Waveguide Microstrip Coupling Without Shorting Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency electrical coupling arrangements between microstrip lines and waveguides require a shorting cap for efficient energy transfer, which increases cost and occupies valuable space in packages.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide to microstrip line coupling apparatus that eliminates the need for a shorting cap by using a microstrip patch with resonant characteristics matching the waveguide's frequency bandwidth, coupled with a via fence of parallel conducting members connecting the waveguide to the ground plane conductor for efficient signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a shorting cap is used for efficient energy transfer between waveguide and microstrip line, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but cost and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the shorting cap from the coupling structure, extracting the problematic component that occupied space while maintaining energy transfer efficiency through alternative means (optimized microstrip line configuration and waveguide coupling geometry)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies localized optimizations to specific regions of the coupling structure, such as adjusting the microstrip line dimensions and positioning near the waveguide opening, to achieve efficient energy transfer without requiring the shorting cap across the entire structure
2Loss of energy
If a shorting cap is used for efficient energy transfer, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the shorting cap component entirely, the patent eliminates the associated manufacturing costs while maintaining functional performance through redesigned coupling geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The microstrip line and waveguide structure itself performs the dual function of signal transmission and energy coupling, eliminating the need for separate shorting cap components and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
3Loss of energy
If probe is made narrow to minimize blockage of energy flow, then energy flow blockage is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the probe dimensions as a specific parameter, setting the width to approximately 0.05 inches to achieve optimal balance between minimizing energy blockage and maintaining manufacturability with standard precision capabilities
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
Enables efficient high-frequency signal transmission without the shorting cap, reducing cost and space requirements while maintaining effective energy transfer, and allowing for compact package designs.
Implementation Method 1
The microstrip patch has a resonance with the waveguide encompassing a predetermined high radio frequency bandwidth of signals to be conducted by the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of parallel conducting members form a via fence extending through the substrate that electrically connects the waveguide to the ground plane conductor
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical coupling apparatus providing transition between a high radio frequency waveguide (130) and a perpendicularly oriented microstrip line (110) without use of a shorting cap fixes an open end (132) of the waveguide perpendicularly to a dielectric substrate (120). The microstrip line is carried on the substrate and couples through a hole (134) in the waveguide wall to a microstrip patch (112) on the substrate within the waveguide having a resonance with the waveguide encompassing a predetermined high radio frequency bandwidth of signals to be conducted by the apparatus. A plurality of parallel conducting members (152, 154, 156) form a via fence aligned with the waveguide wall and extending through the substrate to electrically connect the waveguide to a planar ground conductor that covers the opposite side of the substrate, including the area under the open end of the waveguide.