Waveguide-PWB Interconnection for RF Signal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF interconnection techniques between printed wiring boards (PWBs) face challenges such as implementation complexity, reliability concerns, and high costs, particularly in high-frequency applications, due to the need for additional hardware and difficulty in achieving isolation and low signal losses.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a waveguide transmission line and waveguide feed circuits as integral parts of the PWBs eliminates the need for additional connecting hardware, providing a reliable and cost-effective RF signal path by aligning feed circuits with waveguide ports on the PWB frame, which can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and composite materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coaxial cable connection is used to couple RF signals between PWBs, then a relatively high level of performance is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and precision parts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coaxial cable connection structure with the PWB by integrating the center conductor as a trace on the PWB and incorporating the shielding function into the PWB ground structures. This eliminates the need for separate coaxial cables and connecting pins, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining RF performance through integrated feed circuits coupled to waveguide ports.
2Device complexity
If a flex circuit is used to interconnect PWBs, then the number of parts is reduced, but the isolation between PWBs deteriorates and electrical sealing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flex circuit structure with an integrated PWB design where the feed circuit is directly coupled to waveguide ports formed in the PWB frame. This eliminates the need for separate flex circuits and achieves superior isolation through the inherent shielding of the waveguide structure integrated into the PWB, while maintaining low part count.
3Reliability
If additional connecting hardware is used to couple PWBs to transmission lines, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connecting hardware functions into the PWB structure itself by forming feed circuits as integral parts of the PWB and creating waveguide ports directly in the PWB frame. This integration eliminates separate connecting components while maintaining connection reliability through direct coupling between the feed circuits and waveguide transmission line.
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 approach reduces the part count and assembly complexity, achieving reliable RF signal transmission with minimal added cost, suitable for high-frequency applications like automotive radar systems, while ensuring consistent performance and reduced leakage signals between transmit and receive functions.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide transmission line and waveguide feed circuits as integral parts of the PWBs eliminates the need for additional connecting hardware, providing a reliable and cost-effective RF signal path
Data Source
AI summary
An RF interconnection between RF Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) includes a waveguide transmission line coupled between the RF PWBs. The waveguide feeds are provided as integral parts of each PWB. In one embodiment, the waveguide interconnecting the PWBs is provided as an integral part of a support structure which supports the PWBs. By providing the interconnecting waveguide and the feeds at each end of the waveguide as integral pieces of other already existing structures, a reliable, low cost RF interconnection between RF PWBs having relatively few separate pieces is provided.