Waveguide Circuit Power Combining via Integrated Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide circuits for radio-frequency power combining or splitting are difficult to miniaturize due to the need for multiple branch structures, leading to increased complexity and cost when handling more than two inputs.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide circuit design featuring three rectangular waveguide tubes with specific cross-sectional shapes and orientations, allowing for the propagation of TE modes, and incorporating a coupler to connect the tubes, enabling efficient power combining or splitting without requiring a multilayer structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple branch structures are used for power combining more than two inputs, then the power combining capability is improved, but the device complexity and overall scale increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple waveguide tubes into a single integrated structure where multiple input waveguides (first, second, third waveguide tubes) are combined with a fourth waveguide tube in a unified configuration. This merging approach allows power combining of multiple inputs while maintaining a simple overall structure, avoiding the need for multiple separate branch structures that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fourth waveguide tube serves multiple functions by receiving electromagnetic waves from all three input waveguide tubes through its sidewalls and combining them into a single output. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate branch structures for each input, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full power combining capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple branch structures are arranged in multilayer configuration, then the power combining of multiple inputs is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all power combining functions into a single-layer integrated structure rather than using multiple layers. The first, second, and third waveguide tubes are arranged side-by-side and connected to the fourth waveguide tube in planar configuration, eliminating the need for complex multilayer assembly and reducing manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If orthogonal overlapping waveguide tubes with coupling windows are used, then the power combining function is achieved, but the miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling function directly into the sidewalls of the waveguide tubes rather than using separate coupling windows. The fourth waveguide tube has sidewalls that directly face and couple with the input waveguide tubes, creating a compact integrated structure that achieves power combining without requiring additional coupling components that would increase size.
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 design allows for miniaturization and simplification of the waveguide circuit while maintaining low loss, enabling the combination of multiple radio-frequency powers without the need for complex tournament or binary-tree methods.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide tube having a first cross-sectional shape to allow propagation of a TE mode; a second waveguide tube disposed adjacent to the first waveguide tube and having a second cross-sectional shape to allow propagation of a TE mode
Implementation Method 2
The third waveguide tube includes a coupler which connects a hollow guide of the third waveguide tube to both a hollow guide of the first waveguide tube and a hollow guide of the second waveguide tube
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide circuit (1) includes a first waveguide tube (10), a second waveguide tube (20), and a third waveguide tube (30). The first waveguide tube (10), the second waveguide tube (20), and the third waveguide tube (30) have cross-sectional shapes to allow propagation of TE modes. The tube axis of the second waveguide tube (20) is parallel to the tube axis of the first waveguide tube (10). One of the narrow sidewalls of the second waveguide tube (20) faces a narrow sidewall (10s) of the first waveguide tube (10). The third waveguide tube (30) includes a coupler that connects a hollow guide of the third waveguide tube (30) to a hollow guide of the first waveguide tube (10) and a hollow guide of the second waveguide tube (20).