Coaxial-to-Waveguide Fin Combiner for High-Power Broadband Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power combiners and dividers face challenges in handling high-power levels, as coaxial transmission lines are unsuitable for high-power applications and binary waveguide power dividers are bulky and limited in accommodating arbitrary numbers of outputs.

Innovation Solution

The development of coaxial-to-waveguide power combiner/divider devices with tapered fin interfaces and multiple sections to accommodate multiple coaxial inputs, allowing for high peak power handling and flexible output configurations, including reduced-height and asymmetric designs with dielectric filling to prevent breakdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If coaxial transmission line is used for power transport, then the system is compact and inexpensive, but it cannot handle high-power levels without breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidbreakdown risk

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces waveguide as an intermediary medium between multiple coaxial lines to transport high-power signals. The waveguide acts as a mediator that can handle high power levels without breakdown, while still allowing connection to multiple coaxial inputs/outputs through transitions. This resolves the contradiction by using waveguide's high power capability while maintaining the convenience of coaxial connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If binary waveguide power divider is used, then high-power levels can be handled, but the device becomes bulky and cannot accommodate arbitrary numbers of outputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of outputsVSAvoidbulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the waveguide structure by introducing multiple fins that extend into the waveguide from different walls. Each fin serves as an independent output port, allowing arbitrary numbers of outputs to be accommodated. This segmentation approach allows the waveguide to handle high power while providing flexible, compact output configurations without requiring bulky binary tree structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space within the waveguide by extending fins from different walls (top, bottom, side walls) into the waveguide volume. This dimensional approach allows multiple outputs to be packed compactly within the waveguide structure, accommodating arbitrary numbers of outputs without increasing external dimensions significantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Power

If multiple coaxial inputs are combined into single waveguide output, then high peak power can be handled, but impedance matching and bandwidth are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak power levelVSAvoidimpedance matching

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different fins to optimize their individual impedance transformations. Each fin can be designed with specific dimensions, positions, and shapes tailored to its particular coaxial input, allowing precise impedance matching for each connection point. This local optimization maintains broadband performance while handling high peak power levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

These devices provide a wideband interface capable of withstanding high peak power levels without breakdown, enabling efficient power combining and dividing across different media while accommodating various output configurations, improving RF fidelity and impedance matching.

Implementation Method 1

a coaxial-to-waveguide interface may be potted, covered, or filled with a suitable dielectric (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE)) to prevent breakdown in a high-field region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS12166263B2Coaxial-to-waveguide power combiner/divider comprising two fins disposed in a plane of the waveguide and connected to plural coaxial inputs/outputs

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

An apparatus for and a method of a coaxial-to-waveguide power combiner/divider. The apparatus includes a single-fin coaxial-to-waveguide power combiner/divider, including a waveguide having one open end, one closed end, and two sides that are broader than two other sides; two fins in a plane within the waveguide, wherein the plane is configured to be parallel to the broader sides of the waveguide; and at least one coaxial input joined to each of the two fins. Signals may be applied to the at least one coaxial input joined to each of the two fins are in phase with each other, and a number of the at least one coaxial input joined to each of the two fins may include one of a same number and a different number.