WO2017157462A1

WO2017157462A1 - Improved pressure window for a microwave waveguide interface

Info

Publication number: WO2017157462A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/055976
Authority: WO
Inventors: Håkan WENNSTRÖM
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2016-03-18
Filing date: 2016-03-18
Publication date: 2017-09-21

Abstract

A pressure window for a microwave waveguide interface is disclosed. The pressure window has a first side arranged to be a pressurized side when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface. The pressure window comprises a first mark and a second mark. The first and the second mark are arranged to be detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface and distinguishable from each other, such that an orientation of the pressurized side of the pressure window relative to an orientation of the waveguide interface is unambiguously detectable based on the first and the second mark in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface.

Description

IMPROVED PRESSURE WINDOW FOR A MICROWAVE WAVEGUIDE INTERFACE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wireless communication systems, and in particular to a pressure window for a microwave waveguide interface.

BACKGROUND

A microwave radio link or radio link system is a communication system that transmits data between two fixed locations over a point-to-point link. A microwave radio link transmitter and receiver are often incorporated into one unit, herein denoted as microwave transceiver. The microwave transceiver is often connected to an antenna unit via a waveguide.

If moisture is allowed to enter a waveguide, corrosion may occur inside the waveguide which corrosion has a detrimental effect on the performance of the waveguide. Therefore, waveguides are often pressurized in order to prevent moisture from entering the waveguide interior.

To seal the waveguide at a waveguide interface and allow for pressurization on one side of the interface, a pressure window is installed in connection to the interface. The pressure window has a first side arranged to be a pressurized side. Such pressure windows are known.

Pressure windows need to be installed according to specification, i.e., the pressurized side of the pressure window has to be facing the pressurized section of the waveguide, otherwise the pressure window will not function and/or break. A problem is that sometimes the pressure window is not installed according to specification.

SUMMARY An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pressure window which installation in a waveguide interface can be verified from an exterior of the waveguide. A further object is to simplify correct installation of the pressure window. This object is obtained by a pressure window for a microwave waveguide interface. The pressure window has a first side arranged to be a pressurized side when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface. The pressure window comprising a first mark and a second mark, the first and the second mark are arranged to be detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface and distinguishable from each other when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface, such that an orientation of the pressurized side of the pressure window relative to an orientation of the waveguide interface is unambiguously detectable based on the first and the second mark in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface. This way, it becomes possible to inspect a waveguide interface from the outside and determine if the pressure window is installed according to specification. I.e., a technician does not need to dismantle the waveguide interface in order to verify that the pressure window is correctly installed. Instead, the field technician can verify pressure window installation by detection from the outside of the waveguide. This simplifies trouble-shooting of faulty communications equipment.

According to aspects, at least one of the first and second marks comprises a notch in the pressure window. Such notches or grooves in the pressure window are easily manufactured and do not add significantly to manufacturing costs of the improved pressure window.

According to aspects, the first mark is arranged to be detectable and distinguishable from the second mark by means of a specific color or texture. The use of a specific color or texture improves detectability of the mark.

According to aspects, at least one of the first and second marks forms a tap on the pressure window arranged to be received in a corresponding groove in the microwave waveguide interface. This tap and groove arrangement ensures that the pressure window is installed according to specification. An erroneous installation is not possible due to the tap and groove arrangement.

According to aspects, at least one of the first and second marks forms a groove in the pressure window arranged to receive a corresponding tap arranged on the microwave waveguide interface. Again, this tap and groove arrangement ensures that the pressure window is installed according to specification. An erroneous installation is not possible due to the tap and groove arrangement.

The disclosed tap and groove arrangements simplify correct installation of the pressure window. According to aspects, the pressure window has a first side having a rectangular shape, the rectangular shape having a first edge and a second edge adjacent to the first edge, wherein the first mark is arranged on first edge and the second mark is arranged on the second edge.

Such rectangular-shape pressure windows fit with rectangular shaped waveguide interfaces.

According to aspects, the pressure window has a first side having a square shape, the square shape having a first edge and a second edge adjacent to the first edge, wherein the first mark is arranged on first edge and the second mark is arranged on the second edge.

Such square-shape pressure windows fit with squared shaped waveguide interfaces.

According to aspects, the pressure window has a first side having a circular shape, wherein the first and second marks are arranged separated by a distance on an edge of the circular shape. Such circular-shape pressure windows fit with circularly shaped waveguide interfaces.

According to aspects, the second mark is distinguishable from the first mark by means of having a different shape than the first mark, said different shape being detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface. The detecting by means of different shape is advantageous in scenarios where the pressure window has symmetric shape or where color and/or texture are not suitable means of differentiating first and second mark. Said different shape can also be used as complement to a different color or texture, providing improved detectability.

According to aspects the second mark is distinguishable from the first mark by means of having a different color or texture than the first mark, said different color or texture being detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface. The detecting by means of different color or texture is advantageous in scenarios where the pressure window has symmetric shape or where a different shape is not a suitable means of differentiating first and second mark. Said different color or texture can also be used as complement to a different shape, providing improved detectability. According to aspects, the first and the second mark are arranged to be visible from an exterior of the waveguide interface when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface.

Thus, first and second marks are detectable without need for additional detection equipment.

The further object is obtained by a method of verifying an installation of a pressure window, as disclosed herein, in a waveguide interface. The method comprises inspecting the waveguide interface, determining an orientation of the first and the second mark of the pressure window in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface, detecting an orientation of the pressurized side of the pressure window relative to an orientation of the waveguide interface based on orientation of the first and the second mark in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface, and verifying the installation of the pressure window by comparing the detected pressure window orientation with a pre-determined specification.

This way, inspection of a waveguide interface from outside is executed and it is determined if the pressure window is installed according to specification. I.e., the technician, by executing the above method, does not need to dismantle the waveguide interface in order to verify that the pressure window is correctly installed. This simplifies trouble-shooting of faulty communications equipment.

The further object is also obtained by a method of installing a pressure window having a tap or groove arrangement, as disclosed herein, in a waveguide interface. The method comprises arranging the tap or groove of the pressure window to be received, or to receive, respectively, a corresponding groove, or tap, respectively, of the waveguide interface, and connecting waveguide interface sections to opposing sides of the pressure window.

This way faulty installation of pressure windows in waveguide interface is avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will appear from the following detailed description, wherein some aspects of the disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a communication system.

Figure 2 shows a pressure window and a waveguide interface according to prior art.

Figures 3-8 and 10 illustrate aspects of the improved pressure windows disclosed herein.

Figure 9 is a photograph of an improved pressure window.

Figure 10 illustrates aspects of the improved pressure windows disclosed herein. Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts illustrating methods according to aspects of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a communication system 100 with a radio link 140 between a transceiver TRX A and a transceiver TRX B. The transceivers are connected via pressurized waveguide 120 to directive antenna units 130. Each waveguide comprises waveguide interfaces 121, where pressure windows are installed. Thus, the waveguides shown in Figure 1 are protected from, e.g., corrosion, since moisture is prevented from entering the waveguide.

Figure 2 shows pressure windows 200 and a waveguide 120 according to prior art. The pressure window 210 has a first side arranged to be a pressurized side. This side is marked 'PRESS-SIDE' 211. To correctly install the pressure window in a waveguide interface 121, shown to the right in Figure 2, the pressurized side must face the pressurized section of the waveguide, otherwise the pressure window will not function as intended and may also brake.

A field technician wanting to verify that the pressure window is correctly installed needs to dismantle the waveguide at the interface in order to be able to inspect the pressure window installation. This takes time and may also damage the waveguide arrangement.

Figure 3 illustrates a pressure window 310 for a microwave waveguide interface 121. As in Figure 2, the pressure window has a first side, PRESS-SIDE, arranged to be a pressurized side 211 when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface 121. The pressure window 310 differs from the known pressure windows shown in Figure 2 in that it comprises a first mark 321 and a second mark 322. The first and the second mark are arranged to be detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface and distinguishable from each other when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface, such that an orientation of the pressurized side of the pressure window relative to an orientation of the waveguide interface is unambiguously detectable based on the first and the second mark in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface.

This way, it becomes possible to inspect an installation of a pressure window in a waveguide interface from outside the interface and thus more easily determine if the pressure window is installed according to specification. I.e., a technician does not need to dismantle the waveguide interface in order to verify that the pressure window is correctly installed. This simplifies trouble-shooting of faulty communications equipment.

A photograph of the pressure window 310, including first 321 and second 322 marks, is shown in Figure 9.

By means of the first and second marks detectable from an exterior of the waveguide, a field technician is able to detect if the pressure window is installed correctly, or if the first side faces the wrong way in the waveguide interface. To exemplify how this detection is possible, imagine holding the first mark with the right hand and the second mark with the left hand. You are then facing the pressurized side of the pressure window and can infer if it is correctly installed or is facing the wrong way.

Said marks can be formed in many different ways and still be detectable from an exterior of the waveguide. For instance, at least one of the first 521, 821 and second 522, 822 marks can comprise a notch or groove in the pressure window. Such notch or groove is detectable by visual inspection or by tactile inspection. Notches or grooves in the pressure window are easily manufactured and do not add significantly to manufacturing costs of the improved pressure window. Also, they are detectable from an outside of the waveguide interface by, e.g., visual detection. According to some aspects, at least one of the first 521, 821 and second 522, 822 marks comprises a magnetic or chemical indicator which can be detected by means of a suitable sensor. For instance, the first mark may present a magnet with a first polarity oriented towards the exterior of the waveguide, and the second mark may present a magnet with opposite polarity oriented towards the exterior of the waveguide. The magnet marks can be automatically detected by, e.g., a robot during manufacturing.

According to other aspects, the first mark is arranged to be detectable and distinguishable from the second mark by means of a specific color or texture. The use of a specific color or texture improves detectability of the mark. A color mark is easily applied during manufacturing of the pressure window with only minor added cost. Such marks can also be applied to existing pressure windows, to provide improved upgraded pressure windows from existing pressure windows.

Advantageously, first and second marks may be added to existing pressure windows. Thus, existing pressure windows may be upgraded to provide the benefits of the pressure windows disclosed herein.

Figure 4 illustrates a pressure window 410, wherein at least one of the first 421 and second 422 marks forms a tap on the pressure window arranged to be received in a corresponding groove 431, 432 in the microwave waveguide interface 12 .

This way, it becomes more difficult to install the pressure window erroneously, since the tap and groove arrangement serves as installation guide and only fits one way, i.e., the correct way. Should the pressure window nevertheless be erroneously installed, the faulty installation is still detectable from the outside of the waveguide by means of the first and second marks as above.

Figure 5 illustrates a pressure window 510 similar to that in Figure 4, except now taps and grooves have switched places. Thus, Figure 5 shows a pressure window 500, wherein at least one of the first 521 and second 522 marks forms a groove in the pressure window arranged to receive a corresponding tap 531, 532 arranged on the microwave waveguide interface 121".

A combination of tap and groove on the pressure window is of course also possible. A drawback with the tap and groove arrangements illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 is that modification to the waveguide part of the waveguide interface is necessary, i.e., the forming of a tap or groove in the actual waveguide. This modification is not necessary with the pressure window illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 3 illustrates a pressure window 310 that has a first side having a rectangular cross- section shape, the rectangular shape has a first edge 301 and a second edge 302 adjacent to the first edge. The first mark 321 is arranged on first edge 301 and the second mark 322 is arranged on the second edge 302. However, waveguide interfaces are not necessarily rectangular in shape, but may, e.g., have squared, circular or other cross-section shapes. The concept behind the improved pressure windows disclosed herein is applicable to any shape of waveguide interface, in particular also to square or round cross-section shapes.

To exemplify some possible pressure window shapes, figure 6 illustrates a pressure window 610 that has a first side having a square cross-section shape, the square shape has a first edge 601 and a second edge 602 adjacent to the first edge. The first mark 621 is arranged on the first edge 601 and the second mark 622 is arranged on the second edge 602.

Figure 10 illustrates a pressure window 1010 that has a first side having a circular cross-section shape, wherein the first 1021 and the second 1022 marks are arranged separated by a distance D on an edge 1001 of the circular shape. Distance D can be freely varied.

As discussed above, the first and second marks can be made distinguishable from each other in different ways. For instance, the second mark can be made distinguishable from the first mark by means of having a different shape than the first mark, said different shape being detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface.

The second mark can also be made distinguishable from the first mark by means of having a different color or texture than the first mark, said different color or texture being detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface.

Combinations of distinguishing features for the first and second marks are of course also possible. The disclosed pressure windows enable verification of pressure window installation from an outside of the waveguide interface. Various methods are implied by the use of the disclosed improved pressure windows for, e.g., installing pressure windows and for verifying pressure window installation. Figure 11 illustrates a method of verifying an installation of a pressure window 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, and 1010 according to the preceding discussion in a waveguide interface 121, 12 , 121". The method comprises inspecting SI the waveguide interface, determining S3 an orientation of the first and the second mark of the pressure window in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface, detecting S5 an orientation of the pressurized side of the pressure window relative to an orientation of the waveguide interface based on orientation of the first and the second mark in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface, and verifying S7 the installation of the pressure window by comparing the detected pressure window orientation with a pre-determined specification.

Figure 12 illustrates a method of installing a pressure window having taps and/or grooves according to the above disclosure. The method comprises arranging Sbl the tap or groove of the pressure window to be received, or to receive, respectively, a corresponding groove, or tap, respectively, of the waveguide interface, and connecting Sb3 waveguide interface sections to opposing sides of the pressure window.

This way faulty installation of pressure windows in waveguide interface is avoided. It is noted that the methods of Figures 11 and 12 can be executed independently of each other, or be combined into one method, or executed as separate methods in parallel.

The various aspects of the methods described herein are described in the general context of method steps or processes, which may be implemented or automated by a computer program product, embodied in a computer-readable medium, including computer-executable instructions, such as program code, executed by computers in networked environments.

Claims

1. A pressure window (310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1010) for a microwave waveguide interface (121), the pressure window having a first side (PRESS-SIDE) arranged to be a pressurized side (211) when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface (121), the pressure window comprising a first mark (321, 621, 1021) and a second mark (322, 622, 1022), the first and the second mark being arranged to be detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface and distinguishable from each other when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface, such that an orientation of the pressurized side of the pressure window relative to an orientation of the waveguide interface is unambiguously detectable based on the first and the second mark in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface.

2. The pressure window according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second marks comprises a notch in the pressure window.

3. The pressure window according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the first mark is arranged to be detectable and distinguishable from the second mark by means of a specific color or texture.

4. The pressure window (410, 710) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein at least one of the first (421, 721) and second (422, 722) marks forms a tap on the pressure window arranged to be received in a corresponding groove (431, 432, 731, 732) in the microwave waveguide interface (121').

5. The pressure window (510, 810) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein at least one of the first (521, 821) and second (522, 822) marks forms a groove in the pressure window arranged to receive a corresponding tap (531, 532, 831, 832) arranged on the microwave waveguide interface (121").

6. The pressure window (310, 410, 510) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the pressure window has a first side having a rectangular shape, the rectangular shape having a first edge (301) and a second edge (302) adjacent to the first edge, wherein the first mark (321) is arranged on first edge (301) and the second mark (322) is arranged on the second edge (302).

7. The pressure window (610, 710, 810) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the pressure window has a first side having a square shape, the square shape having a first edge (601) and a second edge (602) adjacent to the first edge, wherein the first mark (621) is arranged on first edge (601) and the second mark (622) is arranged on the second edge (602).

8. The pressure window (1010) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the pressure window has a first side having a circular shape, wherein the first (1021) and second (1022) marks are arranged separated by a distance (D) on an edge (1001) of the circular shape.

9. The pressure window according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the second mark (622, 1022) is distinguishable from the first mark (621, 1021) by means of having a different shape than the first mark, said different shape being detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface.

10. The pressure window according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the second mark (622, 1022) is distinguishable from the first mark (621, 721, 821) by means of having a different color or texture than the first mark, said different color or texture being detectable from an exterior of the waveguide interface when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface.

11. The pressure window according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the first and the second mark are arranged to be visible from an exterior of the waveguide interface when the pressure window is installed in the microwave waveguide interface.

12. A method of verifying an installation of a pressure window according to any of claims 1-11 in a waveguide interface (121, 12 , 121"), comprising; inspecting (SI) the waveguide interface, determining (S3) an orientation of the first and the second mark of the pressure window in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface, detecting (S5) an orientation of the pressurized side of the pressure window relative to an orientation of the waveguide interface based on orientation of the first and the second mark in relation to the orientation of the waveguide interface, and verifying (S7) the installation of the pressure window by comparing the detected pressure window orientation with a pre-determined specification.

13. A method of installing a pressure window according to any of claims 4 or 5 in a waveguide interface (121, 12 , 121"), comprising; arranging (Sbl) the tap or groove of the pressure window to be received, or to receive, respectively, a corresponding groove, or tap, respectively, of the waveguide interface, and connecting (Sb3) waveguide interface sections to opposing sides of the pressure window.