RF Interconnect Using Ridged Waveguide and Suspended Striplines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional physical connections between antenna elements and the receiver portion of array antennas face challenges due to size, power, and weight constraints, making them difficult to implement effectively in radio frequency (RF) systems.

Innovation Solution

The RF interconnect system employs a ridged waveguide and suspended air stripline transmission lines within cavities, electrically coupling RF signals between the antenna and receiver portions without physical contact, using air-filled and dielectric regions to manage size and power constraints, and includes sealing mechanisms to prevent electromagnetic interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional physical connectors are used to connect antenna elements to receiver portion, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device size and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinterconnect weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connectors with electromagnetic field-based coupling. Suspended stripline transmission lines generate electromagnetic fields that couple signals between antenna elements and receiver portions without physical contact, eliminating heavy mechanical connectors while maintaining signal transmission reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer signals between antenna elements and receiver portions. The suspended stripline transmission lines create electromagnetic fields that act as mediators, enabling signal coupling without direct physical connection, thus reducing weight while preserving connection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional physical connectors are used to connect antenna elements to receiver portion, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinterconnect volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical connector structures with compact suspended stripline transmission line configurations. The electromagnetic field coupling mechanism requires minimal space compared to bulky mechanical connectors, reducing overall interconnect volume while maintaining reliable signal transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional mechanical connector structures to two-dimensional planar suspended stripline configurations. This dimensional reduction allows the interconnect system to occupy less volume while achieving the same electrical connection function through electromagnetic field coupling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Weight of moving object

If suspended air stripline transmission lines are used for RF signal transfer, then weight is reduced, but signal integrity may be compromised without proper shielding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterconnect weightVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses air as the transmission medium for suspended stripline transmission lines. Air provides an inert, low-loss environment for RF signal propagation, reducing signal attenuation and interference while keeping the structure lightweight. The air-filled enclosure acts as an inert environment that protects signals from degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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

This configuration allows for efficient RF signal transfer while adhering to size and power limitations, maintaining signal integrity and reducing weight, and effectively addresses the constraints of conventional connection methods.

Implementation Method 1

ridged waveguide 114 is configured to electrically couple RF signals between the upper and lower cavities 102, 104

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A first suspended air stripline (SAS) transmission line 106 is disposed in the upper cavity 102

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentEP3533104B1Radio frequency interconnect between suspended transmission lines comprising a ridged waveguide portion

Publication Date: 2023.02.08 RAYTHEON CO

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AI summary

The concepts, systems and methods described herein are directed towards a connectorless radio frequency (RF) interface between an antenna and RF processor. An RF interconnect is provided having a housing having a ridged waveguide portion provided therein, an upper cavity formed in an upper portion of the housing, a lower cavity formed in a lower portion of the housing, a first suspended air stripline (SAS) transmission line disposed in the lower cavity such that at least a portion of the first SAS transmission line crossed a slot formed by the ridged waveguide and a second SAS transmission line disposed in the upper cavity such that at least a portion of the second SAS transmission line crosses the slot formed by the ridged waveguide.