3D Subarray Antenna Layout for Superdirective Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna arrays are limited by antenna aperture area, restricting the ability to increase antenna gain or decrease beam width, thereby limiting directivity improvement.
Innovation Solution
An antenna array design with subarrays of antenna elements arranged in specific directions, where spacing between elements is less than or equal to half or quarter wavelengths, combined with amplitude and phase control, forming two- or three-dimensional arrays to enhance directivity through vector superposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If conventional antenna array is used, then antenna aperture area is limited, but antenna gain and beam width cannot be improved further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional antenna arrays to three-dimensional antenna arrays by adding the vertical dimension. Multiple antenna elements are arranged in three orthogonal directions (x, y, z axes), creating a volumetric aperture that exceeds the limitations of planar arrays. This dimensional expansion enables higher directivity and improved beamforming capabilities without being constrained by traditional aperture area limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is divided into multiple subarrays, where each subarray contains multiple antenna elements arranged in specific geometries. These subarrays can be independently controlled with separate amplitude and phase weights, enabling sophisticated beamforming and superdirectivity techniques. The segmentation allows for optimized local radiation patterns that combine to achieve superior overall directivity.
2Quantity of substance
If antenna aperture is limited by cost, then antenna gain cannot be increased, but signal-to-noise ratio needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter optimization techniques including amplitude weighting and phase shifting for each antenna element. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves constructive interference in desired directions and destructive interference in unwanted directions. This parametric control enables superdirectivity, where the effective directivity exceeds what would be predicted from the physical aperture size alone, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio without increasing aperture area.
3Length of moving object
If conventional antenna structure is used, then beam width is limited, but angle resolution needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
By extending the antenna array into three dimensions, the system achieves narrower beam widths in multiple angular dimensions simultaneously. The volumetric arrangement of antenna elements creates more stringent spatial filtering, producing sharper main lobes and reduced side lobes. This three-dimensional beamforming capability significantly improves angle resolution for both azimuth and elevation measurements, enabling precise spatial discrimination.
4Length of moving object
If spacing between antenna elements is increased, then coupling is reduced, but directivity improvement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes close spacing between antenna elements (comparable to or less than half-wavelength) to induce strong mutual coupling effects. By carefully designing the amplitude and phase parameters for each element, the system transforms this coupling into a beneficial resource that enhances directivity. The coupled elements collectively produce a radiation pattern with higher directivity than would be achievable with widely spaced elements, effectively converting electromagnetic coupling into a directivity-enhancing mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves superdirectivity and high resolution by ensuring strong coupling between elements, reducing volume, and improving directivity and beamforming capabilities compared to conventional antennas.
Implementation Method 1
the spacing between adjacent antenna elements in the Mn antenna elements is less than or equal to 1/2λ... so that coupling between the antenna elements can be ensured
Implementation Method 2
superdirectivity of the antenna array can be further improved by using vector superposition effect of the array
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array and an apparatus, the antenna array include N subarrays, wherein the nth subarray includes Mn antenna elements, N is an integer greater than 1, a value of n is an integer ranging from 1 to N, Mn is a positive integer, and a quantity of antenna elements in at least one of the N subarrays is greater than 1. When Mn is greater than 1, the Mn antenna elements are arranged in a first direction, a spacing between adjacent antenna elements in the Mn antenna elements is less than or equal to ½λ, and λ is a wavelength determined based on an operating frequency of the antenna array. The N subarrays are arranged in a second direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction; or N1 subarrays are arranged in the second direction, and N2 subarrays are arranged in a third direction.