Waveguide Strip Line Transducer Substrate Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional waveguide strip line transducers have a larger external dimension due to the inclusion of a substrate, leading to increased footprint when mounted in power feed circuits for array antennas, as they require consideration of both the hollow waveguide and substrate dimensions, resulting in wider intervals and a larger antenna footprint.

Innovation Solution

A waveguide strip line transducer configuration where a substrate with a strip line in its inner layer forms one tube wall of a hollow waveguide, incorporating a first and second ground surface, and a probe connected via a via hole to the waveguide interior, allowing the transducer to match the external dimension of the hollow waveguide, thereby reducing the overall size and enabling more compact antenna arrays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a substrate is provided on the upper side of the tube wall as in conventional waveguide strip line transducers, then the strip line can be wired on the substrate, but the external dimension of the transducer becomes larger than the hollow waveguide dimension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrip line wiringVSAvoidexternal dimension

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is integrated into the tube wall structure itself, making the substrate and tube wall into a single unified component. This merging eliminates the need for a separate substrate mounted on the tube wall, thereby reducing the external dimension while maintaining the strip line wiring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the tube wall structure and the mounting platform for the strip line. By making the substrate perform both structural and electrical functions, the design eliminates redundant components and reduces overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a substrate is mounted on the hollow waveguide, then the strip line can be implemented, but the footprint of the array antenna becomes larger due to wider intervals between transducers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrip line implementationVSAvoidantenna footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate and tube wall are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for additional mounting space for a separate substrate. This integration allows transducers to be placed closer together, reducing the overall antenna footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The strip line is positioned within the inner layer of the substrate that forms the tube wall, utilizing the thickness dimension of the substrate rather than extending outward. This dimensional reorganization allows the strip line to be implemented without increasing the external footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10680307B2Waveguide to strip line transducer including a waveguide wall forming substrate having an end surface bonded to a second conductor, and a power feed circuit formed therefrom

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A substrate is used as one tube wall of a hollow waveguide, the substrate including a strip line wired in an inner layer, a first ground surface formed on a front surface, and a second ground surface formed on a part of a back surface. As a result of such a configuration, a waveguide strip line transducer having the same dimension as the external dimension of the hollow waveguide can be obtained.