Waveguide Transition Structure for Compact LNB Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low noise block down-converter systems require large circuit boards due to separated feed horns and discrete electronic devices, leading to high costs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a waveguide transition structure within the housing to guide microwave signals from the feed horn to the circuit board, allowing for an integrated circuit device that replaces multiple discrete devices, thereby reducing the circuit board layout size and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separated feed horns and discrete electronic devices are used, then signal processing capability is maintained, but circuit board layout size increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidcircuit board layout size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete electronic devices into a single integrated circuit device. The integrated device includes a low noise amplifier, frequency converter, and other signal processing components that were previously separate discrete devices. This merging reduces the number of components and their interconnections, thereby reducing the circuit board layout size and manufacturing cost while maintaining the required signal processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit device performs multiple functions that were previously handled by separate discrete devices. It includes amplification, frequency conversion, and other signal processing functions within a single device. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the system architecture, leading to reduced circuit board size and lower cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If separated feed horns are used, then signal reception capability is maintained, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidsignal reception capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple feed horns into a single feed horn structure with multiple ports or elements. This merging of feed horns reduces the structural complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate feed horn assemblies and their associated mounting structures, while the integrated device maintains the capability to receive and process signals from multiple satellites or frequency bands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a spatial arrangement of multiple separated feed horns to a multi-functional integrated structure that processes multiple signals within a single device. This dimensional change in system architecture consolidates what was previously a distributed spatial structure into a unified integrated component, reducing structural complexity while maintaining signal reception capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 waveguide transition structure enables a compact design, reducing the overall cost of the low noise block down-converter by integrating multiple functions into a single circuit device, while maintaining effective signal processing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a waveguide from propagating microwave signals along a direction different from a feed horn on the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide

Data Source

PatentEP3282516B1Waveguide transition structure for receiving satellite signals
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 MICROELECTRONICS TECH INC
  • EP3282516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3282516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3282516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a waveguide transition structure for receiving satellite signals, which can be implemented in a low noise block down-converter. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the low noise block down-converter includes a feed horn structure having at least a first waveguide extending along a first direction, a housing having at least a second waveguide extending along a second direction and communicating with the first waveguide, and a circuit board positioned within the housing. The second direction is substantially not in parallel to the first direction. The circuit board has a receiving pin configure to receive microwave signals propagating in the second waveguide.