Directional Waveguide Coupler for Beamforming Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beamforming networks for overlapped subarray antennas are complex, heavy, and voluminous, with high production costs and complex assembly requirements, and fail to ensure isolation between linear polarizations.
Innovation Solution
A 4x4 directional waveguide coupler with dual linear polarization capabilities, comprising four parallel rectangular waveguides forming a 2x2 cross-section matrix, arranged in multiple layers with switching waveguides for simplified production and assembly, and featuring slot arrays for accurate alignment and reduced losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 4x4 cascade directional couplers are used in beamforming networks, then the coupling functionality is achieved, but the mass and volume of the network increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex 4x4 directional coupler into multiple 2x2 directional coupler modules arranged in a cascade configuration. Each 2x2 module handles a subset of the coupling operations, and by segmenting the overall function into these smaller modular units, the total mass and volume are reduced compared to implementing a single monolithic 4x4 coupler while maintaining the required coupling functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where 2x2 directional coupler modules are arranged in cascading stages, with each stage nested within the overall beamforming network architecture. This nesting allows efficient space utilization and reduces the overall volume required for the beamforming network while achieving the complex 4x4 coupling function through hierarchical composition of simpler modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If 4x4 cascade directional couplers are used in beamforming networks, then the coupling functionality is achieved, but the volume of the network increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 4x4 directional coupler function into multiple 2x2 modules that can be compactly arranged in cascade. This segmentation enables a more space-efficient implementation by utilizing modular building blocks that occupy less volume than a monolithic implementation would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the 2x2 directional coupler modules in a three-dimensional cascade configuration, utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to achieve the 4x4 coupling function. By transitioning from a planar to a volumetric arrangement, the network achieves the required functionality with reduced overall volume through efficient spatial packing of the modular components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 4x4 directional couplers are used, then coupling is achieved, but production costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex 4x4 directional coupler into standard 2x2 directional coupler modules, which are more common and easier to manufacture. This segmentation allows for standardized production processes, reduced tooling costs, and simpler assembly procedures compared to manufacturing custom monolithic 4x4 couplers, thereby reducing overall production costs and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of the standardized 2x2 directional coupler module to build the 4x4 coupling function. By copying and assembling these standardized modules rather than manufacturing a unique complex component, the production cost is reduced through economies of scale and the assembly process is simplified through repetition of standard procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional directional couplers are used, then coupling is achieved, but isolation between linear polarizations is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies specific structural modifications to the 2x2 directional coupler modules, particularly in the configuration of coupling slots and waveguide dimensions, to provide polarization isolation at local levels. By optimizing the local geometry of each module, the design ensures that electromagnetic fields of different linear polarizations remain isolated during coupling operations, thereby ensuring reliable polarization separation throughout the overall 4x4 coupler system.
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 solution results in a significantly reduced mass and volume of beamforming networks while maintaining radiofrequency performance, with production costs and assembly complexity decreased by half, and ensuring isolation between linear polarizations.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguides W1, W2, W3, W4 are coupled to one another by means of slot arrays S1-S4
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
A directional waveguide coupler (20), having four input ports and four output ports, wherein each of the input ports is coupled to each of the output ports, wherein the directional coupler (20) comprises: - a first coupler having two waveguides (W1, W2) coupled to each other by means of a first slot array (S1), defined in a first wall (21) common to the two waveguides (W1, W2) of the first coupler; - a second coupler having two waveguides (W3, W4), coupled to each other by means of a second slot array (S2), defined in a second wall (22) common to the two waveguides (W3, W4) of the second coupler. The first slot array (S1) and the second slot array (S2) lie on a first common plane. The first and second couplers are coupled to each other by means of a third slot array (S3) and a fourth slot array (S4), which lie on a second common plane perpendicular to the first common plane.