Stacked Waveguide Circulator for Compact Antenna Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide circulators are large and inflexible, making it difficult to combine multiple transmitters, receivers, and filters in limited spaces, leading to significant space consumption and power loss in point-to-point wireless communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A stacked waveguide circulator design with a unique configuration of ports and magnets allows for efficient signal direction between multiple ports, enabling the stacking of filters and reduced component size, thereby minimizing space and power loss while allowing for flexible configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional waveguide circulators are used to combine transmit and receive signals, then signal combining functionality is achieved, but the device consumes considerable space and reduces system flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar waveguide circulator configuration to a three-dimensional stacked architecture. Multiple circulator stages are vertically stacked with signal paths extending through multiple levels, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve compact integration while maintaining signal combining functionality. This dimensional transition allows multiple transmit and receive signals to be combined in a limited footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested filtering structures where multiple filters are integrated within the stacked circulator assembly. Filters are positioned at different vertical levels and integrated into the signal paths between circulator stages, creating a nested configuration that combines multiple functions (signal combining and filtering) in a single compact structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple waveguide circulators and filters are combined in limited space, then signal combining capability increases, but connection angles become restricted and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked circulator assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it combines multiple transmit signals, combines multiple receive signals, provides filtering at different frequency bands, and maintains non-reciprocal signal directionality. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate components and complex interconnections, simplifying installation while enhancing signal combining capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By stacking circulator stages vertically and routing signals through multiple levels, the patent achieves flexible signal combining configurations without being constrained by planar connection angles. The vertical stacking allows signals to be combined from multiple sources at different heights, providing installation flexibility that overcomes the rigid angle requirements of traditional waveguide connections.
3Reliability
If traditional waveguide circulator configurations are used, then non-reciprocal signal transfer is achieved, but component size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple circulator functions into a single integrated stacked assembly. Multiple circulator stages, filtering elements, and signal paths are combined into one compact structure that maintains non-reciprocal signal transfer throughout. This consolidation achieves the same reliability as separate components while reducing overall volume by eliminating redundant structures and interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration places filters and signal paths within the vertical structure of the stacked circulator assembly. By nesting filtering functions within the circulator stages rather than placing them as separate external components, the patent reduces overall component volume while maintaining the non-reciprocal signal transfer characteristics essential for reliable operation.
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
The stacked waveguide circulator enables compact, flexible antenna combining systems with reduced power loss and increased component density, allowing for more efficient use of space and cost-effective configurations in wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
waveguide circulators include ferrite resonators to which are applied a magnetic field via one or more magnets or electromagnets
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a stacked waveguide circulator are described. The stacked waveguide circulator may comprise a first side and a second side. The stacked waveguide circulator may also comprise a top and a bottom opposite the top. The top and the bottom may be adjacent to the first and second sides. The stacked waveguide circulator may also comprise a a first port and a second port on the first side. The first port may be vertically above the second port on the first side. Further, the stacked waveguide circulator may comprise a third port on the second side. The stacked waveguide circulator may comprise a first magnet on the top. The first magnet may be configured to assist in directing signals between the first, second, and third ports.