Antenna Array Feeding with Alternating Phase Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antenna array feeding methods fail to achieve a perfect cosecant vertical radiation pattern, leading to signal volatility and uneven signal coverage in radiocommunication systems, resulting in areas with poor reception.
Innovation Solution
The method involves feeding antenna arrays with radiators arranged at half-wavelength intervals, using alternating positive and negative phase differences and varying amplitudes to shape the vertical radiation pattern, ensuring at least two adjacent phase differences have the same direction of change, and introducing monotonic phase sequences to disturb the oscillating phase changes, thereby achieving a radiation pattern close to the ideal cosecant pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional feeding methods with regular phase distribution are used, then the antenna array structure is simple, but the vertical radiation pattern deviates from ideal cosecant pattern causing signal volatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying phase differences between adjacent radiators according to a specific mathematical sequence. The phase differences alternate between positive and negative values with decreasing magnitude, creating a controlled oscillating pattern that shapes the vertical radiation characteristic to match the ideal cosecant pattern, thereby achieving stable signal coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding arrangement introduces dynamic phase distribution across the radiator array, where each radiator receives a different phase shift from its neighbors. This dynamic phase variation, rather than uniform or simple alternating phases, enables the antenna system to achieve the desired cosecant radiation pattern that provides consistent signal strength across different elevation angles.
2Reliability
If irregularities in geometrical arrangement of radiators are used, then radiation pattern shaping is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the physical positions of radiators, the patent changes the electrical parameters (phases) of the feeding signals. The phase differences between adjacent radiators follow a specific oscillating sequence with alternating signs and decreasing magnitudes, which achieves radiation pattern shaping without requiring precise mechanical positioning or irregular geometrical arrangements.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple alternating phase distribution is used, then feeding arrangement is simple, but signal coverage uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent refines the simple alternating phase concept by introducing systematic variations in phase difference magnitudes. Instead of constant alternating phases, the phase differences oscillate with decreasing absolute values, creating a more sophisticated distribution pattern that achieves uniform signal coverage while remaining implementable through standard phase shifters and feeding networks.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of feeding an antenna array, wherein the pattern similar to the cosecant pattern is achieved, according to the invention, characterized in that the consecutive radiators (RAD) are fed alternately with a positive and negative phase difference (F2-F1, F3-F2, F4-F3,..., FN-FN-1). Additionally, at least once two adjacent phase differences (from a set of F2-F1, F3-F2, F4-F3,..., FN-FN-1) at least once have the same direction of change, all the phases (F1, F2, F3, F4, ..., FN) being normalized to a range from 0° to 360°. An antenna array feeding arrangement, comprising an array of radiators, according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises at least 8 radiators (RAD). Consecutive radiators (RAD) are fed alternately with a positive and negative phase difference (F2-F1, F3-F2, F4-F3,..., FN-FN-1) and at least two adjacent phase differences (from a set of F2-F1, F3-F2, F4-F3,..., FN-FN-1) at least once have the same direction of change, all the phases (F1, F2, F3, F4, ..., FN) being normalized to a range from 0° to 360°.