Active Radiation Layer Array Antenna for Beam Steering and Impedance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Array antenna systems face high power consumption and RF losses due to the increasing number of components required for beam steering and impedance control, particularly with the use of phase shifters and impedance tuners in RFIC beamforming circuits.
Innovation Solution
An array antenna system with an active radiation layer comprising unit cells made of liquid crystal, whose dielectric constant changes with applied voltage, allowing for independent control of radiation properties and impedance without additional RF elements, enabling beam steering and impedance control through a single feed line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase shifters and impedance tuners are used for each radiator in RFIC beamforming circuits, then beam steering and impedance control are achieved, but power consumption and RF losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent control components (phase shifters and impedance tuners for each radiator) into a single integrated active radiation layer that provides both beam steering and impedance control functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate RF components at each radiator element
Solution Approach 2:
The active radiation layer serves multiple functions: it performs beam steering, impedance control, and radiation modulation all through a single integrated structure, making one component perform the work of multiple separate components
2Reliability
If phase shifters and impedance tuners are used for each radiator, then beam steering and impedance control are achieved, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges impedance control functionality into the active radiation layer itself, eliminating the need for separate impedance tuners at each radiator. The radiation layer's variable impedance properties directly provide the needed impedance matching without additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The active radiation layer provides universal control for both beam steering and impedance matching through a single integrated structure, reducing the overall component count and simplifying the system architecture
3Power
If the number of radiators is increased to increase antenna gain, then antenna gain is improved, but power consumption and RF losses increase due to more beamforming components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for individual beamforming components at each radiator element by using a single active radiation layer that controls all radiators collectively, removing the source of cumulative RF losses associated with multiple separate phase shifters and impedance tuners
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
This solution reduces power consumption and RF losses by eliminating the need for phase shifters and impedance tuners, simplifying system design while achieving beam steering and impedance control, and allowing for reconfiguration of the antenna system without additional RF components.
Implementation Method 1
the unit cell may include a liquid crystal having varying dielectric constant depending on applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
the unit cell may include a liquid crystal having varying dielectric constant depending on applied voltage
Implementation Method 3
The array antenna can improve the antenna gain through constructive interference between the radiators
Implementation Method 4
a feed line to feed waves for excitation of the plurality of patch antennas through the active radiation layer
Data Source
AI summary
The array antenna system according to an embodiment includes an active radiation layer including a plurality of unit cells and a control circuit to control properties of each unit cell, a plurality of patch antennas placed on each unit cell, and a feed line to feed waves for excitation of the plurality of patch antennas through the active radiation layer, wherein each unit cell is controlled to have different radiation properties by the control circuit, and beam steering and impedance control of the array antenna system is enabled by control of the active radiation layer. According to the embodiment, power consumption is much lower than the existing beamforming circuit, and the using of the single feed line reduces the complexity of system design.