Waveguide Power Divider for Ferrite Circulator RF Power Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ferrite circulator triad switches in satellite systems face limitations in RF power handling, leading to the need for larger and heavier high power loads to absorb reflected RF power, which is inefficient in terms of space and cost due to increased weight and size constraints in satellite design.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a waveguide power divider between the output circulators of the triad switch to distribute reflected RF power among multiple waveguide loads, allowing for the use of lower-rated, lighter, and less expensive loads, and reducing the number of loads required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high power loads are used to absorb reflected RF power in ferrite circulator triad switches, then the reliability and isolation between output ports are improved, but the weight and size of the satellite system increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation between output portsVSAvoidweight of high power loads

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single high power load into multiple lower power loads (typically three loads). Each load handles only a portion of the reflected RF power, specifically one-third in a balanced configuration. This segmentation allows the use of lighter, smaller loads while maintaining the ability to absorb the total reflected power, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a power divider as an intermediary component between the ferrite circulators and the loads. The power divider distributes the reflected RF power among multiple loads, enabling each load to operate at a lower power level. This intermediary device allows the system to maintain high power handling capability and isolation while using lighter individual loads, thus resolving the weight-reliability contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If high power loads are used to handle full transmit power levels, then the power handling capability is improved, but the volume and mass of the satellite system increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidmass of high power loads

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power handling function across multiple loads connected through a power divider. Each load handles a fraction of the total power (e.g., 1/3 of reflected power in a three-load configuration), allowing the system to maintain full power handling capability while using lighter individual loads. This directly addresses the contradiction between power capability and mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If larger high power loads are used to absorb reflected RF power, then the absorption capability is improved, but the space available in the satellite is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption of reflected powerVSAvoidvolume of high power loads

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power absorption function among multiple smaller loads. Each load is physically smaller than a single equivalent high power load would be, and their combined volume is reduced due to the power divider's efficient distribution of reflected power. This segmentation approach maintains full absorption capability while reducing total volume, resolving the contradiction between absorption capability and space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables efficient absorption of full reflected input power by distributing it across multiple waveguide loads, reducing the size, weight, and cost of the high power loads, while maintaining high isolation between output ports.

Implementation Method 1

using a waveguide power divider coupled between the first circulator and the second circulator, distributing reflected RF power received at the first output port or the second output port between a plurality of waveguide loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower division:

Implementation Method 2

operating a ferrite circulator switch to direct RF power to either a first output port or a second output port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerrite circulator switching: Faraday Effect

Implementation Method 3

distributing reflected RF power received at the first output port or the second output port between a plurality of waveguide loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF power absorption: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9466866B2Systems and methods for using power dividers for improved ferrite circulator RF power handling

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for using power dividers for improved ferrite circulator RF power handling are provided. In one embodiment, a method for switching RF power using a high power circulator switch comprises: operating a ferrite circulator switch to direct RF power to either a first output port or a second output port, the ferrite circulator switch comprising at least three ferrite circulators arranged as a triad switch, wherein a first circulator is coupled to the first output port, a second circulator is coupled to the second output port; and using a waveguide power divider coupled between the first circulator and the second circulator, distributing reflected RF power received at the first output port or the second output port between a plurality of waveguide loads.