Stacked Waveguide Power Divider for Wideband Non-Binary Splits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide power combiner/divider devices typically have limited bandwidth and are restricted to binary ratios, failing to effectively cover all recommended waveguide bandwidths and achieve non-power-of-two ratios.
Innovation Solution
The development of waveguide-to-waveguide power combiner/divider devices and methods that utilize tapered transitions from full-height to reduced-height waveguides, enabling wideband transitions with E-plane bends and varying heights of reduced waveguide sections to equalize power division and reduce return loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional waveguide T junctions or magic tee junctions are used, then the device can be constructed with simple structure, but the bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs tapered transitions that gradually change the waveguide dimensions from full-height to reduced-height configurations. This continuous parameter change enables wideband operation by smoothly transforming the electromagnetic field distribution across a broad frequency range, resolving the bandwidth limitation of traditional abrupt junctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide structure is divided into multiple sections with varying heights, where each section serves a specific function in the power division process. The stacked reduced-height waveguides are arranged in layers, creating a segmented architecture that achieves wideband performance while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If binary combiner/divider stages are used, then the device follows a standard architecture, but non-binary ratios cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered waveguide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a transition element, a power divider, and an impedance matcher. This universal design enables the same basic structure to achieve various combiner/divider ratios (both binary and non-binary) by simply adjusting the number and configuration of stacked waveguide sections, eliminating the need for different architectures for different ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical stacking of reduced-height waveguides as an additional dimension to the traditional planar waveguide layout. This three-dimensional arrangement allows flexible configuration of power division ratios by varying the number of stacked sections, enabling non-binary ratios without complicating the fundamental architecture.
3Ease of operation
If separate full-height waveguides are used for inputs, then each input is independent, but transition to combined output requires complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate full-height input waveguides into a single stacked waveguide structure through tapered transitions. The independent inputs are gradually combined as the waveguides transition from full-height to reduced-height configurations, ultimately stacking together to form the combined output path. This merging process maintains input independence while simplifying the transition structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide-to-waveguide power combiner/divider including a waveguide including a first opening at a first end of a first section of the waveguide in a first plane and n openings of n sections at n other ends of the waveguide, wherein n is a positive integer. At least one of the n sections is bent in at least one plane different from the plane of first section, and the first section and n sections each have at least two sides that are broader than at least two other sides; and n−1 walls within waveguide configured to divide a height of first section into n heights. Each of n sections has a height equal to one of the n heights, wherein the n−1 walls are located at a junction of the first section and the n sections and extend toward the first opening of the first section.