Active RF Modules in Spherical Lens Antenna Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive multiple beam antennas suffer from RF signal loss due to Ohmic losses in components and transmission lines, and loss of gain between discrete beam directions, which negatively impacts their performance in applications requiring higher effective antenna gains and communication data rates.
Innovation Solution
The integration of active transmit/receive RF modules at each feed of a multiple beam antenna system, along with a spherical lens and power dividers, allows for flexible control and reduced losses, enabling agile beam switching and improved gain characteristics without the need for RF phase shifters or waveguide and ferrite switch elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive antennas and feeds are used for multiple beam switching, then the antenna can achieve beam switching capability, but RF signal loss increases due to Ohmic losses in components and transmission lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical/ferrite switching components with active electronic T/R modules that directly control feed elements. This substitution eliminates the need for ferrite circulators and mechanical switching, thereby reducing Ohmic losses in transmission lines and components while maintaining beam switching capability through electronic control of active modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent T/R modules, each associated with specific feed elements. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each module, reducing overall system losses by enabling selective activation of only the necessary feeds for each beam direction, rather than relying on passive switching networks that incur continuous losses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If discrete beam directions are used in passive multiple beam antennas, then beam switching is achieved, but gain is lost between discrete beam directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam forming by enabling simultaneous or sequential activation of multiple T/R modules with adjustable amplitude and phase control. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain continuous gain coverage between discrete beam directions through electronic beam steering and shaping, eliminating the gain loss inherent in fixed passive beam switching systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The T/R modules are designed to perform multiple functions: they can individually control feed elements for discrete beam switching, simultaneously activate multiple feeds for continuous gain coverage, and adaptively shape beams for different directions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system capable of both discrete beam switching and continuous gain maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more RF components and transmission lines are used in passive multiple beam antennas, then beam switching capability is enhanced, but Ohmic losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary passive RF components and transmission lines from the traditional multiple beam antenna architecture. By directly connecting T/R modules to feed elements and eliminating ferrite circulators, power dividers, and extensive transmission line networks, the design reduces Ohmic losses while preserving beam switching capability through simplified direct control paths.
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 configuration minimizes Ohmic losses, enhances beam coverage, and allows for wider angular movement between antennas, maintaining sufficient gain in dynamic environments, thereby improving the performance and flexibility of multiple beam antennas.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical lens; a plurality of planar multi-feed assemblies spaced around a region of the spherical lens, wherein each of the planar multi-feed assemblies comprises: a plurality of feeds spaced around and directed into the spherical lens
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple beam antenna systems with embedded active transmit and receive RF modules are provided. In one embodiment, an active multiple beam antenna system includes: a spherical lens; a plurality of planar multi-feed assemblies spaced around a region of the spherical lens, wherein each of the planar multi-feed assemblies comprises: a plurality of feeds spaced around and directed into the spherical lens; a plurality of transmit/receive active modules, wherein one respective transmit/receive active module of the plurality of transmit/receive active modules is coupled to each of the plurality of feeds; a first power divider coupled to each of the plurality of transmit/receive active modules; and a second power divider coupled to the first power divider of each of the plurality of planar multi-feed assemblies, the first power divider further configured to couple with a datalink radio.