This application relates generally to the field of microwave components and, more specifically, to microwave transfer devices used to combine and/or switch microwave signals traveling in different paths to and from microwave antennas, transmitters, receivers and other microwave loads. The invention has numerous applications and has particular utility in satellite communications equipment encompassing both ground and space segments.
In many applications, it is necessary to switch and/or combine microwave signals traveling in different paths to and from microwave antennas, transmitters, receivers and other microwave loads. In this regard, various practical transfer devices have been previously suggested.
A deficiency associated with many conventional transfer devices used to selectively switch and/or combine microwave signals is that they are typically bulky and/or complex to operate.
In light of the above, there is a need to provide improved transfer devices for microwave signals alleviate at least in part the deficiencies of the existing devices.
In accordance with a first aspect, the invention relates to a transfer device for microwave signals. The transfer device comprises a housing defining a cavity therein, input ports and output ports defined on walls of the housing, wherein the input ports are located on a first wall of the housing, and the output ports are located on a second wall of the housing. The transfer device also comprises a translatably displaceable waveguide structure positioned within the cavity defined by the housing. The translatably displaceable waveguide structure includes at least two selectable functional segments allowing to apply a selected function to microwave signals propagating between the input ports and the output ports. In use the translatably displaceable waveguide structure is displaced within the cavity to selectively align a specific one of the at least two selectable functional segments with at least some of the input ports and at least some of the output ports.
In a specific implementation, the selected function is selected from the set consisting of: (a) at least one switching function; and (b) at least one combining function.
In specific implementations, the input ports and the output ports are in the form of apertures configured in either the H-plane or the E-plane.
In a specific implementation, the first wall, on which are located the input ports, is positioned generally opposite the second wall, on which are located the output ports. In a practical implementation in which the housing has a generally rectangular shape, the first wall and second walls are opposing walls of the generally rectangular shape.
In a specific implementation, the two selectable functional segments of the translatably displaceable waveguide structure define respective sets of microwave transmission passages.
In a specific implementation, the transfer device further comprises an actuator for displacing the translatably displaceable waveguide structure within the cavity defined by the housing to selectively align a specific selectable functional segment of the translatably displaceable waveguide structure with at least some of the input and output ports of the device. In practical implementations, the actuator may include a manually operable mechanism, an electrically powered driving mechanism or both a manually operable mechanism and an electrically powered driving mechanism for displacing the translatably displaceable waveguide structure within the cavity.
In a specific implementation, the two selectable functional segments include a first selectable functional segment and a second selectable functional segment. In use, when the first selectable functional segment is aligned with the input ports and the output ports of the transfer device, the selected function is a first specific switching function causing microwave signals applied to the input ports to be switched toward the output ports in a first manner. Conversely, when the second selectable functional segment is aligned with the input ports and the output ports of the transfer device, the selected function is a second specific switching function causing microwave signals applied to the input ports to be switched toward the output ports in a second manner distinct from the first manner. Optionally, the translatably displaceable waveguide structure may includes a third selectable functional segment. In use, when the third selectable functional segment is aligned with the input ports and the output ports, the selected function is a first specific combining function causing microwave signals applied to the input ports to be combined prior to being released at the output ports so that signals released at the output ports are combined versions of the microwave signals applied to the input ports.
In a practical example in which the input ports include a first input port and a second input port and the output ports include a first output port and a second output port, when the first selectable functional segment is aligned with the input ports and the output ports, the selected function is a first specific switching function causing microwave signals applied to the first input port to be switched toward the first output port and causing microwave signals applied to the second input port to be switched toward the second output port. Conversely, when the second selectable functional segment is aligned with the input ports and the output ports, the selected function is a second specific switching function causing microwave signals applied to the first input port to be switched toward the second output port and causing microwave signals applied to the second input port to be switched toward the first output port.
In the practical example in which the input ports include a first input port and a second input port and the output ports include a first output port and a second output port, the first input port and the second output port may lie on a same first plane and the second input port and the first output port may lie on a same second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are distinct from one another.
In a specific implementation, the two selectable functional segments of the translatably displaceable waveguide structure define respective sets of microwave transmission passages, wherein microwave transmission passages in at least one of the respective sets of microwave transmission passages are positioned side-by-side on the translatably displaceable waveguide structure along an axis longitudinal to a direction of displacement of the translatably displaceable waveguide structure.
In accordance with another aspect, the invention relates to a transfer device for selectively combining and switching microwave signals. The transfer device comprises: a housing; input ports and output ports defined on walls of the housing; a first translatably displaceable waveguide structure positioned within the housing and a second translatably displaceable waveguide structure positioned within the housing. The first translatably displaceable waveguide structure includes at least two selectable functional segments and is selectively translatable along a first axis. The second translatably displaceable waveguide structure also includes at least two selectable functional segments and is selectively translatable along a second axis. In use the first and second translatably displaceable waveguide structures are displaced within the housing for selectively combining and switching microwave signals between the input ports and the output ports defined on the walls of the housing. The first translatably displaceable waveguide structure and the second translatably displaceable waveguide structure are configured so that microwave signals received at the input ports of the transfer device propagate through the first translatably displaceable waveguide structure and through the second translatably displaceable waveguide structure prior to being released at the output ports.
In specific examples of implementation, the first and second translatably displaceable waveguide structures can be displaced independently from one another within the housing.
In a first specific example of implementation, the housing defines a cavity therein and the first translatably displaceable waveguide structure and the second translatably displaceable waveguide structure are positioned within the defined cavity.
In an alternate example of implementation, the housing defines at least two cavities therein including a first cavity and a second cavity. The first translatably displaceable waveguide structure is positioned within the first cavity and the second translatably displaceable waveguide structure is positioned within the second cavity. In a specific implementation, the first cavity and second cavity are separated one from there other by a dividing wall, wherein the dividing wall includes apertures permitting communication between the first cavity and the second cavity.
In specific examples of implementation, the input ports are located on a first wall of the housing and the output ports are located on a second wall of the housing, the first wall being positioned opposite the second wall. In a practical implementation in which the housing has a generally rectangular shape, the first wall and second walls are opposing walls of the generally rectangular shape.
In a specific example, the transfer device further comprises an actuator for displacing the first translatably displaceable waveguide structure within the housing to selectively align a specific one of the at least two selectable functional segments of the first translatably displaceable waveguide structure with the input ports. The same actuator may be further configured, or a separate actuator may be provided, for displacing the second translatably displaceable waveguide structure within the housing to selectively align a specific one of the at least two selectable functional segments of the second translatably displaceable waveguide structure with the output ports.
In a practical example in which the input ports include a first input port and a second input port and the output ports include a first output port and a second output port, the first input port and the second output port may lie on a same first plane and the second input port and the first output port may lie on a same second plane. The first plane and the second plane may be distinct from one another or alternatively, may be co-planar with one another.
In accordance with another aspect, the invention relates to a method for use in connection with microwave signals. The method comprises providing a transfer device comprising a housing defining a cavity therein, input ports and output ports defined on walls of the housing wherein the input ports are located on a first wall of the housing, and the output ports are located on a second wall of the housing, and a translatably displaceable waveguide structure positioned within the cavity defined by the housing, wherein the translatably displaceable waveguide structure includes at least two selectable functional segments allowing to apply a selected function to microwave signals propagating between the input ports and the output ports. The method further comprises displacing the translatably displaceable waveguide structure of the transfer device within the cavity to align one of the at least two selectable functional segments with the input ports and the output ports. The method further comprises causing microwave signals to be propagated through a circuit including the transfer device so that microwave signals received at the input ports of the transfer device propagate toward the output ports through the aligned one of the at least two selectable functional segments.
In accordance with another aspect, the invention relates to a transfer device for selectively combining and switching microwave signals. The transfer device comprises a housing defining a cavity therein, input ports and output ports defined on walls of said housing, and a translatably displaceable waveguide structure positioned within the cavity defined by the housing. The translatably displaceable waveguide structure includes at least two selectable functional segments. In use, the translatably displaceable waveguide structure is displaced within the cavity for selectively combining and switching microwave signals between the input ports and the output ports defined on the walls of the housing.
Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.
A detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention is provided herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments of the invention and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.
Generally, the present invention relates to a transfer device that uses one or more translatably displaceable waveguide structures in order to apply a selected function to microwave signals applied to input ports of the transfer device as they propagate towards the output ports of the device. The transfer device proposed can be used, for example, to combine and/or switch microwave signals as they propagate between input and output ports of the device. In particular the displaceable waveguide structure used for selected the function to apply to microwave signal can be controlled without rotation or angular displacement of the displaceable waveguide structure.
Such a transfer device has particular utility in applications in satellite communications equipment encompassing both ground and space segments.
One non-limiting embodiment of the proposed transfer device is depicted in
The housing 102 also includes a lower surface (not shown) enclosing the bottom surface of the cavity 104. In addition, while not shown in the figures, the transfer devices depicted in
The transfer device 100 also includes a displaceable waveguide structure 200 that is positioned within the cavity 104 defined in the housing 102. In the example shown and as better illustrated in
In specific implementations, suitable guiding structures, such as for example guiding channels or grooves (not shown in the Figures), may be provided in the cavity 104 and/or on the displaceable waveguide structure 200 for assisting in the sliding of the displaceable waveguide structure 200 within the cavity 104. Such guiding structures may be positioned in any suitable locations within the device 100. In a first example, guiding structures are located around at least a portion of the inner periphery of the cavity 104 and complementary guiding structures are located along the sides of the displaceable waveguide structure 200 that engage the inner periphery of the cavity so as to assist in the sliding of the displaceable waveguide structure 200 within the cavity 104. In a second example, guiding structures are provided on the bottom surface (not shown) of the cavity 104 and complementary guiding structures are located on the surface of the displaceable waveguide structure 200 that engages the bottom surface (not shown) of the cavity 104.
A suitable alignment mechanism may also provided for assisting in establishing suitable path continuity between the apertures 150152 forming input ports, the transmission passages defined in the functional segments 202204206 of the waveguide structure 200 and the apertures 160162 forming output ports. Examples of alignment mechanisms include, without being limited to, mechanical stoppers for controlling the extent of displacement of the waveguide structure 200 and micro-switches for cutting power to and electrically powered driving mechanism used to displace the waveguide structure 200 based on the position of waveguide structure 200 within cavity 104. The person skilled in the art will appreciated that any suitable alignment mechanism for establishing path continuity may be used in alternative implementations.
In the example depicted, when the first functional segment 202 is aligned with the apertures 150152160162 forming the input and output ports of the housing 102 (as shown in
As such, when the first functional segment 202 is aligned with the apertures 150152160162 forming the input and output ports, a switching function is selected causing microwave signals, denoted as a↑ and b↑ above, applied to input ports A and B of the transfer device 100 to be switched in the manner specified by the above first switching relationship as they propagate toward the output ports C and D.
In the example depicted, when the second functional segment 204 is aligned with the apertures 150152160162 forming the input and output ports of the housing 102 (as shown in
port A (a↑)→port C (a1↑) (b1←)
port B (b↑)→port D (a2←)(b2↑)
where the arrow orientation counterclockwise movement above represents the principle of phase lagging created by the combiner and where substantially:
microwave signal a↑=a1↑+a2↑ and
microwave signal b↑=b1↑+b2↑.
As such, when the second functional segment 204 is aligned with the apertures 150152160162 forming the input and output ports, a combining function is selected causing microwave signals applied to input ports A and B of the transfer device 100 to be combined in the manner specified by the above combining relationship as they propagate toward the output ports C and D. As a result, signals released at output ports C and D correspond to combined versions of microwave signals applied to the input ports A and B.
In the example depicted, when the third functional segment 206 is aligned with the apertures 150152160162 forming the input and output ports of the housing 102 (as shown in
As such, when the third functional segment 206 is aligned with the apertures 150152160162 forming the input and output ports, a switching function is selected causing microwave signals applied to input ports A and B of the transfer device 100 to be switched in the manner specified by the above switching relationship toward the output ports C and D.
The offset configurations between the apertures 150152 forming input ports on wall 108 and between the apertures 160162 forming output ports on wall 210 allows the transmission passages in the third functional segment 206 to cross over one another, as shown in
The displaceable waveguide structure 200 can be displaced by any suitable actuator (no shown in the Figures), which may include a manually operable mechanism and/or any suitable electrically powered driving mechanism, in order to position the waveguide structure 200 in one of the depicted three (3) possible positions. In a specific example of implementation, to provide redundancy, multiple actuators can be provided. In a non-limiting implementation, both a manually operable mechanism and a suitable electrically powered driving mechanism are provided to allow the displaceable waveguide structure to be controlled by either one or both mechanisms. Any suitable mechanism may be used to drive the actuator. For example, a linear solenoid could be suitable for moving a relatively small waveguide structure. Other sizes may make use of pneumatic cylinder with the movable member attached to the piston of the cylinder, and the like. In a specific non-limiting implementation, a linear-gear controlled using a motor (such as for example a stepper motor) is used control the displacement of the waveguide structure 200 within the cavity 104. Such a mechanism alone or combined with suitable alignment mechanisms of the type described earlier in the present document, provide an increased precision in the control of the displacement of the waveguide structure 200 within the cavity 104 and assist in establishing suitable path continuity between the apertures 150152 forming input ports, the transmission passages defined in the functional segments 202204206 and the apertures 160162 forming output ports.
Another non-limiting embodiment of the proposed transfer device is depicted in
While not shown in the figures, the housing 202 also includes a side surface, corresponding to the right side surface of the device 300 as shown in the drawings, enclosing the side of the cavity 304. In addition, also not shown in the figures, the transfer devices depicted in
As was described with reference to the embodiment of
Yet another non-limiting embodiment of the proposed transfer device is depicted in
The transfer device 500 also includes a first displaceable waveguide structure 600 and a second displaceable waveguide structure 600′. In the embodiment depicted in
As better illustrated in
Functional segments 612604612′ 614′ each define respective sets of microwave transmission passages between two input ports and two output ports. The displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ can be displaced within the cavity 504 to selectively align one of the two distinct functional segments 612 and 604 with the apertures 550552 forming the input ports (Port A and Port B) and to selectively align one of the two distinct functional segments 612′ and 604′ with the apertures 560562 forming the output ports (Port C and Port D). In this example, the displaceable transfer structures 600 and 600′ can be independently translatably displaced by sliding them within the cavity 504 along respective axes. The cavity 504 is shaped and has dimensions to accommodate this sliding therein of the displaceable waveguide structures 600 and 600′.
In specific implementations, suitable guiding structures, such as for example guiding channels or grooves (not shown in the Figures), may be provided in the cavity 504 and/or on the displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ for assisting in the sliding of the displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ within the cavity 504. Such guiding structures may be positioned in any suitable locations within the device 500. In a first example, guiding structures are provided around at least a portion of the inner periphery of the cavity 504 and complementary guiding structures are provided along the sides of the displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ that engage the inner periphery of the cavity 504. In a second example, guiding structures are provided on the bottom surface (not shown) of the cavity 504 and complementary guiding structures are provided on the surface of the displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ that engages the bottom surface (not shown) of the cavity 504. In addition, aligning mechanisms (such as mechanical stoppers, micro-switches and the like) for assisting in establishing suitable path continuity between the input ports, the transmission passages and the output ports of the device 500 may also be provided.
In use, the first and second displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ cooperate with one another in order to selectively combine and switch microwave signals propagating between the apertures 550552560562 forming the input ports and the output ports of the device 500. As depicted in
In the example depicted, when the first functional segment 612 of structure 600 is aligned with the apertures 550552 forming the input ports of the housing 502, and the first functional segment 612′ of structure 600′ is aligned with the first functional segment 612 of structure 600 and with the apertures 560562 forming the output ports of the housing 502 (as shown in
As such, when the first and second translatably displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ and positioned within the housing in the manner shown in
In the example depicted, when the first functional segment 612 of structure 600 is aligned with the apertures 550552 forming the input ports of the housing 502, and the second functional segment 604′ of structure 600′ is aligned with the output of the first functional segment 612 and with the apertures 560562 forming the output ports of the housing 502 (as shown in
port A (a↑)→port C (a1↑) (b1←)
port B (b↑)→port D (a2←)(b2↑)
where the above counterclockwise movement of the arrow orientation represents the principle of phase lagging created by the combiner, and where substantially:
microwave signal a↑=a1↑+a2↑ and
microwave signal b↑=b1↑+b2↑
As such, when the first and second translatably displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ and positioned within the housing in the manner shown in
In the example depicted, when the second functional segment 604 of structure 600 is aligned with the apertures 550552 forming the input ports of the housing 502, and the second functional segment 604′ of structure 600′ is aligned with the output of the second functional segment 604 and with the apertures 560562 forming the output ports of the housing 502 (as shown in
The above switching relationship is implemented by the consecutive combining actions performed by the functional segments 604 and 604′ (combiners), in the manner illustrated in
port A (a↑)→COMBINER→(a1↑)(b1←)→COMBINER→(a1↑)(a2↓) (b1←)(b2←)→port C (b↑)
port B (b↑)→COMBINER→(a2←)(b2↑)→COMBINER→(a2←)(a1←) (b2↑)(b1↓)→port D (a↑)
where the terms (a1↑) (b1←) and (a2←) (b2↑) show the intermediate microwave signals obtained at the outputs of functional segment (combiner) 604, where the terms (a1↑) (a2↓) (b1←)(b2←) and (a2←)(a1←) (b2↑)(b1↓) show the microwave signals obtained at the outputs of functional segment (combiner) 604′, and where the above counterclockwise movement of the arrow orientation represents the principle of phase lagging created by the combiners.
As such, when the first and second translatably displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ are positioned within the housing in the manner shown in
An advantage of the embodiment depicted in
The displaceable waveguide structures 600 and 600′ can be displaced by one or more actuators (no shown in the Figures), which may include manually operable mechanisms and/or any suitable electrically powered driving mechanisms, so as to position the displaceable waveguide structures 600600′ in one of the positions depicted in
The housing 502 also includes a lower surface (not shown) enclosing the bottom surface of a cavity 504 formed therein. In addition, while not shown in the figures, the transfer devices depicted in
While the embodiment described with reference to
While the embodiment described with reference to
While not shown in the figures, the transfer devices depicted in
While the embodiments depicted in
In addition, it is to be appreciated that while the embodiment depicted in
In addition, it is to be appreciated that while the displaceable waveguide structures 200400600600′ 800 and 800′ have been shown as including certain numbers of distinct functional segments, each defining respective sets of microwave transmission passages between input ports and output ports of the transfer device, alternative embodiments of the invention may include fewer than or more than the herein illustrated functional segments depending on the combining and switching function that are to be achieved by the transfer device.
Parts of the herein described devices, including the housing and the displaceable waveguide structure, are machinable by precision metal working machines of the type known in the art of wave guides.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact examples and embodiments shown and described, and accordingly, suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the present specification, the term “a” used before a term encompasses embodiments containing one or more to what the term refers. It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that throughout the present specification, the term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, un-recited elements or method steps.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions will control.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, variations and refinements are possible and will become apparent to persons skilled in the art in light of the present description. The invention is defined more particularly by the attached claims.
For the purpose of the United States, the present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC §119e) based on U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/794,865 filed on Mar. 15, 2013 by Nick Vouloumanos et al. and presently pending. The contents of the above-referenced document are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61794865 | Mar 2013 | US |