Ridge Waveguide Impedance Matching for Miniaturized Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturization of antenna apparatus waveguides with ridge structures leads to impedance mismatch issues, affecting electrical performance by causing voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and return loss problems, which negatively impact the operation of communication satellite antennas.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an impedance matching structure, such as recessed grooves and iris structures, in conjunction with the ridge structure, and utilizing additive manufacturing (3D printing) to facilitate the design of a miniaturized array antenna apparatus, which helps in maintaining optimal electrical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ridge structure is applied in the waveguide for miniaturization, then the antenna apparatus size is reduced, but impedance mismatch occurs affecting VSWR and return loss
Solution Approach 1:
An impedance matching structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the ridge structure and the waveguide. This matching structure, which may include stepped ridges or iris elements, acts as a mediator to transform the impedance discontinuity caused by the ridge into a gradual transition, thereby reducing VSWR and return loss while preserving the miniaturization benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance matching structure modifies the physical parameters of the waveguide interior by introducing stepped ridges or iris elements with specific dimensions. These parameter changes create a gradual impedance transformation along the waveguide, allowing the miniaturized antenna to maintain proper impedance matching and electrical performance
2Length of moving object
If the antenna apparatus is miniaturized, then the distance between arrays is reduced below half wavelength, but impedance mismatch negatively affects operation
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance matching structure serves as an intermediary that compensates for the electrical performance degradation caused by miniaturization. By placing this matching structure within the miniaturized waveguide, the patent enables short array spacing while maintaining proper impedance characteristics and operational reliability
3Volume of moving object
If ridge structure is used for miniaturization, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to impedance matching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance matching structure is merged with the ridge structure itself, where the matching function is integrated into the ridge geometry through stepped configurations or iris elements. This merging approach reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate matching elements
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present disclosure, an antenna apparatus which includes a hollow pillar shaped waveguide extending in a first direction and at least one ridge protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the waveguide and extending in the first direction, wherein the ridge has at least one recessed groove formed in the first direction; and an antenna apparatus which includes the waveguide, the ridge and the iris structure protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the waveguide along a plane intersecting the first direction, are provided.