Rotman Lens Feeding Device Sub-Port Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotman lenses in multibeam communications networks suffer from high insertion loss, which hinders miniaturization and efficiency in signal transmission.

Innovation Solution

The feeding device divides each contour port into sub-ports connected by power splitters and employs stepped impedance transformation structures between ports, reducing energy return and achieving uniform signal distribution, thereby minimizing insertion loss and size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a Rotman lens is used as a feeding device in a multibeam communications network, then high bandwidth and spatial selectivity are achieved, but insertion loss becomes relatively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidsignal transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first contour port is divided into multiple sub-ports, each with a smaller feeding width. This segmentation allows for better impedance matching and reduces energy reflection, thereby reducing insertion loss while maintaining signal transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the feeding width parameter by dividing the original port into sub-ports with reduced widths. This parameter modification optimizes the electromagnetic field distribution and reduces energy loss, directly addressing the high insertion loss problem of traditional Rotman lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the first contour port is divided into several sub-ports with smaller feeding widths, then insertion loss is reduced and signal uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contour port is segmented into sub-ports to reduce insertion loss. While this increases structural complexity, the segmentation is systematically implemented using standard power splitter configurations, which balances the complexity increase with significant performance improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Power splitters are introduced as intermediary components to connect the divided sub-ports. These intermediaries manage the complexity by providing standardized connection structures that simplify the overall system integration while achieving the desired signal distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If stepped impedance transformation structures are used to connect contour ports and ports, then energy return is reduced and insertion loss is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy return lossVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Stepped impedance transformation structures are employed to gradually transform the impedance between contour ports and ports. This parameter transformation reduces energy reflection and return loss, while the stepped design allows for manageable manufacturing complexity through standardized fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach significantly reduces insertion loss and occupied area, enhancing the miniaturization and performance of the feeding device while maintaining signal uniformity and reducing return loss.

Implementation Method 1

the first port and the several sub-ports are connected by using the at least one power splitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower division:

Implementation Method 2

the second contour port and the second port corresponding to the second contour port are connected by using a stepped impedance transformation structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpedance transformation:

Data Source

PatentEP3627620B1Power feed apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3627620B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3627620B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3627620B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A feeding device is disclosed. The feeding device includes a body and at least one first port, the body includes at least one first contour port, and each of the at least one first contour port corresponds to one of the at least one first port; and the first contour port includes at least two sub-ports, and the at least two sub-ports of the first contour port are connected, by using at least one power splitter, to the first port corresponding to the first contour port. In the foregoing implementation solution, the first contour port is divided into several sub-ports, and the first port and the several sub-ports are connected by using the at least one power splitter. Therefore, returned energy is less, and signals are more uniformly fed into the body, so that miniaturization of the body and a low insertion loss are achieved.