Compact Multiport Waveguide Switches Using PIN Diode Loads

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional waveguide switches face difficulties in implementing multiport switches, such as SP4T and SP6T, due to limitations in signal routing and compactness, especially in high power and high frequency applications, where mechanical rotation-based solutions are cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of waveguide switches using alternating short and open circuits in ridge waveguides, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation, allows for compact designs of C, R, and T-type switches, as well as SP4T and SP6T switches, utilizing simple short circuit load concepts to achieve all necessary port interconnections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical rotation-based waveguide switches are used, then signal routing capability is improved, but device complexity and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal routing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical rotation-based waveguide switching with a solid-state PIN diode-based switching mechanism. The PIN diodes are integrated into the waveguide structure to provide electrical control of signal routing, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same signal routing functionality for multiport switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the waveguide system by introducing PIN diodes that can be electrically controlled to alter the electrical characteristics of the waveguide paths. By controlling the bias voltage applied to the PIN diodes, the signal routing is dynamically changed without mechanical movement, enabling compact multiport switch configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical rotation-based waveguide switches are used, then signal routing capability is improved, but volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal routing capabilityVSAvoidswitch volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical rotation-based waveguide switching with a solid-state PIN diode-based switching mechanism. The PIN diodes are integrated into the waveguide structure to provide electrical control of signal routing, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same signal routing functionality for multiport switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a compact waveguide junction design where multiple waveguide ports are integrated into a shared junction structure. The PIN diodes are embedded within the waveguide walls, and the switching elements are nested within the waveguide body, achieving a compact multiport switch configuration that minimizes overall volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Power

If conventional waveguide switch designs are used, then high power handling is achieved, but multiport functionality becomes difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower handling capabilityVSAvoidmultiport functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal waveguide junction structure that can accommodate multiple ports (SP4T, SP6T configurations) while maintaining high power handling capability. The same basic junction design with integrated PIN diodes can be configured for different port numbers and switching topologies, providing multi-functionality without sacrificing power handling performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical rotation-based waveguide switching with a solid-state PIN diode-based switching mechanism. The PIN diodes are integrated into the waveguide structure to provide electrical control of signal routing, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts while achieving the same signal routing functionality for multiport switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9059495B2Compact multiport waveguide switches

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 RUIZ CRUZ JORGE A

AI summary

A waveguide switch based on alternating short and open loads in a waveguide path. In one embodiment, the switch being made up of four waveguides connected by sections of ridge waveguides where simple short-circuit loads can be activated to control the signal paths. The switch being adapted for the C-, R- and T-type switches. Another embodiment of the same device being adapted for SPT type switched.