Waveguide attenuator having coaxial probes
AssigneeCommunications & Power Industries, Inc.
InventorsJay William J. Conway, Robert McCowan, George Solomon
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Various methods and devices are provided for attenuating RF signals propagating within a waveguide. In particular, a plurality of coaxial probes are incorporated into the waveguide for the purpose of attenuating X-band RF signals. In one embodiment, a 7-bit, 3 dB linear digital attenuator is provided having a waveguide in a racetrack configuration. Coaxial probes in communication with the waveguide are adapted to couple energy to and from a signal traveling within the waveguide. The attenuator can also include switches adapted to reflect coupled energy back into the waveguide or pass the coupled energy to a resistive termination.
Claims25
A digital attenuator, comprising:
- a waveguide, the waveguide receiving a signal to be attenuated, and outputting the attenuated signal;
- at least one bit comprising at least one coaxial probe in communication with the waveguide to couple energy to and from a signal traveling within the waveguide;
- at least one coaxial line in communication with the at least one coaxial probe effective to receive the energy coupled from a signal by the at least one coaxial probe and including a switch,
- wherein the switch reflects the coupled energy back into the waveguide or passes the coupled energy to a resistive termination.
A method of attenuating an RF signal, comprising:
- inputting an RF signal into an attenuator having a waveguide;
- sending a digital command to at least one bit to toggle a switch;
- attenuating the RF signal by an amount corresponding to the at least one bit;
- outputting the RF signal attenuated by an amount corresponding to the at least one bit plus or minus about 0.03 dB.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.