Abstract
A multi-layer waveguide device, a multi-layer waveguide arrangement, and a method for production thereof, wherein the multi-layer waveguide comprises at least three horizontally divided layers assembled into a multi-layer waveguide. The layers are at least a top layer, an intermediate layer, and a bottom layer, wherein each layer has through going holes extending through the entire layer. The holes are arranged with an offset to adjacent holes of adjoining layers creating a leak suppressing structure.
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A multi-layer waveguide device comprising at least three horizontally divided layers assembled into a multi-layer waveguide, wherein the layers are at least a top layer, an intermediate layer, and a bottom layer, wherein each layer has through going holes extending through the entire layer and wherein the holes are arranged with an offset to adjacent holes of adjoining layers creating a leak suppressing structure.
20. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 19, wherein the holes has any one of a circular, triangular, square, pentagonal, rectangular, rectangular, square, hexagonal, or rectangular shape.
21. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 19, wherein the multi-layer waveguide comprises a waveguide channel, said waveguide channel being an aperture extending through all layers.
22. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 19, wherein the multi-layer waveguide comprises a waveguide channel, said waveguide channel is an elongated aperture in at least one intermediate layer.
23. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 22, wherein the multi-layer waveguide comprises a waveguide channel inlet aligning with a start of the waveguide channel and a waveguide channel outlet aligning with an end of the waveguide channel, wherein the waveguide channel inlet is arranged according to any one of: in the top layer, in the bottom layer, and the waveguide channel outlet is arranged according to any one of: in the top layer, in the bottom layer.
24. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 21, wherein at least one row of holes is arranged around the waveguide channel.
25. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 19, wherein the multi-layer waveguide has at least a first, a second, and a third intermediate layer, and wherein each intermediate layer comprises an elongated aperture arranged concentric for each intermediate layer.
26. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 25, wherein the elongated aperture in the first intermediate layer is longer than the elongated aperture in the second intermediate layer and the elongated aperture in the second intermediate layers is longer than the elongated aperture in the third intermediate layer.
27. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 25, wherein the first, second, and third intermediate layers each comprises an elongated aperture, and the second intermediate layer further comprises a central member arranged within the elongated aperture.
28. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 21, wherein the waveguide channel comprises multiple side flanges extending in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of said waveguide channel.
29. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 19, wherein the multi-layer waveguide further comprise at least one of a second top layer arranged on top of the top layer and a second bottom layer arranged underneath the bottom layer, wherein said at least one of the second top and bottom layers comprises holes that extend only partly through the layer.
30. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 19, wherein the multi-layer waveguide is arranged as any one of a slotted array antenna, a filter, a rectangular waveguide, and a coaxial waveguide.
31. A multi-layer waveguide arrangement comprising a multi-layer waveguide according to claim 21, wherein an active component is arranged in the waveguide channel of the multi-layer waveguide.
32. A layer (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e) for a multi-layer waveguide according to claim 19.
33. A method for producing a multi-layer waveguide device, wherein the method comprises the steps of etching or laser cutting: a top layer comprising at least one row of through going holes surrounding an elongated area in the center area of the layer, at least one intermediate layer comprising at least one row of through going holes surrounding an elongated area in the center area of the layer and wherein an elongated aperture is etched or laser cut into the elongated area, and a bottom layer comprising at least one row of through going holes surrounding an elongated area in the center area of the layer.
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the method further comprises the step of etching or laser cutting: a waveguide channel inlet into any one of the top layer or the bottom layer, and a waveguide channel outlet into any one of the top layer or the bottom layer.
35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the layers are held together with any one of a conductive glue, an isolating glue, or screws.
36. The method for producing a multi-layer waveguide device comprising etching or laser cutting steps, is a multi-layer waveguide according to claim 19.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0094] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0095] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of multiple layers for a multi-layer waveguide.
[0096] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an assembled multi-layer waveguide comprising the layers as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0097] FIG. 3 illustrates two examples of layers for a multi-layer waveguide.
[0098] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a hole pattern for a top layer in a multi-layer waveguide.
[0099] FIG. 5 illustrates a vertical cross-section of one embodiment of a multi-layer waveguide.
[0100] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of multiple layers for a multi-layer waveguide.
[0101] FIG. 7 illustrates a vertical cross-section of one embodiment of a coaxial multi-layer waveguide.
[0102] FIG. 8 illustrates a vertical cross-section of one embodiment of a coaxial multi-layer waveguide.
[0103] FIG. 9a-c illustrates different embodiments of hole patterns for layers in a multi-layer waveguide.
[0104] FIG. 10a illustrates one embodiment of two layers for a multi-layer waveguide shown side-by-side.
[0105] FIG. 10b illustrates the two layers as shown in FIG. 10a instead illustrated on top of each other showing one embodiment of the offset between holes in adjacent layers for a multi-layer waveguide.
[0106] FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of multiple layers for a multi-layer waveguide with a second top and bottom layer.
[0107] FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of an assembled multi-layer waveguide comprising the layers as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0108] FIG. 13 illustrates another view of the embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0109] FIG. 14 illustrates one example of a waveguide device wherein the waveguide channel is arranged to be used as a filter.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0110] In the following, a detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention is disclosed under reference to the accompanying drawings. All examples herein should be seen as part of the general description and are therefore possible to combine in any way of general terms. Individual features of the various embodiments and aspects may be combined or exchanged unless such combination or exchange is clearly contradictory to the overall function of the multi-layer waveguide, arrangement, or production method thereof.
[0111] Briefly described the solution relates to a multi-layer waveguide without any requirement for electrical and galvanic contact between the layers. The multi-layer waveguide has a leak suppressing structure for reducing leakage between the layers of said waveguide. The leak suppressing structure comprise multiple holes that are arranged in at least one row surrounding the waveguide channel and the holes are arranged with an offset between the layers creating an EBG-structure (electromagnetic band gap).
[0112] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of layers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e for a multi-layer waveguide 1. The layers as illustrated in FIG. 1 each comprises holes 3 that are arranged with an offset between the different layers, or at least between adjoining layers. FIG. 1 further illustrates the orientation of the layers as described herein wherein the top layer 2a is above the intermediate layers 2b, 2c, 2d and the intermediate layers 2b, 2c, 2d are above the bottom layer 2e. However, it should be noted that any number of layers can be used within the multi-layer waveguide and the multi-layer waveguide can be arranged in any direction during use. The orientation and how that relates to the order of the layers is merely for explanatory reasons. However, in some embodiments the multi-layer waveguide might be arranged as illustrated and described herein.
[0113] FIG. 2 illustrates a multi-layer waveguide 1 comprising the layers of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 further illustrates how the waveguide 1 comprises a waveguide channel inlet 4 and a waveguide channel inlet 5 being apertures, holes, or openings in this embodiment in the top layer 2a of the multi-layer waveguide 1.
[0114] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a top layer 2a and an intermediate layer 2c showing an example of how the pattern of holes, inlet, outlet, and apertures for different layers might look. FIG. 3 further illustrates an elongated aperture 7 that in an assembled multi-layer waveguide 1 either on its own or together with elongated apertures 7 of adjoining layers forms the waveguide channel 77, see for example FIG. 5.
[0115] In FIG. 3 an elongated area 6 of, in this embodiment, the top layer 2a is shown. The elongated area 6 is a solid part of the layer meanwhile for example the holes 3, elongated apertures 7, inlets 4, 5 etc. are material that is removed to create through going openings in the layer.
[0116] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the pattern of a layer. This layer might in different embodiments be either a top layer 2a, a bottom layer 2e, or an intermediate layer. In the embodiment wherein FIG. 4 illustrates an intermediate layer a multi-layer waveguide comprising such a layer would also comprise a top 2a or bottom 2b layer having the waveguide inlet 4 and waveguide inlet 5 arranged at the same place but with holes 3 arranged with an offset.
[0117] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of a multi-layer waveguide 1 wherein the holes 3 are illustrated as holes 3 in different layers 3a, 3b. The holes 3a in the top layer 2a are arranged with an offset to the holes 2b in the intermediate layer 2b as can be seen in FIG. 5. The cross section is here within the waveguide channel 77 which is clearly visible in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 further illustrates an embodiment of the multi-layer waveguide 1 wherein the waveguide channel 77 comprises a step structure arranged at each end of the waveguide channel 77 to better direct an electromagnetic wave towards the waveguide channel outlet 5 respectively into the waveguide channel 77 from the waveguide channel inlet 4.
[0118] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of layers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e for a multi-layer waveguide 1. The layers as illustrated in FIG. 1 each comprises holes 3 that are arranged with an offset between the different layers, or at least between adjoining layers. FIG. 1 further illustrates the orientation of the layers as described herein wherein the top layer 2a is above the intermediate layers 2b, 2c, 2d and the intermediate layers 2b, 2c, 2d are above the bottom layer 2e. However, it should be noted that any number of layers can be used within the multi-layer waveguide and the multi-layer waveguide can be arranged in any direction during use. The orientation and how that relates to the order of the layers is merely for explanatory reasons. However, in some embodiments the multi-layer waveguide might be arranged as illustrated and described herein.
[0119] FIG. 7 illustrate a cross section of one embodiment of the multi-layer waveguide 1 wherein a central member 8 is arranged within the waveguide channel 77 creating a coaxial waveguide. It is understood that the central member 8 might have any form or shape. The central member 8 could further be arranged in multiple layers if other structures of the coaxial waveguide is desired.
[0120] FIG. 8 illustrates another cross section of one embodiment of a coaxial waveguide wherein a central member 8 is arranged in the center part of the waveguide channel 77.
[0121] FIG. 9a-c illustrates different embodiments of patterns for layers in a multi-layer waveguide 1 wherein the openings 3, waveguide channel inlet 4 and outlet 5, and elongated apertures 7 are illustrated. It is understood that the inlet 4 and outlet 5 might switch place without affecting the overall function of the waveguide, i.e. that the direction for guiding waves in the waveguide can be switched.
[0122] FIG. 9a illustrates a multi-layer coaxial waveguide with a rectangular cross section. The top layer 2a comprises multiple holes 3 arranged in two rows surrounding an elongated area 6. In the elongated area 6 is a waveguide channel inlet 4 and a waveguide channel outlet 5 arranged, both being through going apertures extending through the top layer 2a.
[0123] The first intermediate layer 2b shows a number of flanges 9 arranged around an elongated aperture 7 that is part of the waveguide channel 77. The elongated aperture 7 extends between and connects to the inlet 4 and outlet 5 as illustrated. The second intermediate layer 2c comprises a central member 8 that is a solid member that when the waveguide 1 is assembled will create the part making the waveguide channel 77 coaxial. The third intermediate layer 2d illustrates an elongated aperture 7 with flanges.
[0124] Further relating to the flanges 9, in one embodiment the flanges are reversed, i.e. extending into the waveguide channel 77.
[0125] It is one advantage with the side flanges that they reduce leakage through minimizing the waves ability to couple with the edge and propagate. This is due to the discontinuity in the edge. Waves coupling to the edge of a waveguide loses energy which is at least in part prevented with the flanges as described herein.
[0126] According to one embodiment the flanges are reversed, i.e. extending into the waveguide channel 77.
[0127] FIG. 9a further illustrates a bottom layer 2e with two rows of holes 3 and an elongated area 6
[0128] FIG. 9b illustrates another embodiment of layers in a multi-layer waveguide 1 wherein the holes 3 are round instead of square as in FIG. 9a. Further FIG. 9b illustrates layers for a multi-layer waveguide 1 that isn't coaxial.
[0129] FIG. 9c illustrates another embodiment of a coaxial multi-layer waveguide wherein the waveguide channel inlet 4 is arranged in the bottom layer 2e and the waveguide channel outlet 5 is arranged in the top layer 2a.
[0130] FIG. 10a illustrates a top layer 2a and an intermediate layer 2b side by side showing the holes 3.
[0131] FIG. 10b illustrates the top layer 2a and the intermediate layer 2b that are illustrated in FIG. 10a but with the layers stacked on top of each other. From this view, it is clear how the offset of the holes 3 in one embodiment could look like. However, it should be noted that the solution is not limited to any specific design and any pattern of holes 3 that creates an EBG structure is within the scope of the solution.
[0132] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-layer waveguide 1. In the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 11 the waveguide comprises one additional top layer 22a and one additional bottom 22b layer. The additional layers have holes 33 that don't extend the entire length through the layer.
[0133] FIG. 12 illustrates a multi-layer waveguide 1 comprising the layers of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 further illustrates how the waveguide 1 comprises a waveguide channel inlet 4 and a waveguide channel inlet 5 being apertures, holes, or openings in this embodiment in the additional top layer of the multi-layer waveguide 1.
[0134] FIG. 13 illustrates the layers of the embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0135] FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-layer waveguide as claimed in the independent claims. The multi-layer waveguide has another form of waveguide channel than some of the other embodiments, wherein for the embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 14 the waveguide channel extends perpendicular through the extension direction of the layers.
