Waveguide Transition Using Resonator for Tolerance Insensitive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide transitions from microstrip conductors to waveguides are sensitive to manufacture and assembly tolerances, especially at higher frequencies, making them difficult to produce and assemble accurately.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide transition arrangement comprising a first ground plane with a first aperture, a feed probe crossing the aperture, a second ground plane with a second aperture, and a waveguide resonator part with an opening facing the second aperture, where a wall structure forms a cavity between the ground planes, electromagnetically connecting the apertures to facilitate microwave signal transition with reduced sensitivity to tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal back short is used with a probe perpendicular to the waveguide, then the transition arrangement achieves proper electromagnetic coupling, but the manufacturing and assembly tolerances become extremely tight at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resonator structure as an intermediary element between the feed probe and the waveguide. This resonator acts as a mediator that couples the probe to the waveguide through its resonant modes, eliminating the need for direct tight-tolerance positioning between the probe and waveguide walls. The resonator's geometry can be optimized to provide broad bandwidth while maintaining relaxed tolerances for all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequencies of the cavities to match the desired operating frequency band. By designing the cavities with specific dimensions that resonate at the target frequencies, the system achieves effective coupling without requiring tight mechanical tolerances. The resonant parameter optimization allows for broader frequency operation with relaxed manufacturing constraints.
2Reliability
If tight tolerances are required for high frequency operation, then electromagnetic performance is maintained, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transition structure into separate functional segments: a feed probe section, a resonator section with multiple cavities, and a waveguide section. Each segment can be manufactured and tuned independently, then assembled with much looser tolerances than a monolithic structure. The resonator cavities can be individually adjusted to achieve the desired resonant frequencies without requiring the entire assembly to meet tight tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides impedance transformation, frequency selection through resonant modes, and electromagnetic coupling between the probe and waveguide. This multi-functionality is achieved in a single integrated resonator assembly that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit, reducing the number of tight-tolerance interfaces required in the overall system.
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
The solution provides a robust transition with minimal radiation from the feed probe, eliminating the need for a cover and ensuring accurate alignment, thus reducing manufacturing and assembly challenges and maintaining performance across a broad frequency band.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide resonator part that has an opening that faces the second aperture... the second aperture is electromagnetically connected to a second cavity comprised in the waveguide resonator part. The waveguide resonator part is in turn electromagnetically connected to a waveguide section via a third aperture comprised in the waveguide resonator part
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a waveguide transition arrangement (1) comprising a first ground plane (6) with a first aperture (7), a feed probe (4) that crosses the first aperture (7), a second ground plane (8) with a second aperture (9), and a waveguide resonator part (10) that has an opening (11) that faces the second aperture (9). The first ground plane (6) faces the second ground plane (8) and is positioned between the feed probe (4) and the second ground plane (8), and the second ground plane (8) faces the waveguide resonator part (10). A wall structure (12) is at least partly arranged between the first ground plane (6) and the second ground plane (8) such that a first cavity (13) is formed in an enclosed volume between them. The first aperture (7) and the second aperture (9) are electromagnetically connected to the first cavity (13), and where the second aperture (9) to a second cavity (14) in the waveguide resonator part (10) which is electromagnetically connected to a waveguide section (15) via a third aperture (16).