Dielectric Waveguide Connector for Low-Loss Millimeter-Wave Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interconnections between metallic dielectric waveguide cables and electrical elements suffer from undesirable transmission loss and signal degradation, particularly in the millimeter-wave frequency region (10 to 300 GHz).
Innovation Solution
A data communication connector system is designed with a dielectric waveguide and an electrically conductive body, featuring a hole angled at 75 to 105 degrees to receive an antenna, which minimizes signal loss by using a dielectric bead and ground shield configuration, and includes a method for assembling the connector with a solder preform to ensure low reflection and high signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing interconnection structures are used between metallic dielectric waveguide cables and electrical elements, then the connection can be established, but transmission loss increases and signal integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric waveguide segment acts as an intermediary component between the metallic dielectric waveguide cable and the electrical element (antenna). This intermediate dielectric waveguide maintains consistent impedance and field distribution, reducing reflection and transmission loss while improving signal integrity at the transition point.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design changes the geometric parameters of the transition region, specifically the angle of the hole (75 to 105 degrees) and the positioning of the antenna within the dielectric waveguide. These parameter changes optimize the field distribution and impedance matching, minimizing reflection and transmission loss.
2Loss of energy
If a conventional connector design is used, then the structure can be simple, but transmission loss increases in the millimeter-wave region
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional regions: a dielectric waveguide section, a transition region with an angled hole, and an antenna mounting section. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall low loss performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a simple linear connection to a three-dimensional structure with an angled hole (75 to 105 degrees) and strategically positioned antenna elements within the dielectric waveguide. This dimensional complexity enables better field confinement and reduced radiation loss.
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 system achieves low transmission loss and minimal reflection, maintaining signal integrity while being compact and easy to connect/disconnect, suitable for propagating millimeter-wave signals across various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
Electromagnetic energy in the approximately 10 to 300 GHz frequency region may be transmitted through a variety of structures. This frequency region is often referred to as a millimeter-wave region, since an electromagnetic wave propagating in free space has a wavelength that varies from 1 mm at 300 GHz to 30 mm at 10 GHz.
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide can include a dielectric core, ground shield, and jacket, sometimes referred to as a metallic dielectric waveguide (MDkWG) cable.
Data Source
AI summary
A data communication connector can include a dielectric waveguide that extends along a central axis, and a recess that is configured to receive an antenna. The data communication connector can include an electrically conductive body that receives the dielectric waveguide. The electrically conductive body can define the recess. The dielectric waveguide can include a dielectric core, a ground shield, and a jacket.