Patent ID: 6252473
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: H01P

Abstract:
A three dimensional microwave switch for routing signals in an operating frequency band along selectable signal paths between a plurality of switch ports, said switch comprising:a plurality of I/O microwave ports having respective signal lines;a plurality of waveguide transmission lines coupled between respective pairs of said I/O microwave ports, each said waveguide transmission line having an interior surface and being dimensioned to have a cutoff frequency greater than said operating frequency band, said waveguide transmission lines being spatially configured in three dimensions to define a polyhedron with said I/O microwave ports positioned at the corners of said polyhedron;a through path coupled between at least two opposing I/O microwave ports and passing through the interior of said polyhedron;a plurality of conductive reeds, each said reed being positioned in a respective waveguide transmission line of said plurality of waveguide transmission lines; andan actuator that selectively moves each said reed between a signal-attenuating position abutting said interior surface of said waveguide transmission line and a signal-conducting position substantially coaxial with said waveguide transmission line and abutting said signal lines of said I/O microwave ports coupled to opposite ends of said waveguide transmission line.