Antenna Array Microwave Imaging Without Multiplexer Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave and millimeter wave imaging systems using microwave multiplexer switches are expensive, incur signal loss, and are frequency limited, particularly restrictive for high-frequency applications, affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
A microwave and millimeter wave imaging system that eliminates the need for microwave multiplexer switches by using an antenna array with simultaneous signal transmission and reception, generating a pseudo plane-wave electric field, and employing a modified ω-k SAR algorithm for image processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If microwave multiplexer switches are used to route signals between transmitter, receiver, and antenna array, then the system can sequentially scan the aperture, but the system incurs signal loss and reduced dynamic range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the microwave multiplexer switches from the signal path entirely. Instead of routing signals through switches, the system uses a direct connection where the transmitter connects to all antenna elements simultaneously, eliminating the source of signal loss and dynamic range reduction while maintaining the sequential scanning capability through electronic control
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter is designed to simultaneously drive all antenna elements in the array without requiring switching. Each antenna element can independently transmit or receive signals, allowing the system to maintain sequential scanning capability while avoiding signal loss associated with multiplexer switches
2Ease of operation
If microwave multiplexer switches are used to route signals, then the system can sequentially scan the aperture, but the overall material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the expensive microwave multiplexer switch network from the system architecture. By using a direct connection approach where the transmitter connects to all antenna elements simultaneously, the system eliminates a major cost component while maintaining the desired sequential scanning functionality through electronic control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex microwave multiplexer switches with simpler, lower-cost direct connection architecture. The system uses inexpensive antenna elements that can be independently controlled, reducing the overall material cost while maintaining full scanning capability
3Ease of operation
If microwave multiplexer switches are used, then the system can route signals sequentially, but the operation is frequency limited and restrictive for high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the frequency-limiting microwave multiplexer switches from the system. By using direct connections where the transmitter simultaneously drives all antenna elements, the system eliminates the frequency restrictions imposed by switch operation, enabling effective operation across a broader frequency range including millimeter wave and terahertz frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of antenna element activation without using frequency-limiting switches. The system can selectively activate individual antenna elements or groups of elements through electronic control, providing sequential scanning capability across wide frequency ranges without the operational restrictions of microwave multiplexer switches
4Productivity
If microwave multiplexer switches are used to route signals one at a time, then the system can scan the aperture rapidly, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex network of microwave multiplexer switches and signal routing components from the system. By using direct connections where the transmitter simultaneously drives all antenna elements, the system maintains rapid scanning capability through simplified architecture, reducing the number of components and overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of multiple switches and routing components into a single direct connection architecture. The transmitter directly connects to all antenna elements simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex switching networks while maintaining the rapid electronic raster scanning capability through unified signal distribution
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 produces high-resolution images without the need for expensive multiplexer switches, reduces signal loss, and operates effectively across a broader frequency range, including terahertz frequencies, enhancing image quality and system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The array comprises a plurality of antennas by which a signal generated by the signal source is transmitted incident to an object located remotely from the antenna array and by which a signal reflected from the object is received by the antenna array. The signals transmitted by the antennas collectively have an effective electric field resembling a plane-wave within a target region in front of the antenna array.
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of detectors each connected to one of the antennas is configured to simultaneously receive the reflected signal and provide an output signal representative thereof.
Data Source
AI summary
Microwave and millimeter wave imaging. An antenna array in communication with a signal source comprises a plurality of antennas by which a signal generated by the signal source is transmitted incident to an object located remotely from the antenna array and by which a signal reflected from the object is received by the antenna array. The signals transmitted by the antennas collectively have an effective electric field resembling a plane-wave within a target region in front of the antenna array. A plurality of detectors each connected to one of the antennas is configured to simultaneously receive the reflected signal and provide an output signal representative thereof. An image processor configured to execute an imaging algorithm generates a multi-dimensional profile representative of the object based on the output signals from the detectors.