Annular Patch Radiator with Asymmetric Cavity for Beamforming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch radiator configurations in beamformed antenna systems face challenges in maximizing the upper frequency limit while minimizing the lower frequency limit, and achieving a compact design to satisfy antenna array spacing constraints, which is not adequately addressed by conventional annular patch designs where the interior annular region mimics the exterior perimeter.
Innovation Solution
An annular patch radiator configuration is introduced where the central region devoid of material has a different shape from the exterior perimeter, optimizing the ratio of removed material area to perimeter, thereby increasing the upper frequency limit and reducing the lower frequency limit, while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the patch perimeter is reduced to minimize physical size, then the operating frequency increases, but the frequency bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patch radiator is segmented into an annular configuration with an interior perimeter and an exterior perimeter, creating distinct regions that can be independently optimized. The interior perimeter is shaped differently from the exterior perimeter, allowing the patch to be divided into functional zones that collectively expand the frequency bandwidth while maintaining a compact overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the patch radiator are given different geometric properties. The interior perimeter has a specific shape configuration that differs from the exterior perimeter, creating local variations in electromagnetic field distribution. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of resonant frequency and bandwidth across different parts of the patch structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the array element spacing is reduced to minimize physical footprint, then the antenna array becomes more compact, but grating lobes may form in the radiated signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patch radiator parameters (perimeter length, area ratio, interior-perimeter-to-exterior-perimeter shape relationship) are specifically optimized to achieve broader frequency bandwidth. This allows the antenna element to maintain reliable signal quality across a wider frequency range, providing margin against grating lobe formation when array elements are spaced closely together.
3Area of moving object
If the patch area is maximized relative to perimeter to minimize physical size, then the operating frequency increases, but the frequency bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is segmented into an annular region with distinct interior and exterior perimeters. The interior perimeter shape is specifically designed to differ from the exterior perimeter, creating multiple resonant modes within a compact area. This segmentation allows the patch to achieve high operating frequency through small overall size while maintaining frequency bandwidth through the complex geometric configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The interior perimeter shape is intentionally made asymmetric or different from the exterior perimeter shape. This asymmetry creates multiple resonant frequencies and expands the frequency bandwidth, while the overall compact annular configuration maintains a small physical area-to-perimeter ratio for high operating frequency.
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 enhances the upper frequency limit while minimizing the lower frequency limit, allowing for a more compact and efficient patch radiator that meets the design constraints of beamformed antenna systems, thereby improving the overall performance and physical footprint of the antenna array.
Implementation Method 1
The patch radiator is the active or radiating part of the antenna element
Implementation Method 2
The cavity ensures that all of the radiated energy emerges from the front of the antenna element
Implementation Method 3
The dual feed network is largely to provide the necessary fields to drive the slot elements by exciting the appropriate field structure on the patch radiator
Implementation Method 4
The slots in turn excite the necessary fields for the dual polarized patch elements
Data Source
AI summary
A patch radiator for use in beamformed or steerable antenna systems which maximizes upper frequency limit and simultaneously minimizes the lower frequency limit, by providing an annular patch configuration in which a central region of the patch element is devoid of material, whereby this central region is of a different shape from the shape of the exterior perimeter of the patch element. One possible configuration of such a patch radiator comprises a square exterior shape, enclosing a central circular region of removed material. In this manner, the upper frequency limit threshold tends to rise as the interior annular perimeter is reduced. Preferably, the exterior and interior perimeters have no interior angles of more than 180°.