3D Phased Array Antenna for Full Spatial Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antennas are limited to two-dimensional operations, restricting their ability to cover elevations beyond 60 degrees vertically, which hinders their effectiveness in transmitting and receiving signals in a full 3D space.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional phased array antenna system that uses electronic steering to direct signals in all directions, including 360 degrees around and up to 90 degrees above and below the horizontal plane, by positioning antenna elements on a 3D structure such as a geodesic dome, allowing simultaneous transmission and reception in multiple directions relative to the X, Y, and Z axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional phased array antennas are used with two-dimensional operation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the elevation coverage is limited to 60 degrees vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional phased array operation to three-dimensional operation by distributing antenna elements across multiple elevation planes. The system uses a coordinate system with azimuth angle φ and elevation angle θ to define element positions, enabling full 3D spatial coverage. This dimensional expansion allows the antenna to transmit and receive signals in all directions (360 degrees azimuth, ±90 degrees elevation) rather than being constrained to a single plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antenna elements are positioned on a 3D structure, then signal coverage in all directions is enabled, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the three-dimensional antenna array into multiple two-dimensional sub-arrays or planes, each containing a subset of antenna elements. These segmented planes can be manufactured and tested independently before being assembled into the complete 3D structure. The segmentation approach allows for modular construction, where each plane follows conventional 2D array manufacturing processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving 3D coverage capability.
3Productivity
If electronic steering is used to enable simultaneous transmission in multiple directions, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified electronic steering control system that manages all antenna elements across the three-dimensional array through a single coordinate-based addressing scheme. The system uses universal phase shifters and signal processors that can direct beams to any azimuth-elevation coordinate pair (φ, θ) without requiring separate control mechanisms for different planes or directions. This universal control approach enables simultaneous multi-directional transmission while keeping the electronic architecture manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to 3D phased array-antenna systems and devices. A system may include a 3D structure with its center located at an origin of a reference coordinate system that includes an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis extending from the origin of the reference coordinate system. The system may also include antenna arrays that have antenna elements configured to operate via electronic steering. The antenna arrays can be coupled to the 3D structure such that electronically steering antenna elements of the antenna arrays enables the antenna elements to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals simultaneously in numerous directions relative to the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis of the reference coordinate system. The system may be used in various applications, including data transmission and reception, radar, and broadband signaling.