Segmented Waveguides for Spatial Power-Combining Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spatial power-combining devices face limitations in efficiency and frequency range due to the use of printed circuit boards, which become lossy at higher frequencies, restricting the operating frequency range and achievable output power.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates segmented waveguides and antennas with metal signal and ground conductors entirely separated by air, eliminating lossy materials and allowing for ultra-wide bandwidth operation, with a modular structure that can be scaled for various frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If printed circuit boards are used to support antenna conductors, then mechanical support and form factor are provided, but loss increases at higher frequencies limiting efficiency and frequency range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the printed circuit board substrate from the antenna structure, eliminating the lossy material that limits high-frequency operation. The antenna conductors are supported in air or vacuum instead, removing the harmful dielectric losses while maintaining mechanical support through alternative means such as waveguide structures or mounting brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by eliminating the printed circuit board material, thereby changing the dielectric properties from lossy PCB material to air/vacuum. This parameter change enables operation at much higher frequencies where PCB losses would be prohibitive, expanding the frequency range from typical RF bands to millimeter-wave and beyond.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna structures with printed circuit boards are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but operating frequency range is limited due to increased losses at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna structure into separate conductive elements that can be independently positioned and supported without requiring a continuous printed circuit board. This segmentation allows the antenna to be constructed from discrete components that can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing the need for high-frequency optimized PCB fabrication while enabling broader frequency operation.
3Reliability
If printed circuit boards are used for antenna support, then mechanical structure is provided, but efficiency decreases at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure that replaces the printed circuit board as the medium for holding antenna conductors. This intermediary could be a waveguide structure, mounting bracket, or mechanical fixture that provides support without the lossy dielectric properties of PCB material, thereby maintaining mechanical support while improving efficiency at high frequencies.
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 solution enhances efficiency and expands the frequency range of spatial power-combining devices, enabling operation from 300 MHz to 400 GHz with reduced losses and increased output power, facilitating ultra-broadband microwave operation.
Implementation Method 1
an output center waveguide section configured to concurrently receive amplified signals from the plurality of amplifiers... an output coaxial waveguide section configured to receive the amplified signals from the output center waveguide section
Data Source
AI summary
Spatial power-combining devices and antenna assemblies for spatial power-combining devices are disclosed. The disclosure relates to spatial power-combining devices with segmented waveguides and antennas. The spatial power-combining devices may be designed for high efficiency, high or low frequency ranges, ultra-wide bandwidth operation, and high output power. A spatial power-combining device may include a plurality of amplifiers, an output center waveguide including an output inner housing and an output outer housing, and an output coaxial waveguide. The output center waveguide may form a plurality of output center waveguide segments that are discontinuous with each other. Each output center waveguide segment may include a different portion of the output inner housing and the output outer housing. An antenna for a spatial power-combining device may include a plurality of antenna segments, each of which includes a different portion of a signal conductor and a ground conductor of the antenna.