Substrate Integrated Waveguide Switch Using EBG Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RF switches are bulky, require extra connectors and cables, and have high insertion loss, making them inefficient for electromagnetic signal switching.

Innovation Solution

A substrate integrated waveguide switch using reconfigurable electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures with tunable elements like PIN diodes and MEMS devices to control electromagnetic signal propagation through multiple transmission paths, eliminating the need for bulky connectors and reducing losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional RF switches are used for electromagnetic signal switching, then signal routing functionality is achieved, but the system becomes bulky with high insertion loss and requires extra connectors and cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidbulkiness and connector requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the waveguide structure with the switching mechanism by integrating reconfigurable EBG structures directly into the substrate. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate connectors and cables, reducing both insertion loss and device complexity. The EBG structures are embedded within the dielectric substrate itself, creating a unified compact switching system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical RF switch components with electromagnetic-based reconfigurable EBG structures. Instead of using mechanical connectors and cables that cause high insertion loss, the invention uses tunable elements (PIN diodes, MEMS devices) that control electromagnetic signal propagation through electromagnetic band gap effects, thereby reducing insertion loss and eliminating mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If reconfigurable EBG structures with tunable elements are used, then insertion loss is reduced and signal routing efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidfabrication complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses tunable elements (PIN diodes, MEMS devices) that change the electromagnetic parameters of the EBG structures dynamically. By altering the electrical state of these elements, the switching functionality is achieved without changing the physical structure during operation. This allows complex switching behavior to be controlled through simple electrical parameter changes rather than complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The reconfigurable EBG structures serve multiple functions: they act as both the waveguide structure and the switching mechanism. The same substrate that guides electromagnetic signals also contains the reconfigurable elements that control signal routing. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If all components are integrated on a single substrate, then device compactness and ease of fabrication are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration and fabricationVSAvoidsubstrate fabrication tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the switching function into multiple reconfigurable EBG structures distributed across the substrate. Each EBG structure can be independently controlled by individual tunable elements, allowing the system to achieve complex switching behavior through simpler, modular units. This segmentation reduces the precision requirements for the overall substrate fabrication compared to creating a single complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The use of tunable elements (PIN diodes, MEMS devices) allows the electromagnetic characteristics of the EBG structures to be adjusted after fabrication. This post-fabrication parameter tuning compensates for variations in substrate manufacturing, reducing the stringency of precision requirements during the fabrication process while maintaining high performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 compact, high-performance RF signal switching system with low insertion loss and efficient signal routing, enabling cost-effective and easy-to-fabricate microwave systems by integrating all components on a single substrate.

Implementation Method 1

reconfigurable electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures configured to pass or block an electromagnetic signal through the respective transmission arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic band gap (EBG):

Data Source

PatentUS9985331B2Substrate integrated waveguide switch

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A substrate integrated waveguide switch and a method of operating the substrate integrated waveguide switch are disclosed. In an embodiment a system includes a dielectric substrate and a switch supported by the dielectric substrate, the switch comprising at least one first transmission path, at least one first switching element in each of the at least one first transmission path, a second transmission path, and at least one second switching element in the second transmission path.