Ridge Gap Waveguide Coupler With PIN-Diode Adjustable Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers based on ridge gap waveguides lack reconfigurable performance, limiting their ability to quickly adjust coupling degrees, which is essential for high-frequency communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable coupler design incorporating an inverted microstrip line, ridge gap waveguide, and reconfiguration components such as capacitors, metal through holes, and PIN diodes, allowing for adjustable coupling by controlling the PIN diode state and modifying the gap distance, enabling dynamic adjustment of coupling degrees post-manufacturing without altering the coupler size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed-structure coupler based on ridge gap waveguide is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the coupling degree cannot be adjusted after manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing PIN diodes as switching elements that enable the coupler to transition between different coupling states (0 dB and 3 dB) after manufacturing. The reconfigurable components include capacitors, metal through holes, and PIN diodes arranged in isolation grooves, allowing the device to dynamically adjust its coupling degree based on operational requirements rather than being fixed during manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the electrical characteristics of the coupler through the PIN diode switching mechanism. When the PIN diode switches between forward and reverse bias states, it changes the effective capacitance and impedance of the isolation grooves, thereby altering the coupling degree between waveguide ports without changing the physical dimensions of the structure
2Ease of operation
If the coupling degree is adjusted by modifying the gap distance during manufacturing, then the coupling degree can be optimized, but the adjustment cannot be performed quickly or dynamically after manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system (physical gap distance modification) with an electrical control system using PIN diodes. Instead of mechanically moving components to change gap distances, the invention uses electrical switching of PIN diodes to dynamically alter the coupling degree, enabling rapid reconfiguration without any mechanical movement or physical modification of the manufactured structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable components are added to enable dynamic adjustment, then the coupling degree can be adjusted quickly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reconfigurable functionality directly into the ridge gap waveguide structure by integrating PIN diodes and capacitors within the isolation grooves of the waveguide itself. This consolidation approach combines the waveguide transmission function with the reconfiguration function in a single integrated structure, avoiding separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite adding reconfigurable capabilities
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 reconfigurable coupler can quickly and simply adjust coupling degrees, achieving reconfigurable performance while satisfying demands for easy integration and simple machining, with simulation results showing effective coupling and isolation across various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
The reconfiguration component includes a capacitor, a metal through hole for reconfiguration, a divided-square-shaped groove, and a PIN diode
Implementation Method 2
The isolation groove is internally provided with the capacitor
Implementation Method 3
A gap waveguide is very applicable to a design of a high-frequency radio frequency device because of its advantages of low transmission loss
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable coupler based on a ridge gap waveguide. The reconfigurable coupler includes an inverted microstrip line, a ridge gap waveguide, and several reconfiguration components configured to adjust a coupling degree of a coupler, where the inverted microstrip line feeds the ridge gap waveguide with power, the inverted microstrip line is located at an upper layer while the ridge gap waveguide is located at a lower layer, the ridge gap waveguide includes an upper metal layer, a second dielectric layer and a lower metal layer that are arranged from top to bottom, the upper metal layer is in a square shape having a gap at a diagonal, four sides of the upper metal layer are provided with microstrip lines extending outward to the inverted microstrip line respectively, two sides of the gap are each provided with several isolation grooves, and the reconstruction components are arranged at the isolation grooves.