Abstract: A method is provided for forming waveguides in a PCB. The method may include forming an opening in a PCB core comprising a plurality of conductive layers interleaved with a plurality of insulating layers, the opening extending from a first side of the PCB core to a second side of the PCB core. The method may also include filling the opening with metal. The method may also include forming a cavity enclosed by sidewalls by removing a first portion of the filled opening, the cavity extending from the first side of the PCB core to the second side of the PCB core. A second portion of the filled opening is a heat transfer element configured to transfer heat from the first side of the PCB core to the second side of the PCB core. The at least one waveguide is embedded within the heat transfer element and configured for transmitting signals from the first side to the second side.

Abstract: An approach to modifying bias in a circulator to prevent higher order modes that involves the use of features positioned near the ferrite material of the circulator. The ferrite bias in the perimeter of the ferrite material is modified by the adjacent features such that higher order modes cannot be sustained. The features may include scallops that create a non-uniform magnetic field towards the perimeter of the ferrite while leaving the field near-uniform in the center where the fundamental circulator mode primarily resides. Alternatively, slots may be placed in the magnetically conductive housing bottom in the region of the edge of the ferrite material to prevent higher order modes.

Abstract: An approach to modifying bias in a circulator to prevent higher order modes that involves the use of features positioned near the ferrite material of the circulator. The ferrite bias in the perimeter of the ferrite material is modified by the adjacent features such that higher order modes cannot be sustained. The features may include scallops that create a non-uniform magnetic field towards the perimeter of the ferrite while leaving the field near-uniform in the center where the fundamental circulator mode primarily resides. Alternatively, slots may be placed in the magnetically conductive housing bottom in the region of the edge of the ferrite material to prevent higher order modes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coupler structure that includes a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port. L first transmission line layers are disposed in the structure. Each first transmission line layer includes a first transmission line conforming to a predetermined geometric configuration. The first transmission line is disposed on a first dielectric material between the first port and the second port. L is an integer. M second transmission line layers are disposed in alternating layers with the L first transmission line layers to form a total of N transmission line layers within the structure. M and N are integers and N is greater than or equal to three. Each second transmission line layer includes a second transmission line substantially conforming to the predetermined geometric configuration. The second transmission line is disposed on a second dielectric material between the third port and the fourth port.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a circulator comprising the steps of providing a central substrate layer with at least one cut-out section and circuit lines. Next, providing a magnet placed within said cut-out section and a ferrite placed on each side of said substrate layer. A steel plate is placed on each side of the substrate layer. Spacer layers are provided on each side of the substrate layer. An outer shim layer is placed on each side of the central substrate layer. Laminate sheets are placed between the substrate layer, the spacer layers, and the outer shim layers. Holes are drilled through each of the substrate, the spacer layers, the outer shims, and the laminate sheets. Heat and pressure are provided to cause the laminate sheets to flow in order to join the substrate, magnets, ferrites, steel plates, spacer layers and outer shim layers into a unitary structure. Finally the structure is plated.