Phased array antenna system, vehicle, use and method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a phased array antenna system Said system comprises a laminated glazing comprising a first and a second dielectric panels laminated together by a polymeric-based interlayer. Each of the first and the second dielectric panels has an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surfaces are towards each other. Said system comprises a circuit medium configured to support radio-frequency (RF) circuits. Said system comprises an array element containing a plurality of antenna elements configured to emit a signal with a frequency range between 70 MHz to 110 GHz. Said system comprises RF circuits placed on the circuit medium and a chip-antenna feeding to transfer RF signal between RF circuits and the antenna elements. Each of the plurality of antenna elements is arranged along a periphery of the laminated glazing. Each of the antenna elements comprises a conductive layer. Said conductive layers are arranged on at least one of the external or internal surfaces of the first or the second dielectric panels or on a surface of the polymeric-based interlayer.

Description

Phased array antenna system, vehicle, use and methodDescriptionTechnical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to phased array antenna systems, which are integral components in contemporary communication and radar technologies. Said phased array antenna system can be part of a glazing panel.

[0002] The invention finds particular application in the field of laminated glazing used in various industries, such as automotive, architectural, and aerospace, where the communication becomes more and more important.

[0003] Thus, the invention concerns multiple domains especially domains where glazing panels can be mounted on such a stationary object, for instance a building or alike, or a mobile object, for instance a vehicle, a train, a plane or alike.Background Art

[0004] Phased array antenna systems represent a significant advancement in the field of electromagnetic wave transmission and reception, offering dynamic beam steering capabilities that are essential in modern communication and radar systems. These systems are characterized by their ability to direct their beam towards different directions without the need for mechanical movement. This is accomplished through the precise arrangement of multiple antenna elements in various configurations including grids that can be rectangular, triangular, or irregular in shape. The beam direction is controlled by manipulating the phase and amplitude of the signals that excite these antenna elements, which is facilitated by specialized radio-frequency (RF) circuits.

[0005] The state of the art in phased array antennas has seen a variety of shapes and configurations, ranging from linear to more complex geometries such as rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, and polygonal arrays. These configurations have been optimized over time to address the requirements of different applications, with a particular focus on the efficientinterconnection of the phased array's components. The conventional approach to achieving this involves a layered or stacked design, with antenna elements typically arranged on the top layer and the RF, digital, and power circuitry distributed across subsequent layers beneath them.

[0006] In traditional designs, the transition between these layers, especially from the RF circuits to the antenna elements, is achieved using vias or other forms of vertical interconnections. This method of stacking layers and creating vertical connections has been the cornerstone of phased array design, allowing for the synthesis and scaling of large two-dimensional arrays with relative ease. The vertical interconnection approach simplifies the manufacturing process and has been widely adopted in the industry, as evidenced by numerous references in the literature.

[0007] However, despite the widespread use of these conventional phased array architectures, they are not without their limitations. One of the primary disadvantages is the inherent restriction on the placement of RF circuits due to the need for vertical interconnections. This can lead to increased complexity and cost in the manufacturing process, especially when dealing with non-traditional substrates that are not well-suited for supporting electronic chips, such as certain types of glass or other dielectric materials.

[0008] Moreover, the conventional vertical stacking of layers can introduce parasitic interactions between components, which may degrade the performance of the antenna system. These interactions can result in unwanted coupling, radiation losses, and impedance mismatches, which are detrimental to the efficiency and effectiveness of the phased array. Additionally, the rigid structure of the traditional designs limits the adaptability of the antenna system to non-planar surfaces or unconventional shapes, which could be beneficial in certain applications.

[0009] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a phased array antenna system that overcomes the limitations of the prior art by introducing a new architecture and preferably also an array layout that allows for the efficient and flexible integration of antenna elements and RF circuits on separate mediums, thereby enhancing the performance and adaptability of the antenna system for a wide range of applications.Summary of invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention, in its different aspects, to alleviate the above-described problems and in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a system, uses and methods for providing beamforming capabilities in a wireless communication network.

[0011] The invention introduces a novel approach to communication wirelessly in a compact place.

[0012] Then, the present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a phased array antenna system.

[0013] Said phased array antenna system comprises a laminated glazing comprising a first and a second dielectric panels laminated together by a poly meric- based interlayer. Each of the first and the second dielectric panels has an external surface and an internal surface. The internal surfaces are towards each other.

[0014] Said phased array antenna system comprises a circuit medium configured to support radio-frequency (RF) circuits.

[0015] Said phased array antenna system comprises an array element containing a plurality of antenna elements configured to emit a signal with a frequency range between 70 MHz to 110 GHz.

[0016] Said phased array antenna system comprises RF circuits placed on the circuit medium and a chip-antenna feeding to transfer RF signal between RF circuits and the antenna elements.

[0017] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the present invention is based on that each of the plurality of antenna elements is arranged along a periphery of the laminated glazing.

[0018] The solution as defined in the first aspect of the present invention is also based on that each of the antenna elements comprises a conductive layer. Said conductive layers are arranged on at least one of the external or internal surfaces of the first or the second dielectric panels or on a surface of the polymeric-based interlayer.

[0019] Preferably, the conductive layers are arranged between said internal surfaces of the first and second dielectric panels.

[0020] The present invention relates, in a second aspect, to a method for manufacturing a phased array antenna system according to the first aspectof the present invention; the method comprises following steps:- assembling a plurality of antenna elements with the laminated glazing;- placing radio-frequency (RF) circuits on a separate circuit medium; and- electrically interconnecting the RF circuits and the antenna elements via a chip-antenna feeding to transfer RF signal between RF circuits and the antenna elements.

[0021] The present invention relates, in a third aspect, to a vehicle comprising a phased array antenna system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] The present invention relates, in a fourth aspect, to a use of the phased array antenna system according to the first aspect of the present invention in a communication system for providing beamforming capabilities in a wireless communication network, preferably to the use of the phased array antenna system according to the first aspect of the present invention in a satellite communication and position, navigation, and timing system. The satellite communication and position, navigation, and timing is preferably a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite system.

[0023] Thus, in light of abovementioned drawbacks, the present invention introduces a novel system and method that addresses the limitations of the prior art. This approach offers significant advantages over the conventional phased array system, providing a simpler, cheaper, more practical, efficient, and / or reliable means of communicating wirelessly while minimizing production time and costs and enabling a discreet and compact installation.

[0024] The present invention in its different aspects permits a low-profile aesthetic that preserves the sleek appearance of structures while conformability to the glazing panel without compromising structural integrity, and environmental protection against factors such as weather and UV radiation.

[0025] The present invention in its different aspects also permits a reduced wind load, benefit from the dielectric properties of glass for example which can lead to smaller antenna sizes and maintain thermal stability for consistent performance.

[0026] The present invention in its different aspects also permits via the lamination process an enhanced security against physical tampering,scalability, and customization of the antenna array design.

[0027] Additionally, embedding the antenna within the laminated glazing can mitigate multipath interference, and for vehicular applications, the integration aligns with aerodynamic design principles, potentially improving fuel efficiency by avoiding external antenna protrusions.

[0028] It is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims or in the described embodiments.

[0029] The following description relates to vehicle applications, such as car, but it’s understood that the invention may be applicable to other fields like building, cities, streets, urban furniture, train, aerospace, boat, or transportation applications.Brief description of the drawings

[0030] This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing various exemplifying embodiments of the invention which are provided by way of illustration and not of limitation. The drawings are a schematic representation and not true to scale. The drawings do not restrict the invention in any way. More advantages will be explained with examples.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a system according to the invention according to a first embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a system according to the invention according to a second embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a system according to the invention according to a third embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a system according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a system according to the invention according to a fifth embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a system according to the invention according to a sixth embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a schematic sectional view of a system according to theinvention according to a seventh embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a system according to the invention according to an eighth embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional view of a system according to the invention according to a nineth embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a system according to the invention according used in a wireless communication network.

[0042] FIG. 12 is the top view of a L-shape system and its 3D polar radiation pattern.

[0043] FIG. 13 is the top view of a truncated L-shape system and its 3D polar radiation pattern.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a top view of a L-shape system.

[0045] FIG. 15 is the 2D cut radiation pattern of the L-shape system of FIG. 14.

[0046] FIG. 16 is a top view of a conventional square system.

[0047] FIG. 17 is the 2D cut radiation pattern of the conventional square system of FIG. 16.

[0048] FIG. 18 is the top view of a truncated L-shape system.

[0049] FIG. 19 is the 2D cut radiation pattern of the truncated L-shape system of FIG. 18.

[0050] FIG. 20 is the 2D cut radiation pattern of the truncated L-shape system of FIG. 18.

[0051] FIG. 21 illustrates a manufacturing method according to the second aspect of the present invention.Detailed description

[0052] It should be understood that embodiments and terminologies / wordings used in the embodiments do not limit technology described in this document to a specific embodiment and include various changes, equivalents, and / or replacements of a corresponding embodiment. The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0053] As used herein, spatial, or directional terms, such as "inner", "outer", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", and the like, relate to the inventionas it is shown in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processing parameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and the like, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in the following specification and claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, expression “substantially” mean to within 10%, preferably to within 5%.

[0054] Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to be inclusive of the beginning and ending range values and to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a stated range of "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, e.g. 1 to 6.1, and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., 5.5 to 10. Further, as used herein, the terms "deposited over" or "provided over" mean deposited or provided on but not necessarily in surface contact with. For example, a coating "deposited over" a substrate does not preclude the presence of one or more other coating films of the same or different composition located between the deposited coating and the substrate.

[0055] Where the term "transparent" is used in the present description and claims, it denotes a property illustrating the average TL (light transmission) of visible light transmitted through a material in the visible spectrum of at least 1%. Preferably, transparent relates to a TL property of at least 10%. More preferably, transparent denotes a TL of at least 50%. Ideally, transparent denotes a TL of at least 70%.

[0056] Where the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun e.g. "a" or "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. In this document, "configured to (or set to)" may be interchangeablyused in hardware and software with, for example, "appropriate to", "having a capability to", "changed to", "made to", "capable of", or "designed to" according to a situation. In any situation, an expression "device configured to do" may mean that the device "can do" together with another device or component.

[0057] Furthermore, the terms first, second and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. When it is described that a constituent element (e.g., a first constituent element) is "(functionally or communicatively) coupled to" or is "connected to" another constituent element (e.g., a second constituent element), it should be understood that the constituent element may be directly connected to the another constituent element or may be connected to the another constituent element through another constituent element (e.g., a third constituent element).

[0058] It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the abovedescribed problems by proposing an efficient system for communicate efficiently with a wireless communication network preferably in a satellite communication system, even more preferably for a Low earth orbit satellite communication system.

[0059] Especially, according to a first aspect of the invention as illustrated in FIG.l, the invention relates to a phased array antenna system 1.

[0060] The phased array antenna system comprises a laminated glazing 2, a circuit medium 3, an array element 4 containing a plurality of antenna elements 5, RF circuits, and a chip-antenna feeding 7 to transfer RF signal between RF circuits and the antenna elements. Depending on available RF chip technology, one chip may be connected to several antenna elements of the array or to a single one. The term “between” in the previous sentence means from RF circuits to antenna elements and from antenna elements to RF circuits, meaning that the array is a receiving and transmitting array.<laminated glazing>

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 2 - FIG. 8, the laminated glazing comprises a first dielectric panel 21 and a second dielectric panel 22. Each of the first and the second dielectric panels has an external surface 211, 212 and an internal surface 221, 222. The internal surfaces are towards each other.

[0062] A dielectric panel is a panel that is not electrically conductive as such.

[0063] According to some preferred embodiments, the dielectric panel is a glazing panel. The glazing panel can be any glazing panel such as windows used to close an opening in a building or a vehicle.

[0064] The dielectric panel can be made of a plastic-based composition or can be glass panel comprising for example at least 50 % in weight of SiO2 such as glass like soda lime glass, aluminosilicate glass or borosilicate glass. The plastic-based composition can be PET, polycarbonate, PVC or any other transparent dielectric plastic-based that can be used as a panel.

[0065] Preferably, the dielectric panel is glass panel. The RF transparency of glass panel ensures effective signal transmission, while the potential for multifunctional integration with other technologies like solar cells can be realized.

[0066] The composition and the number of panels is not limiting the present invention as for the manufacturing method or the shape of the dielectric panel.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments, the dielectric panel is at least partially transparent.

[0068] The term "transparent" denotes a property illustrating the average TL (light transmission) of visible light transmitted through a material in the visible spectrum of at least 1%. Preferably, transparent relates to a TL property of at least 10%. More preferably, transparent denotes a TL of at least 50%. Ideally, transparent denotes a TL of at least 70%.

[0069] The dielectric panel can receive at least a coating system on at least a part of one of its surfaces.

[0070] Coating systems can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including glass, plastic, interlayer. A coating system typically consists of one or more thin films or coatings that are applied to the surface of the glazing panel using various deposition techniques, such as sputtering, chemical vapordeposition, or physical vapor deposition. These coatings can be composed of different materials, such as metal oxides depending on the desired properties and performance requirements. Usually, the purpose of the coating system is to modify the optical, thermal, or mechanical properties of the glazing panel. For example, a low-emissivity (low-e) coating can reduce heat transfer through the glazing panel, improving energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer. Similarly, a solar control coating can selectively block or reflect certain wavelengths of solar radiation, reducing the amount of heat and glare entering the building while allowing visible light to pass through.

[0071] The first and the second dielectric panel are laminated together by a polymeric-based interlayer 23.

[0072] In some preferred embodiments, the polymeric-based interlayer is transparent.

[0073] Preferably, the polymeric-based interlayer can be polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a polycarbonate (PC), a polystyrene (PS), a polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a polyamide (PA), a polyetherimide (PEI), a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a polyurethane, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), a styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), a styrene methyl methacrylate copolymer (SMMA) and any mixtures of these, a crosslinked resin, an ionoplast, such as SentryGlas, an ionomer, a cyclo-olefin polymer (COP), cyclo-Olefin copolymer (COC) or an Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA).

[0074] Crosslinked or cured resins are known to the skilled person and are three-dimensional polymer networks obtained by the crosslinking / curing of low molecular weight species either by reaction with a curing agent also known as crosslinker or upon exposure to heat, UV radiations (UV) or electron beam (EB). Non exhaustive examples of crosslinked resins are epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, UV, or EB curable resins. In the present invention, the precursors of the crosslinked resin may be transparent or not provided that the crosslinked resin is transparent.

[0075] Remark that some polymer mixtures, copolymers and some semicrystalline polymers can be opaque and non-transparent due to a dispersed phase or due to the presence of crystallites. Hence it is possible that not allcompositions of the listed polymers mentioned above are transparent. The person skilled in the art is capable to identify what composition is transparent and hence identify if a given polymer falls within the claimed transparent polymers.

[0076] According to some embodiments, the polymeric-based interlayer can comprise several layers of same or different polymeric-based layers depending on the desired application.<RF Circuits>

[0077] According to the invention, RF circuits can comprise transceiver, low-noise amplifier, power amplifier, phase shifter, mixer, downconverter and / or filter. cCircuit medium>

[0078] According to the invention, the phased array antenna system comprises RF circuits and a circuit medium 3 configured to support RF circuits. RF circuits are placed on the circuit medium. RF circuits are used to transfer / receive the electromagnetic signals from the antenna elements.

[0079] According to some preferred embodiments, the circuit medium can be a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or combinations of PCBs, such as stacked ones, interconnected.<array element>

[0080] According to the invention, the phased array antenna system comprises an array element 4.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the phased array antenna system can be configured to provide 2D beam steering, allowing independent beam steering in two orthogonal planes.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the phased array antenna system can be configured to reduce side lobe levels by using a tapering technique, employing higher amplitude values toward the center, being the point that has equal distance to the edges of the laminated glazing, of the array. Either fixed tapering with higher amplitude values towards the center of the array, the inner periphery, or adaptive tapering depending on where the beam is pointing. If the beam points to the left side, higher amplitude values is applied to the elements of the right side of the array and vice versa.

[0083] The term tapering refers to the manipulation of the amplitudecontribution of each individual antenna element to the overall antenna response.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the phased array antenna system can be configured to provide narrow beamwidths suitable for communication and radar systems.

[0085] According to some preferred embodiments, the phased array antenna system is configured to provide 2D beam steering with narrow beamwidths by employing a combination of amplitude and phase control of the signals applied to the antenna elements.

[0086] According to some preferred embodiments, the phased array antenna system is configured to provide 2D beam steering with narrow beamwidths by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the signals applied to the antenna elements using digital beamforming techniques.

[0087] According to some preferred embodiments, the phased array antenna system is configured to provide 2D beam steering with narrow beamwidths by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the signals applied to the antenna elements using analog beamforming techniques.

[0088] According to some preferred embodiments, the phased array antenna system is configured to provide 2D beam steering with narrow beamwidths by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the signals applied to the antenna elements using a combination of digital and analog beamforming techniques.

[0089] According to some preferred embodiments, the phased array antenna system is configured to provide 2D beam steering and places nulls towards the direction of potential interferers (null-steering) by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the signals applied to the antenna elements using a combination of digital and analog beamforming techniques.

[0090] According to some preferred embodiments, the phased array antenna system is configured to provide 2D beam steering with narrow beamwidths by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the signals applied to the antenna elements using a hybrid beamforming architecture.

[0091] According to some preferred embodiments, the phased array antenna system is configured to provide 2D beam steering with narrow beamwidths by employing a combination of amplitude and phase control ofthe signals applied to the antenna elements, and the RF circuits are configured to compensate for signal losses in the transmission line.

[0092] According to some embodiments, the phased array antenna system can be beam shaping and / or beam forming on top of steering.

[0093] In some embodiments, the phased array antenna system can perform 2D Direction of arrival estimation of multiple incident signals.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the array element has a defined width 41. The array element width can be defined as the distance, orthogonally measured, between the border and the farthest antenna elements. The number of antenna elements placed along a direction essentially perpendicular to the border change the width of the array element. Increasing the array width, i.e. placing elements further away from the border, inside the laminated panel, improves performance (i.e. reduces beam width), but makes the connections from the RF circuits to the antenna elements more challenging because many connections in tight space while having longer and potentially lossy connections), ontenna elements>

[0095] According to the invention, the array element contains a plurality of antenna elements 5.

[0096] The antenna elements, especially the conductive elements, may be patch antennas, electric or magnetic dipole antennas, slot antennas, or combinations. The antenna elements can be fed either through probes attached to the external surface of the dielectric panel, or via aperture coupling through slot openings in the external surface of the dielectric panel. It is also possible to directly feed them by using a transmission line such as microstrip or stripline where the waves propagate along the interior surface of the glazing. Preferably, the antenna elements have unidirectional radiation patterns to provide increased gain toward the top of the structure. The antenna elements may be dual-polarized, or circularly polarized by using two ports per element or a single port to excite two orthogonal modes.

[0097] The plurality of antenna elements is configured to emit a signal with a frequency range between 70 MHz to 110 GHz. The antenna elements may be dual-band to receive and transmit signals at different frequencies. Some of them may also receive at one frequency whereas others transmit atanother based on system protocol. Each of them emits at the same frequency or at least some of them can emit at a first frequency (range of) and some other at a second frequency depending on the desire application.

[0098] It is understood that each of the antenna elements has fed by a different feedline meaning that there is no shared feedline.

[0099] According to some embodiments, the antenna elements can be patch antennas. Patch antennas are known for their flat, low-profile design, which makes them particularly suitable for integration into surfaces where minimal protrusion is desired. When laminated into a laminated glazing, these antennas can maintain the sleek appearance of the structure while providing the necessary functionality.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the antenna elements can be dipole antennas. Dipole antennas used in phased array systems designed for satellite communication, offer a combination of performance, flexibility, and robustness that can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the communication link. In fact, dipole antenna integrated in the area element of the phased array antenna system permits a broader bandwidth for accommodating multiple frequency bands, an omnidirectional radiation pattern beneficial for tracking non-geostationary satellites, and polarization flexibility to optimize for satellite signal characteristics. The simple and robust design of dipoles simplifies manufacturing and enhances durability, while their efficient size-to-performance ratio is crucial in space-constrained applications. Dipoles offer ease of impedance matching for improved system efficiency, and when used in arrays, they provide high gain necessary for strong satellite links. Their scalability allows for frequency adjustments by altering the antenna length, and design strategies can minimize back lobe radiation to reduce ground interference and enhance signal focus. Additionally, dipoles can be integrated with passive elements to refine the radiation pattern, further improving directivity and gain for effective satellite communication.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the phased array antenna system can comprises a matching layer to effectively reduce the reflections caused by the glass-roof stack-up at specific frequencies and angles. Said matching layer can be installed between the array (beneath the glass) and the glassstack-up. Preferably the matching layer is placed above the array and more preferably the matching layer is also following the periphery of the glass (L / U-shape). Preferably, the matching layer also follows the periphery of the phased array antenna. More preferably, the phased array antenna and the matching layer are following the periphery of the black-band area. The black band is bounded by f3(x) and f4(x) functions as border. The phased array antenna is bonded by fl(x) and f2(x) functions as border. Preferably in most of the periphery, the surface, laterally banded by said functions f3(x), f4(x), of the black band is slightly larger than the surface, laterally banded by said functions fl(x), fl(x), of the phased array antenna. Preferably, to work properly f3>fl, f4<f2 and f5>fl and f6 > f2, where fl(x) is the function of the interior border, the border placed near the center of the glass panel, of the phased array antenna, f2(x) is the function of the exterior border, near the border of the glass sheet, of the phased array antenna, f3(x) is the function of the interior border, the border placed near the center of the glass panel, of the black band, f4(x) is the function of the exterior border, near the border of the glass sheet, of the black band, f5(x) is the function of the interior border, the border placed near the center of the glass panel, of the matching layer, and f6(x) is the function of the exterior border, near the border of the glass sheet, of the matching layer.

[0102] In some preferred embodiments, said matching layer can be either a dielectric layer or stack-up of layers, a conductive elements such as a frequency selective surface (FSS)), or a combination of the above.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the antenna elements can be slot antennas. That permits to offers electronic beam steering without mechanical parts, enhancing reliability and reducing maintenance. This low- profile design is aesthetically pleasing and can be seamlessly incorporated into buildings or vehicles, providing environmental protection, and reducing the risk of vandalism. The system operates across wide frequency bands, maintains the insulative properties of the glazing panel, and minimizes multipath interference. It is scalable, compatible with existing structures, and can reduce aerodynamic drag in mobile applications, while also offering signal diversity for robust satellite communication.

[0104] According to some embodiments, to facilitate the handling and theprocess of manufacturing, antenna elements can be placed on a plastic film, such as PET or any other suitable film, and preferably on the same film. Said film can be glued, laminated, ••• on a surface according to the present invention.

[0105] According to some embodiments, the antenna elements can be arranged in an irregular grid pattern along the periphery of the medium on which they are placed on, namely the antenna medium..

[0106] According to some preferred embodiments, the antenna elements are configured to withstand high temperatures involved in a lamination process.<chip-antenna feeding>

[0107] According to the invention, the phased array antenna system comprises a chip-antenna feeding 7 to transfer RF signal between RF circuits and the antenna elements.

[0108] According to some embodiments, the chip-antenna feeding comprises aperture coupling 71 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8.

[0109] According to some other embodiments, the chip-antenna feeding comprises a microstrip transmission line or a coplanar waveguide (CPW) or any other suitable connection means as illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10.

[0110] In some preferred embodiments, the antenna elements are arranged between said internal surfaces of the first and second dielectric panels.

[0111] According to some embodiments, antenna elements can further comprise stacked elements 53, such as stacked patch antennas or other parasitic conductors to improve the impedance bandwidth, improve scanning performance, or to reduce mutual coupling between the antenna ports.

[0112] According to some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9, conductive elements 51 are placed on the external surface of the laminated glazing. To connect such conductive elements, a conductive cable, or a pin 75 can be used. The connection may also be a spring contact such as a pogo ping or other spring element that facilitates the electrical interconnection while simultaneously allowing for mechanical tolerances.

[0113] According to some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 10, each ofthe antenna elements comprises a conductive element 51 positioned on the laminated glazing and a second conductive element 52 positioned on the circuit medium 3. These second conductive elements are connected to RF circuit 6 via chip-antenna feeding 7.

[0114] It is understood that according to some embodiments of the invention, each of the antenna elements can comprise more than one conductive element to perform desired emission and reception, such a conductive element 51, a second conductive element 52 and a stacked element 53. Such different elements can be positioned on different surfaces of the phased array antenna system such a surface of the laminated glazing, a surface of the circuit medium, or these surfaces belong to an antenna that has also other elements and parts outside the glazing such as conductors below, or on several surfaces as illustrated in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10.

[0115] In such embodiments, the ground 70 is perforated to let the feeding 7 passing through without any conductive direct connection between the feeding 7 and the ground 70.

[0116] Coming back to FIG. 1, according to some preferred embodiments of the invention, antenna elements are arranged along the periphery of the medium on which they are placed on, namely the antenna medium. The shape of the array element is not limited but preferably the array element follows the border of the antenna medium.

[0117] In some embodiments, the antenna medium can be the circuit medium as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0118] In some other and preferred embodiments, the antenna elements are placed on a different medium than the circuit medium. Said embodiments permits to place the RF circuits at a different medium is in the proximity of the medium containing the antenna elements. In this way, the RF circuits and the antenna elements of the array are on two different mediums in the proximity of each other.

[0119] According to some embodiments, the RF circuits can be mounted on a separate medium that is in proximity to the laminated glazing antenna medium, and the separate substrate is electrically interconnected with the antenna elements via the transmission line.

[0120] An objective of the present invention is to address thesedisadvantages by also proposing a novel topology for phased array antennas that allows for the separation of the antenna elements and the RF circuits onto different mediums. This separation is particularly advantageous when the antenna elements are to be mounted on mediums that are not conducive to the placement of RF circuits, such as laminated glass. By placing the RF circuits on a different medium, such as a printed circuit board (PCB), and situating it in close proximity to the medium containing the antenna elements, the invention seeks to overcome the challenges associated with traditional designs.

[0121] The proximity of the two mediums in the proposed invention allows for electrical interconnection between the RF circuits and the antenna elements through various techniques, such as transmission lines or aperture coupling. This approach not only simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex vertical interconnections but also reduces the potential for parasitic interactions between components. Furthermore, the inventive concept enables the implementation of phased array antennas on a variety of surfaces and in multiple dimensions, which is not readily achievable with conventional designs.

[0122] Another major problem in today’s vehicular communications is the integration of relatively large antenna arrays(e.g. Directivity > 20 dBi) due to their relatively large size, especially when considering frequencies up to the Ka-band where the wavelengths are still not that small. These arrays are essential for the automotive user terminals to establish good links with satellites, with applications in wideband and broadband satellite communication systems. As the plethora of modern vehicles include a glassroof, that is a large surface area with view to the sky, it becomes an attractive location for the placement of these large antenna arrays. However, the seamless integration of the arrays onto the glass-roof is not obvious. Most commercial phased array products have a rectangular or square shape, and attaching them onto the roof would ruin the aesthetics of the vehicle by being visible to the passenger, considering also the cabling and heat dissipation concerns.

[0123] Glass-roofs include a black-band area, that is a non-visible area covered by the headliner of the vehicle. On the one hand, black-band areasoffer usually a large surface, which makes them attractive for the placement of electronics, harness, and other subsystems of the vehicle. On the other hand, they have a square-ring shape with narrow width, which still makes them not suitable for hiding conventional (i.e., large MxN rectangular or other polygonal arrays).

[0124] To fulfill these requirements of modern communication and radar systems, which often necessitate two-dimensional beam steering with narrow beamwidths, the present invention contemplates phased array antennas with non-traditional shapes such as L-shaped, U-shaped, or other two-dimensional configurations that follow the periphery of the antenna medium. These shapes allow the array to extend along two dimensions, providing the capability for independent beam steering in two orthogonal planes.

[0125] The present invention addresses the problem of integrating a phased array into the glass-roof of modern vehicles, by adopting irregular, non-conventional shapes for the array while still managing to maintain important properties, like beamwidth and 2D scanning capability. The main concept is that the array elements are arranged along the border at the corner points of the black-band area (i.e. L-shape). This approach allows the array to be hidden, while still being able to have a considerable length along two dimensions, which allows 2D beamsteering with narrow beamwidths in two planes.

[0126] The gain of the array can be the same, considering that the equivalent area it occupies is the same. If the array extends considerably along the 2 dimensions (X and Y), then the scanning capability is also similar to one of square or rectangular arrays, with the main difference being somewhat higher sidelobes. The sidelobe level is lowered if the array width (black-band width to fit more antenna elements, mathematically: fl(x) - f2(x)) is increased. Tapering can also help to reduce the higher sidelobes that appear due to this irregular array shape.

[0127] In some other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the antenna medium can be one of the layers of the laminated glazing such as the first dielectric panel, the second dielectric panel or the polymeric-based interlayer.

[0128] In some other embodiments, the antenna medium can be different medium that the circuit medium or one of the layers of the laminated glazing. Such antenna medium can be a plastic based medium such as PCB or a polymer-based material similar to the polymer-based interlayer.

[0129] In some preferred embodiments, the array element is positioned at a corner of the antenna medium especially when the antenna medium is one of the layers of the laminated glazing.

[0130] In some embodiments, the array elements can have an L-shaped configuration along the periphery of the laminated glazing. L-shape in the sense of the present invention means at least two main lengths with a defined angle between them as illustrated in FIG. 1. It is understood that lengths (LI, L2) can be straight or curved depending on the desire application.

[0131] In some embodiments, the L-shaped configuration can be a truncated L-shape configuration with a sharp or round corner so that it conforms smoothly to the periphery of the glazing medium.

[0132] In some other embodiments, the array element can have a Ll- shaped configuration along the periphery of the laminated glazing.

[0133] Preferably the width of the array element is substantially constant on the whole length of the array element.

[0134] According to some preferred embodiments, the array width is defined as the number of elements placed along a direction essentially perpendicular to the border, meaning the periphery / the edge, between the circuit medium and the antenna medium, preferably the laminated glazing. Preferably, the number of antenna elements in the width depends on the desire application, preferably the number of antenna elements in the width are at most 7, more preferably the number of antenna elements in the width are at most 5 and even more preferably the number of antenna elements in the width are at most 3.

[0135] FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 illustrate embodiments in which the array element is placed between the first dielectric panel 21 and the polymeric- based interlayer 23. Antenna elements can be placed on the surface 212 or on the polymeric-based interlayer depending on the process and desire application. Chip-antenna feeding 7 are conductive strips between antennaelements and RF circuits 6. A ground 70 is positioned on the opposite surface 222 and connected to the RF circuits. Said ground is over the surface of the array element. In FIG. 3, the circuit medium 3 is not inserted into the laminated panel while the circuit medium of FIG. 4 is inserted into the laminated panel, preferably during the lamination process. In FIG. 5, the circuit medium is positioned on the side and not in the same alignment of the polymeric-based interlayer compared to FIG. 3.

[0136] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the antenna medium and the circuit medium are the same medium. Said medium is inserted into the laminated glazing, preferably during the lamination process. Antenna elements can be placed on the surface 212 or on the medium depending on the process and desire application Chip-antenna feeding 7 are conductive strips between antenna elements and RF circuits 6. A ground 70 is positioned on the opposite surface of the medium or on surface 222 and connected to the RF circuits. Said ground is over the surface of the array element.

[0137] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the array element is placed between the first dielectric panel 21 and the polymeric-based interlayer 23. Antenna elements can be placed on the surface 212 or on the polymeric-based interlayer depending on the process and desire application. Chip-antenna feeding 7 are conductive strips and aperture coupling 71 between antenna elements and RF circuits 6. A ground 70 is positioned on the opposite surface 222 and connected to the RF circuits. Said ground is over the surface of the array element. In FIG. 6, the circuit medium 3 is not inserted into the laminated panel.

[0138] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate embodiments in which the second dielectric panel comprises a hole in which the circuit medium is inserted and protected.

[0139] In FIG. 7, the circuit medium is connected to the antenna element via strips while in FIG. 8 aperture coupling is required.

[0140] These embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2 - FIG. 8, to allow for 2D- beamsteering (i.e. ability to steer the beam independently in two orthogonal planes) with narrow beamwidths, which is a requirement for many communication and radar systems, the array element can have an L-shape, U-shape, or any other 2D shape following the periphery of the antennamedium which allows it to extend with a considerable length along two dimensions.

[0141] As illustrated in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the present invention surprisingly shown that the relatively high side lobes, compared to conventional planar, square, rectangular layouts of the prior art, can be alleviated by using the common tapering technique (i.e., using higher amplitude values toward the center of the array). The array element can have good performance, comparable even to its conventional counterparts.

[0142] In FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, antenna elements 5 are represented by single point for an illustration point of view. It is understood that the shape, the size of each antenna element depends on the frequency, the material, and / or the desire application.

[0143]

[0144] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the array of the present invention following the periphery of an antenna medium can provide high-gain beams with narrow beamwidths in two principal planes. The main difference to conventional phased array layouts, such as a square one, is that an L-shape has increased side lobes. The sidelobes can be suppressed by increasing the array width so that it approaches more the shape of a conventional array, such as a rectangular or square one. If this is not possible due to space or other constraints, the sidelobes can be suppressed by tapering. This is particularly interesting in case the desire application requires low side lobe level. In FIG. 13, a modification of a traditional L-shaped array is shown, where a part of the array is truncated. This can be useful in the case of irregularly shaped antenna mediums, where the array has to follow a curved or truncated corner of the periphery of the medium.

[0145] Thus, Fig. 12 presents an embodiment of an L-shaped array layout, that could be arranged along the periphery of a laminated glass. The right side depicts the polar 3D radiation pattern of the array when all antenna elements of the array are excited with equal amplitudes and same phases so that the beam points to the boresight direction. Patch antennas are considered as antenna elements in this embodiment.

[0146] Fig. 13 presents an embodiment of a truncated L-shaped array layout, which is basically an L-shape with modified corners, the junctionbetween the two legs of the L-shape. This layout can be useful to place the array along a periphery of a medium, such as a laminated glazing, that has curved or truncated corners. The 3D polar radiation pattern of such a layout is presented on the right side of the figure. It is also assumed that all antenna elements of the array are excited with equal amplitudes and same phases so that the beam points to the boresight direction. Surprisingly, thanks to the truncation, the radiation pattern of this array has lower side lobes compared to the normal L-shape.

[0147] Fig. 14 - FIG. 17 present a comparison between an L-shaped array (FIG. 14 and FIG. 15) and a conventional square one (FIG. 16 and FIG. 17), both of them having the same number of elements (36 in total) excited with equal amplitudes and phases. Since the two arrays have equal number of elements, their total gain is the same. However, the L-shaped array has higher side lobe level 87, as illustrated from the 2D cuts of the normalized radiation pattern of the array shown in FIG. 15 compared to the 2D cuts of the normalized radiation pattern of the array shown in FIG. 17 for the conventional square array.

[0148] Thanks to the present invention, the side lobe level of an L-shaped array can be reduced by increasing its width (i.e., number of elements placed orthogonally to the edge) relative to its length, so that its shape resembles more the shape of a rectangular or square array.

[0149] FIG. 18 - FIG. 20 present some embodiments according to the present invention to reduce the side lobe level of a truncated L-shaped array, by applying tapering, where the antenna elements are excited with different amplitude coefficients. The antenna elements 5 that are in closer distance, zone 64, to the center of the array are excited with higher amplitude values compared to the ones that are further away, respectively zones 65, 66 and 67. The amplitude of the zone 64 is comprised between 0.75 and 1, the amplitude of the zone 65 is comprised between 0.5 and 0.75, the amplitude of the zone 66 is comprised between 0.25 and 0.5 and the amplitude of the zone 67 is comprised between 0 and 0.25.

[0150] As shown in the normalized 2D radiation patterns of the array in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the side lobe level is considerably suppressed, even when the array scans to wide angles such as 60 degrees in this case.

[0151] FIG. 14 - FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 - FIG. 20 illustrate some embodiments with a tapering and low sidelobes when scanning, tapering can be applied to the truncated L-shaped array and the elements closer to the center surprisingly are excited with higher amplitude values. As illustrated, the array maintains low side lobes even when scanning to wide angles such as 60 degrees, also considering realistic element patterns.

[0152] In the third aspect of the present invention, the array phased antenna system can be used in a vehicle. In such embodiments, preferably, the laminated glazing is a glass roof, a windshield, a backlite or a lateral window.

[0153] As illustrated in FIG. 11, according to some embodiments, the invention relates also to the use of the phased array antenna system of the first aspect of the present invention for providing beamforming capabilities in a wireless communication network preferably in a position, navigation, and timing system.

[0154] According to some embodiments, the invention relates also to a use of the phased array antenna system in a radar system for steering radar beams in two dimensions for target detection and tracking.

[0155] According to some embodiments, the invention relates also to a use of the phased array antenna system of claim 1 in an automotive application for providing adaptive beamforming for vehicle-to-vehicle communication and sensing.

[0156] According to some embodiments, the invention relates also to a use of the phased array antenna system in a satellite communication system for electronically steering communication beams toward different geographic areas.

[0157] According to some embodiments, the invention relates also to a use of the phased array antenna system in a phased array radar for providing electronic scanning of radar beams in azimuth and elevation angles.

[0158] As illustrated in FIG. 21, the invention relates to a method 400 of manufacturing a phased array antenna system according the first aspect of the invention.

[0159] The method comprises the following steps:- assembling 401 a plurality of antenna elements with the laminated glazing;- placing 402 radio-frequency (RF) circuits on a separate circuit medium; and- electrically 403 interconnecting the RF circuits and the antenna elements via a chip-antenna feeding (7) to transfer RF signal between RF circuits and the antenna elements.

[0160] Depending on the lamination process, steps 401, 402, 403 can be performed in a different order and depending or independent from the lamination process.

[0161] Thus, the present invention permits to provide narrow beamwidth and high gain phased array antenna system.

[0162] Thus, the present invention permits, in these different aspects, the creation of a phased array antenna system with enhanced adaptability, allowing for the integration of antenna elements onto non-traditional surfaces such as glass. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for applications where the antenna system must conform to aesthetic or structural requirements, such as in architectural designs or on the surfaces of vehicles.

[0163] Thus, the present invention permits, in these different aspects and at least for some embodiments, the separation of antenna elements and RF circuits onto different mediums, which can simplify the manufacturing process and reduce the complexity associated with vertical interconnections. This separation can lead to improved reliability and easier maintenance, as the RF circuits can be accessed and serviced independently of the antenna elements.

[0164] Thus, the present invention permits, in these different aspects and at least for some embodiments, the reduction of parasitic interactions between the antenna elements and the RF circuits, which can occur in traditional stacked designs. By physically separating these components, the invention can improve the overall performance of the phased array antenna system by minimizing coupling, radiation losses, and impedance mismatches.

[0165] Thus, the present invention permits, in these different aspects and at least for some embodiments, the phased array antenna system to be more easily scaled and customized. The flexibility in the placement of antennaelements and RF circuits enables the design of arrays that can be tailored to specific applications, whether they require large-scale deployment or integration into compact spaces.

[0166] Thus, the present invention permits, in these different aspects and at least for some embodiments, the phased array antenna system to maintain a low profile while offering protection to the antenna elements. By embedding the antenna elements within a medium like glass, the system can achieve a sleek and unobtrusive design that is shielded from environmental factors, potentially extending the lifespan of the antenna elements.

[0167] Thus, the present invention permits, in these different aspects and at least for some embodiments, the phased array antenna system to achieve a higher degree of integration with other functionalities, such as solar cells or smart window technologies. This multifunctional capability can lead to more efficient use of space and resources, particularly in applications where surface area is limited.

[0168] Thus, the present invention permits, in these different aspects and at least for some embodiments, the phased array antenna system to be implemented on a variety of surfaces, including curved or irregularly shaped ones, thereby expanding the potential applications of the technology. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and building construction, where the integration of antenna systems with non-planar surfaces is often required.

Claims

1.ClaimsClaim 1. A phased array antenna system (1), comprising:- a laminated glazing (2) comprising a first (21) and a second (22) dielectric panels laminated together by a polymeric-based interlayer (23); each of the first and the second dielectric panels has an external surface (211, 212) and an internal surface (221, 222); the internal surfaces are towards each other;- a circuit medium (3) configured to support radio-frequency (RF) circuits;- an array element (4) containing a plurality of antenna elements (5) configured to emit a signal with a frequency range between 70 MHz to 110 GHz;- RF circuits (6) placed on the circuit medium; and- a chip-antenna feeding (7) to transfer RF signal between RF circuits and the antenna elements, characterized in that each of the plurality of antenna elements is arranged along a periphery of the laminated glazing; in that each of the antenna elements comprises a conductive layer; and in that said conductive layers are arranged on at least one of the external or internal surfaces of the first or the second dielectric panels or on a surface of the polymeric-based interlayer.Claim 2. A phased array antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the conductive elements are arranged between said internal surfaces of the first and second dielectric panels or on a surface of the polymeric-based interlayer.Claim 3. The phased array antenna system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the antenna elements are patch antennas.Claim 4. The phased array antenna system of any preceding claims, wherein the antenna elements are dipole antennas.Claim 5. The phased array antenna system of any preceding claims, wherein the circuit medium is a printed circuit board (PCB).Claim 6. The phased array antenna system of claims 1 - 5, wherein the chip-antenna feeding comprises aperture coupling.Claim 7. The phased array antenna system of claims 1 - 5, wherein the chip-antenna feeding comprises a microstrip transmission line or a coplanar waveguide (CPW).Claim 8. The phased array antenna system of claims 1-7, wherein the array has an L-shaped configuration along the periphery of the laminated glazing.Claim 9. The phased array antenna system of claims 1-7, wherein the array has a U-shaped configuration along the periphery of the laminated glazing.Claim 10. The phased array antenna system of any preceding claims, wherein the array width is defined as the number of elements placed along a direction essentially perpendicular to the border the circuit medium and the antenna medium, preferably the laminated glazing.Claim 11. The phased array antenna system of any preceding claims, wherein the array is configured to provide 2D beam steering, allowing independent beam steering in two orthogonal planes.Claim 12. The phased array antenna system of any preceding claims, wherein the array is configured to provide 2D beam steering and places nulls towards the direction of potential interferers (null-steering) by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the signals applied to the antenna elements using a combination of digital and analog beamforming techniques.Claim 13. A method for manufacturing a phased array antenna system according to any preceding claims, the method comprising:- assembling a plurality of antenna elements with the laminated glazing;- placing radio-frequency (RF) circuits on a separate circuit medium; and- electrically interconnecting the RF circuits and the antenna elements via a chip-antenna feeding (7) to transfer RF signal between RF circuits and the antenna elements.Claim 14. Vehicle comprising a phased array antenna system according to claims 1-12.Claim 15. A use of the phased array antenna system of claim 1-12 for providing beamforming capabilities in a wireless communication network preferably in a satellite communication and position, navigation, and timing system.

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