Antenna Array System for Dual Polarization Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication satellite systems face challenges in increasing bandwidth capacity due to size and weight limitations, which restrict the inclusion of electrical, electronic, and mechanical subsystems, and existing phased array antenna systems are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An antenna array system with a straight feed waveguide and cross-couplers that receive input signals from both ends, allowing for the production of cross-polarized signals and enabling electronic beam steering without mechanical movement, using a serpentine or meandering waveguide structure with directional couplers and horn antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If more communication satellites and bandwidth capacity are added to increase information transmission, then the bandwidth capacity is improved, but the size and weight of the satellite system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a phased array configuration, allowing multiple functions (multiple beams, multiple polarizations) to be achieved within a single integrated antenna structure, thereby increasing bandwidth capacity without proportionally increasing satellite weight
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array antenna system provides multi-functionality by enabling electronic beam steering, multiple beam formation, and dual polarization capabilities within a single antenna structure, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate antenna systems and reducing overall weight
2Ease of operation
If reflector antenna systems with mechanical scanning are used, then the antenna beam can be directed, but the device complexity and weight increase due to mechanical gimbals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms (gimbals and rotating reflectors) with an electronic phased array system that uses variable phase shifters to control beam direction, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining full beam steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The phased array system provides dynamic beam steering through electronic control of phase shifters, allowing rapid and flexible beam direction changes without any physical movement of the antenna structure, contrasting with static mechanical systems
3Ease of operation
If dynamic phased array antenna systems with variable phase shifters are used to enable electronic beam steering, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to specialized active components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves beam steering by changing the phase parameter of the signals fed to each antenna element through variable phase shifters, allowing electronic control of beam direction without adding complex mechanical or active components beyond simple phase modulation
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 system efficiently directs and steers antenna beams electronically, enhancing bandwidth capacity while being compact, robust, and cost-effective, overcoming the limitations of traditional satellite design.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide having a first waveguide length, a first width, a first height, a first first port, and a second port
Implementation Method 2
a first directional coupler in communication with the first waveguide and configured to receive a first signal traveling in a first direction through the first waveguide and a second signal traveling in a second direction through the first waveguide
Implementation Method 3
a first horn antenna in communication with the first directional coupler and configured to radiate a first signal in a first polarization direction and a second horn antenna in communication with the second directional coupler and configured to radiate a second signal in a second polarization direction
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna array system (“AAS”) for directing and steering an antenna beam is described in accordance with the present disclosure. The AAS may include a feed waveguide having a feed waveguide length, at least two directional couplers in signal communication with the feed waveguide, at least two pairs of planar coupling slots along the feed waveguide length, and at least two horn antennas.