WAVEGUIDE FILTER
A filter for use with a waveguide which is part of a low-noise block (LNB) for use with VSAT, satellite communications systems is described. The filter is cast into the waveguide wall at the same time as the waveguide is manufactured providing a waveguide filter with a consistent filtering performance.
1 . A waveguide for use with a VSAT LNB comprising a waveguide housing having a waveguide wall for receiving electromagnetic radiation, the waveguide housing having a probe aperture receiving at least one probe for coupling the electromagnetic signal in the waveguide to an electrical signal in a circuit board, filter means cast into said waveguide wall for rejecting selected frequencies in a transmit band.
2 . A waveguide as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the filter means is cast in said waveguide wall adjacent to said probe aperture.
3 . A waveguide as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the filter means is dimensioned and proportioned to provide cancellation of a selected range of frequencies.
4 . A waveguide as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the filter means is a cast of generally cuboid shape disposed adjacent to a wall of said waveguide.
5 . A waveguide as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the filter means is a solid cuboid block or a hollow cuboid block.
6 . A waveguide as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the filter means is of any other suitable shape such as a rounded protrusion such as a quadrant.
7 . A waveguide as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the block is cast in the same material as the waveguide.
8 . A waveguide as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the cast block is dimensioned and proportioned to reject the unwanted 13.75 GHz to 14.5 GHz transmit frequency band or some part of it.
9 . An LNB comprising a waveguide with a filter cast in a wall of said waveguide, said LNB having at least one probe in said waveguide disposed next to said filter means, said probe passing through said waveguide wall and a microstrip circuit coupled to said probe.
10 . An LNB as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the waveguide is used with a VSAT system which includes a horn.
11 . An LNB as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the cast filter has a flat front face, spaced from, and a similar distance along the waveguide as said at least one probe.
12 . An LNB as claimed in claim 9 , wherein said LNB is for use with a VSAT system and said filter means is dimensioned and proportioned to reject the unwanted 13.75 GHz to 14.5 GHz frequency band.
13 . A method of manufacturing a waveguide for use with a VSAT system to minimise interference from an unwanted frequencies of transmit signals, said method comprising: determining the dimensions and proportion of a waveguide filter, and casting the waveguide and the determined waveguide filter simultaneously.