Patent Grant
11228116
Not applicable.
The present invention generally relates to waveguide feeds, and more particularly to a multi-band circularly polarized waveguide feed network.
Typically, antenna waveguide feed networks which cover wide bandwidths such as the commercial Ka Band, are composed of many parts, have a high level of complexity and high mass. The numerous parts and high level of complexity can also lead to manufacturing risks, which can further increase the costs of manufacturing over the commercial Ka band.
According to various aspects of the subject technology, methods and configuration are disclosed for providing low-cost and compact Ka-band circular polarization waveguides with dual polarization transmit (TX) and dual polarization receive (RX).
In one or more aspects, a multiband waveguide feed network includes multiple TX magic tees, multiple RX-reject waveguide filters configured to reject RX frequencies, and multiple branch-line couplers configured to couple the plurality of RX-reject waveguide filters to the plurality of TX magic tees. The multiband waveguide feed network further includes a quadrature junction coupler configured to couple the plurality of RX-reject waveguide filters to an antenna port. The multiband waveguide feed network is configured to be fabricated in four pieces with three split planes and is circularly polarized.
In other aspects, an antenna array system includes an antenna array consisting of multiple antenna elements and an array of multiband waveguide feed networks consisting of multiple multiband waveguide feed networks. Each multiband waveguide feed network is coupled to an antenna element of the antenna array, and includes multiple TX magic tees, multiple RX-reject waveguide filters configured to reject RX frequencies, multiple branch-line couplers configured to couple the multiple RX-reject waveguide filters to the multiple TX magic tees, and a quadrature junction coupler configured to couple the multiple RX-reject waveguide filters to an antenna port. Each multiband waveguide feed network is configured to be fabricated in four pieces with three split planes, and the multiband waveguide feed network is circularly polarized.
In yet other aspects, a circularly polarized multiband waveguide feed network device includes a first section, a second section coupled to the first section via a first split-plane, a third section coupled to the second section via a second split-plane, and a fourth section coupled to the third section via a third split-plane. The circularly polarized multiband waveguide feed network device further includes multiple TX magic tees, multiple RX-reject waveguide filters configured to reject RX frequencies, multiple branch-line couplers configured to couple the multiple RX-reject waveguide filters to the multiple TX magic tees. The circularly polarized multiband waveguide feed network device further includes a TX magic tee of the multiple TX magic tees implemented as a first portion and a second portion in the first section and the second section, respectively. The first, second, and third split-planes are on zero-current region of the device.
The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features of the present disclosure so that the following detailed description can be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure, which form the subject of the claims, will be described hereinafter.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings describing specific aspects of the disclosure, wherein:
The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology can be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be clear and apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology is not limited to the specific details set forth herein and can be practiced using one or more implementations. In one or more instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block-diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.
Methods and configurations are described for providing a low-cost and compact Ka-band circular polarization waveguides. The subject technology provides for a high performance, low mass and low cost waveguide feed network solution for extended multi-bands, including Ka band. The commercial Ka band can be defined as: TX: 17.700 GHz to 20.200 GHz and RX: 27.5 GHz to 30.00 GHz. The waveguide feed can be readily scaled to any frequency band beyond the Ka band, which requires narrowband operation with proper TX to RX frequency separation. In some aspects, the waveguide feed solution can be scaled for C-Band or others. The subject technology provides for a multi-band waveguide solution with circularly polarized power splitters covering narrowband operation including the Ka Band based on the positioning of the components within the split planes as well as the split plane selection. It is this positioning and selection that leads to significant mass and complexity reductions as well as manufacturing risk mitigation.
In particular, the subject technology relates to microwave circular polarization waveguides with dual polarization transmit (TX) in the Ka-band (e.g., 17.70 to 20.20 GHz) and dual polarization receive (RX) in the Ka-band (e.g., 27.50 to 30.00 GHz) of the electromagnetic spectrum. In one or more implementations, the circularly polarized waveguide feed network of the subject technology can be a waveguide with four sections with split planes on the zero-current region. In one or more implementations, the feed can be desirably fit under the smallest aperture sizes for array configurations.
In one or more implementations, by utilizing two branch-line couplers rather than just one, the subject technology allows for the entire waveguide feed network to be split on the zero current region, and maintain symmetry and mitigate manufacturing risk. In one or more implementations, the use of two branch-line couplers allows for simple routing of waveguides to different magic tees and without degrading axial ratio of the waveguide feed network. In one or more implementations, positioning of the magic tees in same split-planes as other components (e.g., RX network, antenna port) of the waveguide feed network allows for significant miniaturization, mass reduction, and manufacturing risk reduction. In one or more implementations, by utilizing magic tees with the difference ports loaded, risk of recombination path length mismatch is mitigated and the recombination paths do not require tuning.
Existing solutions are typically at a much higher level of complexity (e.g., multipart multi-component assembly) and costs. The disclosed waveguide can be made of four pieces and/or sections at a fraction of the cost of the traditional approach.
For the purposes of the present disclosure TX is the lower operating band and RX is the higher operating band. However, the TX and RX nomenclature here could be reversed as would be typical of a ground antenna rather than a space antenna.
The magic tee 110 splits a full-power TX signal to the sum port 120a between the co-linear ports 120c and 120d at phase equal to zero. For example, the magic tee 110 splits the full-power TX signal equally into two half-power TX signals at phase equal to zero between the co-linear ports 120c and 120d. The branch-line coupler 150a further splits the received TX signal (e.g., half-power TX signal at phase equal to zero) via waveguide 130 into two TX signals (e.g., two quarter-power signals) with one of the signals at phase equal to zero and the other signal with a phase of 90 degrees. Similarly, the branch-line coupler 150b further splits the received TX signal (e.g., half-power TX signal at phase equal to zero) via waveguide 140 into two TX signals (e.g., two quarter-power signals) with one of the signals at phase equal to zero and the other signal with a phase of 90 degrees. The split signal at phase equal to zero from the branch-line coupler 150a is co-polar to the split signal at phase equal to zero from the branch-line coupler 150b. Similarly, the split signal with phase of 90 degrees is co-polar with the split signal with phase of 90 degrees from the branch-line coupler 150b.
The split signals from branch-line coupler 150a are fed to the RX-reject waveguide filters 160a and 160b via waveguides 132 and 134, respectively, and the split-signals from branch-line coupler 150b are provided to the RX-reject waveguide filters 160c and 160d via waveguides 142 and 144. The RX-reject waveguide filters 160a, 160b, 160c, and 160d, are configured to reject RX frequencies (e.g., frequencies within a range of 27-30 GHz) and feed the TX signals received via waveguides 132, 134, 142, and 144 to the QJC 170 via waveguides 136, 138, 146, and 148, respectively. The split signals via waveguides 136, 138, 146, 148 meet the QJC 170 in a co-polar orientation and the QJC 170 is configured to recombine the split signals received via waveguides 136, 138, 146, 148 to form a full power TX signal. Due to each split TX signal fed to the QJC 170 being co-polar with at least one other split TX signal fed to the QJC 170, the split TX signals can be recombined to form the full power TX signal, which is now circularly polarized and is emitted from the antenna port.
The use of two branch-line couplers 150 by the subject technology overcomes the manufacturing hurdles facing the existing solution and allows for fabrication of the multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100 in four pieces with three zero-current split planes. Additionally, the use of two branch-line couplers 150 allows for mating of two magic tees and allows for dual polarization transmit (TX) and dual polarization receive (RX). In one or more implementations, the multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100 of the subject technology can be fabricated using a suitable material such as aluminum or other material, for example, by machining, electroplating, and/or other fabrication techniques. In one or more implementations, multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100 can be fabricated using a three-dimensional (3-D) printing and/or other similar fabrication techniques. The polarization of the TX portion depicted in
The shelled model 200A shows a loaded difference port 205 of a magic tee placed across the first piece 201 and the second piece 202, and a loaded difference port 206 of a magic tee placed across the third piece 203 and fourth piece 204. The shelled model 200A shows an antenna port 210 that can be coupled to a radio-frequency (RF) antenna. Additional details of the shelled model 200A and various components of the shelled model 100 are described herein with respect to
In one or more implementations, one of the RX waveguide ports (e.g., RX waveguide port 211) may receive left-handed circularly polarized (LHCP) signal and one of the RX waveguide ports (e.g., RX waveguide port 213) may receive a right-handed circularly polarized (RHCP) signal. The multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100 as described herein is configured to transmit signals while maintaining sufficient isolation from the receive band, and receive signals while maintaining sufficient isolation from the transmit band.
The LHCP TX recombination-path waveguides 303 and 305 are coupled to the co-planar ports of the magic tee 304. The LHCP TX recombination-path waveguides 303 and 305 route the TX signals symmetrically to a TX branch-line coupler (shown in
The TE20 suppression bends 351, 352, 353, and 354 provide broadband isolation from TE20 mode. The TE20 suppression bends 351, 353 suppress the TE20 mode generated by the LHCP Hbends 306 and 307, respectively, and the TE20 suppressions bends 352 and 354 suppress the TE20 mode generated by the RHCP Hbends 361 and 362, respectively. The RHCP Hbends are folded backwards and are coupled to the RHCP TX recombination-path waveguides described in detail below. The TE20 suppression bends 351 and 353 are coupled to the input ports of branch-line coupler 331 and the TE20 suppression bends 352 and 354 are coupled to the input ports of branch-line coupler 332.
Each of the branch-line couplers 331 and 332 can comprise four ports, two input ports and two output ports. The branch-line couplers 331 and 332 are similarly configured as branch-line couplers 150a and 150b (shown in
The branch-line couplers 331 and 332 are coupled to the TX manifold 241 via the RX-reject waveguide filters 321, 322, 323, 324. The RX-reject waveguide filters 321, 322, 323, 324 are similarly configured as reject RX-reject waveguide filters 160a, 160b, 160c, and 160d, and reject RX frequencies (e.g., within a range of about 27-30 GHz). The RX-reject waveguide filters 321, 322, 323, 324 prevent RX signals from entering the TX network and allow them to pass straight through. The TX manifold 341 is configured to combine the TX signals to generate circular polarization.
The magic tee 381 splits a TX signal received at a sum port of the magic tee 381, and provides the split signals to the branch-line couplers 331 and 332 via the RHCP TX recombination-path waveguides 382 and 383. The RHCP TX recombination-path waveguides 382 and 383 are coupled to the co-planar ports of the magic tee 381. The RHCP TX recombination-path waveguides 382 and 383 route the split signals from the magic tee 381 to the branch line couplers 331 and 332 via the RHCP Hbends 361 and 362.
Chart 700B shows plots 730 and 740 (overlapping plots) of the variation of RX-to-TX port isolation between the above described RX waveguide transformer ports and TX waveguide transformer ports of the multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100. The RX-to-TX port isolation values, as depicted by plots 730 and 740, are lower than about −70 dB and well below a specification limit of about −58 dB, as shown by a line 750. Chart 700C shows plots 761 and 762 of the variation of TX return loss at the above described different TX waveguide transformer ports of the multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100. These return-loss values, as depicted by plots 761 and 762, are lower than −25 dB and well below a specification limit of about −18 dB, as shown by a line 770. Chart 700C also shows plot 763 of the variation of the RHCP to LHCP isolation between a RHCP TX waveguide transformer and a LHCP TX waveguide transformer of the multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100 (e.g., between RHCP TX waveguide transformer 391 and LHCP TX waveguide transformer 392). This return-loss value, as depicted by plot 764, is lower than −29 dB and well below a specification limit of about −18 dB, as shown by a line 770.
Chart 800C shows plots 861 and 862 (overlapping plots) of the variation of RX return loss at the above described different RX waveguide transformer ports of the multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100. These return-loss values, as depicted by plots 861 and 862, are lower than −23 dB and well below a specification limit of about −18 dB, as shown by a line 870. Chart 800C also shows plot 863 of the variation of the RHCP to LHCP isolation between a RHCP RX waveguide transformer and a LHCP RX waveguide transformer of the multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100 (e.g., between RHCP RX waveguide transformer 393 and LHCP RX waveguide transformer 394). This return-loss value, as depicted by plot 863, is lower than −28 dB and well below a specification limit of about −18 dB, as shown by a line 870.
Chart 800D shows plots 881, 882, 883, 884, and 885 and 886 (overlapping plots) of higher order mode suppression for a RX frequency range of 27.5 GHz to 30 GHz. Plot 881 represents higher order mode TE01, plots 882 and 884 represents higher order mode TE21, plot 883 represents higher order mode TM01, and overlapping plots 885 and 886 represent higher order mode TM11. As shown by plots 881, 882, 883, 884, and 885 and 886, the higher order content is less than −45 dB for the multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100. This is below a specification limit of about −40 dB, as shown by the line 890, and does not degrade axial-ratio performance or antenna patterns of the multiband circularly polarized waveguide feed network 100.
The process 900 includes fabricating a first piece (e.g., 300A of
The method further includes fabricating a second piece (e.g., 300B of
The method further includes fabricating a third piece (e.g. 300C of
The method further includes fabricating a fourth piece (e.g., 300D of
In some aspects, the subject technology is related to antenna technology, and more particularly to a multiband dual polarization TX, dual polarization RX, circular polarization waveguide network. In some aspects, the subject technology may be used in various markets, including, for example and without limitation, sensor technology, communication systems and radar technology markets.
Those of skill in the art would appreciate that the various illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative blocks, modules, elements, components, methods, and algorithms have been described above generally in terms of their functionalities. Whether such functionalities are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionalities in varying ways for each particular application. Various components and blocks may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way), all without departing from the scope of the subject technology.
It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or that all illustrated blocks may be performed. Any of the blocks may be performed simultaneously. In one or more implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single hardware and software product or packaged into multiple hardware and software products.
The description of the subject technology is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. While the subject technology has been particularly described with reference to the various figures and aspects, it should be understood that these are for illustration purposes only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the subject technology.
A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically stated, but rather “one or more.” The term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the subject technology. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the above description.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the disclosed aspects, one having ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that these aspects are only illustrative of the invention. It should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The particular aspects disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative aspects disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and operations. All numbers and ranges disclosed above can vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any subrange falling within the broader range are specifically disclosed. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meanings unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. If there is any conflict in the usage of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definition that is consistent with this specification should be adopted.
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/756,509 filed Nov. 6, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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