Ridge Loaded Waveguide Combiner Divider Wide Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF antenna devices with waveguide dividers/combiners face complexity, space consumption, and performance limitations, especially for large frequency bandwidths, due to limited bandwidth and power split ratio capabilities, which affect radiation efficiency and sidelobe performance.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide combiner/divider design featuring three ridge-loaded waveguides with a unique ridge transition section height configuration, allowing for unequal power split ratios and maintaining in-phase signals across a wide frequency band, enabling efficient signal division and combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional waveguide junction power dividers are used, then the structure is simple, but the bandwidth is limited and power split ratio capabilities are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a ridge transition section with a specific height (c/20 to c/10, where c is the waveguide width) at the junction region. This localized structural modification with different impedance characteristics enables the waveguide junction to achieve wide bandwidth operation and adjustable power split ratios without requiring complete structural redesign of the entire waveguide system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the ridge transition section height and the positions of the waveguide junctions to control the impedance transformation and power distribution. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the device achieves adjustable power split ratios (e.g., 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB) and maintains performance across wide frequency bandwidths, transforming fixed-parameter traditional junctions into adjustable-parameter structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interleaved waveguide networks are used, then power split ratio capabilities are improved, but the device becomes complex, costly, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single planar waveguide junction structure. By combining the power division function, impedance matching function, and phase control function into one integrated junction with ridge transitions, the design eliminates the need for separate interleaved waveguide networks, magic tees, and additional matching elements, thereby reducing structural complexity, weight, and cost while maintaining power split ratio capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from traditional waveguide junction designs. By removing non-planar elements such as magic tee fourth ports, complex interleaved network sections, and multiple impedance matching elements, the design achieves power split ratio control through simplified ridge-loaded planar junctions, reducing overall device complexity and weight.
3Reliability
If waveguide dividers with limited bandwidth performance are used, then the structure remains simple, but radiation efficiency and sidelobe performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing ridge transition sections with specific height parameters (c/20 to c/10) at the waveguide junction regions. This localized impedance transformation structure improves the bandwidth performance and phase consistency across the operational frequency range, thereby enhancing radiation efficiency and sidelobe performance without requiring complete redesign of the entire waveguide divider system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes another dimension by transitioning from traditional two-dimensional waveguide junctions to a three-dimensional ridge-loaded structure with vertical ridge elements extending into the waveguide. This dimensional addition creates impedance transformation capabilities that improve bandwidth and phase performance across frequency bands, enhancing overall reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 2F~2I
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a waveguide combiner/divider comprises: a first waveguide including a first major ridge extending to a waveguide junction; a second waveguide including a second major ridge extending to the waveguide junction, the second major ridge connected to the first major ridge at a major ridge junction within the waveguide junction; and a third waveguide including a third major ridge extending to the waveguide junction, the third major ridge connected to the major ridge junction via a major ridge transition section, the major ridge transition section having a major ridge transition section height within the waveguide junction that is less than heights of the first major ridge and second major ridge.