplifier modules combined to achieve high power output, leading to space inefficiencies and cumbersome cable connections, making it difficult to remove or replace modules without disrupting other connections.
Innovation Solution
A rack design with an integrated RF power combiner positioned between vertical posts, allowing for reduced space usage and direct, connector-based connections between RF amplifier modules and the combiner, facilitating module removal and insertion without loose cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If RF power combiners are arranged behind the back side of racks, then the RF power combiners can be mounted, but they occupy additional space and create cumbersome obstacles to other connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the RF power combiner from the traditional horizontal arrangement behind the rack back to a vertical arrangement within the rack's side space. This dimensional repositioning utilizes the previously underutilized vertical dimension between the vertical posts, transforming the combiner from an external back-mounted component to an integrated side-mounted component, thereby reducing the horizontal footprint while maintaining mounting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF power combiner is nested within the existing rack structure by positioning it between the vertical posts. This nesting approach allows the combiner to occupy space that is already part of the rack's structural framework, rather than requiring additional external space. The combiner becomes integrated into the rack's vertical architecture, efficiently utilizing the available structural volume.
2Ease of manufacture
If RF power combiners are arranged behind the back side of racks, then the RF power combiners can be mounted, but they create cumbersome obstacles to power supply connections and cooling fluid connections
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the combiner from the back horizontal plane to the side vertical space, the patent creates new access pathways for connections. Power supply and cooling connections can now approach the combiner from the front and sides of the rack rather than having to route through the back, significantly improving accessibility and reducing interference with other connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having connections reach back to the combiner mounted at the rear, the inverted arrangement allows connections to approach the combiner from the front and sides. This reversal of the connection geometry eliminates the need for connections to traverse the entire length of the rack back panel, making installation and maintenance much more convenient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a power combiner with horizontally aligned power inputs is used, then the combiner can process multiple RF signals, but multiple cable connections are required making module removal inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal cable connections to vertical connector arrangements. By positioning connectors at the front face of each amplifier module and routing them vertically to the combiner, the system eliminates the need for multiple horizontal cables. This vertical arrangement allows modules to be removed and inserted directly without manipulating multiple cable connections, while still maintaining the capability to process multiple RF signals through the vertical connector interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the connection interface from the traditional cable-based horizontal arrangement and replaces it with integrated front-face connectors. This extraction of the connection function from separate cables to built-in connectors simplifies the module interface, allowing amplifiers to be hot-swapped without cable manipulation while maintaining full signal processing capability through the integrated connector design.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure, a rack comprising a frame having first vertical posts on a first side and second vertical posts on a second side, between which a plurality of RF amplifier modules are mounted, is provided. The RF power outputs of the RF amplifier modules are connected to inputs of an RF power combiner to deliver a combined RF power output. The RF power combiner is arranged at least partially in at least one of a first volume between the first vertical posts of the frame or a second volume between the second vertical posts of the frame, thereby reducing a footprint of the rack.