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. A multi-layer waveguide device comprising: at least three horizontally divided layers assembled into a multi-layer waveguide, wherein the at least three horizontally divided layers are at least a top layer, an intermediate layer, and a bottom layer, each of the at least three horizontally divided layers has respective through going empty holes extending through an entirety of the respective layer, and the respective through going empty holes are arranged with an offset with respect to adjacent through going empty holes of adjoining layers thereby creating a leak suppressing structure.
2. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-layer waveguide further comprises a waveguide channel, said waveguide channel is an elongated aperture in at least one intermediate layer of the at least three horizontally divided layers.
3. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 2, wherein the multi-layer waveguide further 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, and in the bottom layer, and the waveguide channel outlet is arranged according to any one of: in the top layer, and in the bottom layer.
4. A method for producing a multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 1, the method comprising etching or laser cutting the respective through going empty holes in each of the at least three horizontally divided layers.
5. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer in the multi-layer waveguide has at least a first, a second, and a third intermediate layer, and wherein each of the first, second and third intermediate layers comprises an elongated aperture arranged concentric for each of the first, second and third intermediate layers.
6. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 5, 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 such that a stepped structure is defined at each end of the elongated aperture.
7. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 5, wherein the second intermediate layer further comprises a central member arranged within the elongated aperture.
8. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-layer waveguide is arranged as any one of a slotted array antenna, a filter, a rectangular waveguide, and a coaxial waveguide.
9. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 1, 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 layer and the second bottom layer comprises holes that extend only partly through the at least one of the second top layer and the second bottom layer.
10. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 1, wherein each of the through going empty holes has any one of a circular, triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, and rectangular shape.
11. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-layer waveguide further comprises a waveguide channel, said waveguide channel being an aperture extending through all of the at least three horizontally divided layers.
12. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 11, wherein at least one row of the through going empty holes is arranged around the waveguide channel.
13. The multi-layer waveguide device according to claim 11, wherein the waveguide channel comprises multiple side flanges extending in a direction perpendicular to an extension direction of said waveguide channel.
14. A method for producing a multi-layer waveguide device, the method comprising: etching or laser cutting through going holes of a top layer of the multi-layer waveguide device, the through going holes surrounding an elongated area in a center area of the top layer, etching or laser cutting through going holes of at least one intermediate layer of the multi-layer waveguide device, the through going holes surrounding an elongated area in a center area of the at least one intermediate layer, etching or laser cutting an elongated aperture into the elongated area of the at least one intermediate layer, and etching or laser cutting through going holes of a bottom layer of the multi-layer waveguide device, the through going holes surrounding an elongated area in a center area of the bottom layer.
15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the top layer, the at least one intermediate layer, and the bottom layer are held together with any one of a conductive glue, an isolating glue, and screws.
16. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: etching or laser cutting a waveguide channel inlet into any one of the top layer and the bottom layer, and etching or laser cutting a waveguide channel outlet into any one of the top layer and the bottom layer.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The invention is described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
(2) FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment a multi-layer waveguide.
(3) FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an assembled multi-layer waveguide comprising the layers as illustrated in FIG. 1.
(4) FIG. 3 illustrates two examples of layers for a multi-layer waveguide.
(5) FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a hole pattern for a top layer of a multi-layer waveguide.
(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a vertical cross-section of one embodiment of a multi-layer waveguide.
(7) FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of multiple layers for a multi-layer waveguide.
(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a vertical cross-section of one embodiment of a coaxial multi-layer waveguide.
(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a vertical cross-section of one embodiment of a coaxial multi-layer waveguide.
(10) FIG. 9a-9c illustrates different embodiments of hole patterns of layers in a multi-layer waveguide.
(11) FIG. 10a illustrates one embodiment with two layers, shown side-by-side, for a multi-layer waveguide.
(12) FIG. 10b illustrates the two layers as shown in FIG. 10a but here instead stacked for showing one embodiment with offset between holes in adjacent layers of the multi-layer waveguide.
(13) FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of multiple layers for a multi-layer waveguide with additional, or second, top and bottom layers.
(14) FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of an assembled multi-layer waveguide comprising the layers as illustrated in FIG. 11.
(15) FIG. 13 illustrates another view of the embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.
(16) FIG. 14 illustrates one example of a waveguide device where the waveguide channel is arranged to be used as a filter.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
(17) In the following, a detailed description of different embodiments of the invention are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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.
(18) 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 thereby creating an EBG-structure (electromagnetic band gap).
(19) 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 said layers, where 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 may be arranged as illustrated and described herein.
(20) 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 3, or openings in the top layer 2a, as shown in FIG. 1, of the multi-layer waveguide 1.
(21) FIG. 3 illustrates embodiments of a top layer 2a and an intermediate layer 2c, being examples of how a 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. The elongated aperture is here also shown with flanges 9, further discussed below.
(22) In FIG. 3, an elongated area 6 in this embodiment, the top layer 2a is shown. The elongated area 6 is a solid part of the layer. The holes 3, elongated apertures 7, and/or inlets etc. are formed by removing material to create through going openings in the layer.
(23) FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a pattern of openings in a layer. This layer may be either a top layer 2a, a bottom layer 2e, or an intermediate layer, e.g. corresponding to any one of the intermediate layers shown in FIG. 1. When the shown embodiment corresponds to an intermediate layer, a multi-layer waveguide comprising such a layer would also comprise a top layer or bottom layer having a waveguide inlet and a waveguide inlet arranged at the same place as the shown waveguide inlet 4 and the waveguide outlet 5, but with holes arranged with an offset to the holes 3 shown in FIG. 4.
(24) FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of a multi-layer waveguide 1, where the holes are illustrated as holes 3a-3b in different layers. The holes 3a in the top layer 2a are arranged with an offset to the holes 3b in one of the three intermediate layers shown 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 where the waveguide channel 77 comprises a step structure formed in the intermediate layers and arranged at each end of the waveguide channel 77 to better direct an electromagnetic wave from the waveguide channel inlet 4, into the waveguide channel 77, and towards the waveguide channel outlet 5.
(25) The step structure can be seen at both the channel inlet 4 and the channel outlet 5. The shown step structure also results in an example of elongated apertures of adjoining layers, here the intermediate layers, that form the waveguide channel 77, as mentioned above. The shown example also illustrates where the elongated aperture in a first intermediate layer is longer than the elongated aperture in a second intermediate layer and the elongated aperture in the second intermediate layer is longer than the elongated aperture in a third intermediate layer, as realized from studying the figure.
(26) FIG. 6 illustrates embodiments of layers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e for a multi-layer waveguide 1. The layers as illustrated in FIG. 6 each comprises holes 3 that are arranged with an offset between the different layers, or at least between adjoining layers. FIG. 6 further illustrates orientation, or order, of the layers, where 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 for the multi-layer waveguide and the multi-layer waveguide can be arranged, or oriented, in any direction during use. The orientation in examples herein and how it relates to the named order of the layers, is merely for explanatory reasons. However, in some embodiments, the multi-layer waveguide may be arranged just as illustrated and described herein.
(27) FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section of one embodiment of the multi-layer waveguide 1, with holes 3 indicated in a top layer 2a and where a central member 8 is arranged within the waveguide channel 77, creating a coaxial waveguide. It is understood that the central member 8 may have any form or shape. The central member 8 may be arranged in multiple layers if other structures of the coaxial waveguide than the structure shown in FIG. 7 are desirable to accomplish-. A waveguide channel inlet 4 and a waveguide channel outlet 5 are shown in the top layer 2a.
(28) FIG. 8 illustrates another cross section of one embodiment of a multi-layer waveguide 1 being a coaxial waveguide, wherein a central member 8 is arranged in the center part of a waveguide channel 77. Holes 3 are indicated in the figure.
(29) FIGS. 9a-9c illustrate different embodiments of patterns for layers in a multi-layer waveguide 1. Openings, that is, holes 3, a waveguide channel inlet 4, a waveguide channel outlet 5, and elongated apertures 7 are illustrated in FIGS. 9a-9c. It is understood that the inlet 4 and outlet 5 may switch place without affecting the overall function of the waveguide, i.e., that the direction for guiding waves in the waveguide can be switched.
(30) FIG. 9a illustrates a multi-layer coaxial waveguide with a rectangular cross section. A top layer 2a here 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.
(31) The first intermediate layer 2b shows a number of flanges 9 arranged around an elongated aperture 7 that is part of a waveguide channel as previously disclosed. 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 is assembled will create the part making the waveguide channel coaxial. The third intermediate layer 2d illustrates an elongated aperture 7 with flanges.
(32) Further relating to the flanges 9, in one embodiment the flanges are reversed, i.e. extending into the waveguide channel.
(33) One advantage with the side flanges is that the side flanges reduce leakage through minimizing the waves' ability to couple with the edge and forcing the wave to propagate in a specific direction. Losses are thereby reduced. 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.
(34) According to one embodiment the flanges are reversed, i.e. extending into the waveguide channel, such as the waveguide channel 77.
(35) FIG. 9a further illustrates a bottom layer 2e with two rows of holes 3 and an elongated area 6.
(36) FIG. 9b illustrates another embodiment of layers in a multi-layer waveguide where the holes 3 are round instead of square as in FIG. 9a. Further FIG. 9b illustrates layers for a multi-layer waveguide that are not coaxial and there is thus no central member as in FIG. 9a. The layers in FIG. 9b correspond to layers as in FIG. 9a, that is, there is a top layer 2a, a first intermediate layer 2b, a second intermediate layer 2c, a third intermediate layer 2d, and a bottom layer 2e. Except from said differences the multilayer waveguides of FIGS. 9a and 9b may be similar, for example with an inlet 4 and outlet 5 in the top layer 2a, elongated areas 6 and elongated apertures 7, as shown in the figure.
(37) FIG. 9c illustrates another embodiment of a coaxial multi-layer waveguide wherein a waveguide channel inlet 4 is arranged in the bottom layer 2e and a waveguide channel outlet 5 is arranged in a top layer 2a. The rest of the layers in FIG. 9c correspond to layers as in FIGS. 9a and 9b, that is, there is a first intermediate layer 2b, a second intermediate layer 2c with flange 9, a third intermediate layer 2d, and a bottom layer 2e. Moreover, there are elongated areas 6 and elongated apertures 7, as shown in the figure.
(38) FIG. 10a illustrates a top layer 2a and an intermediate layer 2b side by side showing the holes 3. Moreover, an elongated area 6 and an elongated aperture 7 is shown in the figure.
(39) 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. Flanges 9, as mentioned above, are shown in both FIGS. 10a and 10b.
(40) FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-layer waveguide 1. In the embodiment 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.
(41) FIG. 12 illustrates a multi-layer waveguide 1 comprising the layers of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 illustrates how the waveguide 1 comprises a waveguide channel inlet 4 and a waveguide channel inlet 5 being apertures, holes, or openings, that in the shown embodiment are located in the additional top layer 22a of the multi-layer waveguide 1.
(42) FIG. 13 also illustrates the layers of the embodiment of the multi-layer waveguide 1 as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. The figure indicates the additional top layer 22a and the additional bottom layer 22b with said holes 33 that don't extend entirely through the layer.
(43) FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a multi-layer waveguide 1 according to some embodiments. The multi-layer waveguide 1 here has another form of waveguide channel than some of the other embodiments herein. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the waveguide channel extends perpendicularly through the extension direction of the layers.
