Adaptive Antenna Array Non-Uniform Subarray Spacing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adaptive radar arrays are costly and difficult to manufacture due to their non-symmetrical geometry, which results in varied and complex combining circuitry for each subarray, leading to increased expenses and manufacturing challenges.
Innovation Solution
The adaptive antenna array is arranged with subarrays having different numbers of element rows and columns, with non-uniformly spaced phase centers, allowing for efficient detection and tracking performance while being inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional adaptive radar arrays use non-symmetrical geometry with varied subarray configurations, then detection and tracking performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by deliberately designing subarrays with non-uniform element spacing and irregular geometries rather than symmetric uniform grids. This asymmetric configuration creates unique phase center patterns that improve detection and tracking performance while the patent acknowledges the manufacturing complexity this introduces
Solution Approach 2:
The radar array is segmented into multiple subarrays, each with its own phase center. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each subarray's geometry and spacing to achieve superior overall performance, though it increases the complexity of combining circuitry required for each segment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional adaptive radar arrays use irregular subarray geometries and non-uniform spacing, then grating lobe reduction is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Irregular subarray geometries and non-uniform element spacing are employed to disrupt the periodic patterns that generate grating lobes. The asymmetric configuration ensures that constructive interference occurs only in the desired direction rather than creating multiple grating lobe directions
Solution Approach 2:
Each subarray is designed with locally optimized element spacing and positioning tailored to its specific location and function within the overall array. This local quality optimization allows each subarray to contribute uniquely to grating lobe suppression while maintaining overall system performance
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional adaptive radar arrays use symmetrical uniform subarray geometries, then manufacturing is simplified, but detection performance and grating lobe control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately rejects symmetric uniform geometries in favor of asymmetric irregular configurations. This asymmetry is essential for achieving superior detection performance and grating lobe control, accepting that manufacturing will be more complex than simple uniform grids
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive antenna array has array elements arranged in element rows and element columns and subarrays arranged in subarray rows and subarray columns, for which the subarray phase centers have non-uniform spacing. The adaptive antenna array provides good detection and tracking performance when used in a radar system, while being inexpensive and easy to manufacture. A radar system and a method of adapting a radar array both employ the above described adaptive antenna array.