Patent ID: 7423498
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: H01P

Abstract:
1. A multilayer signal processing system comprising: first means for receiving an input signal and selectively routing said input signal onto a first signal path wherein said first means includes an input microstrip switching network in communication with one or more controllers for selectively switching said input signal onto one of plural input signal paths, said switching network disposed on a switching layer; second means for routing said input signal along said first signal path vertically through one or more horizontal layers to a first circuit component that provides an adjusted signal in response to receipt of said input signal wherein said one or more horizontal layers include one or more groundplane layers and wherein said second means further includes a first input waveguide extending from said input switching network vertically through at least one horizontal groundplane layer and to an input end of said first circuit component; third means for outputting said adjusted signal, wherein said third means includes a first output waveguide extending from an output end of said first circuit component and vertically through said at least one horizontal groundplane layer and to an output microstrip switching network disposed on said switching layer; one or more controllers coupled to said input switching network and/or to said output switching network, said one or more controllers being adapted to activate or select a desired circuit component disposed on said circuit layer in response to a given operational mode of said multilayer signal processing system; wherein said first circuit component is a stripline circuit component that is disposed on a circuit layer positioned between a first groundplane layer and a second groundplane layer, said first groundplane layer and said second groundplane layer corresponding to said at least one horizontal groundplane layer, wherein said circuit layer includes plural circuit components, each coupled to a respective input waveguide and output waveguide that extend vertically through said first groundplane layer to said input switching network and said output switching network, respectively, wherein said first input waveguide, said first output waveguide, and said each respective input waveguide and output waveguide are equipped with mode-suppression holes that parallel said waveguides, said waveguides being circular waveguides; and one or more additional circuit layers disposed substantially adjacent to and parallel to said second groundplane layer on a side of said second groundplane layer opposite said circuit layer, wherein said one or more additional circuit layers include one or more additional microwave filters disposed therein or thereon.