Waveguide to PCB Transition via Lateral Coupling Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide-to-coax transitions require multiple adapters, leading to high costs, size, weight, and power constraints due to their complexity and incompatibility with RF electronics on printed circuit boards, necessitating a more integrated and efficient solution for signal propagation.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board with a feed-to-waveguide transition is developed, comprising a laminate with a conductive antenna element and a waveguide having a closed end with an aperture, allowing direct integration of waveguides onto the board, reducing the need for multiple adapters and minimizing size, weight, and power constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If waveguide-to-coax adapters are used for transitioning from waveguide to microstrip, then signal propagation is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to requiring multiple adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the waveguide-to-coax transition and coax-to-microstrip transitions into a single integrated waveguide-to-microstrip transition structure. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate adapters, reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining signal propagation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal transition structure that performs multiple functions: it enables waveguide-to-coax transition, coax-to-microstrip transition, and provides direct waveguide-to-microstrip coupling all within a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the system.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional waveguide-to-coax adapters are used, then signal transition is achieved, but size and weight increase making them non-ideal for many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lateral transition approach where the microstrip line transitions to the waveguide aperture in a lateral direction rather than through sequential axial transitions. This dimensional change reduces the overall length and volume of the transition structure while maintaining effective signal coupling between waveguide and microstrip modes.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple transitions are used, then signal propagation is enabled, but power consumption and SWaP constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transition functions into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate waveguide-to-coax and coax-to-microstrip transitions. This reduction in the number of transitions directly lowers power consumption and simplifies the overall device, addressing SWaP constraints.
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
This solution provides a low-loss, low-SWaP microstrip-to-waveguide transition, enabling efficient signal propagation and processing while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs, as demonstrated by numerical model simulations showing improved insertion loss and bandwidth performance.
Implementation Method 1
the waveguide is attached to the top surface of the first dielectric layer with the aperture peripherally surrounding and electrically isolated from the conductive antenna element
Data Source
AI summary
A feed line to waveguide lateral transition is described consisting of: a proximity coupled antenna element on the top surface of a composite RF board, an embedded microstrip or stripline feed line, a ground plane on the bottom surface of the RF board, and a waveguide with an aperture enclosing the antenna element with a signal propagation through the waveguide being perpendicular to the antenna element.