Reconfigurable Antenna Array Switching for Wideband Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna arrays do not optimally exploit the available radiating surface, limiting the number of excitable antennas and their geometric shapes, and lack reconfigurability in frequency and polarization.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable antenna network comprising a plurality of identical elementary meshes with symmetrical radiating elements and a reconfigurable switching circuit that allows for three distinct connection states between ports, enabling modular excitation and reconfiguration of radiation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed number of radiating elements is used in existing antenna arrays, then the device structure is simple, but the number of excitable antennas and geometric shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable antenna array where the number and arrangement of radiating elements can be dynamically changed through a switching circuit. The switching circuit can connect or disconnect radiating elements based on control signals, allowing the antenna array to transform between different geometric shapes and excitable antenna configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is divided into multiple independently controllable radiating elements that can be selectively activated or deactivated. Each radiating element can be individually connected to feed networks through the switching circuit, allowing flexible combination to form different antenna geometries and shapes, thus increasing adaptability without permanently complicating the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna arrays are used, then the bandwidth is limited, but the device complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reconfigurable switching circuit that can dynamically alter the antenna array's electrical characteristics. By changing the connection states of radiating elements through control signals, the antenna can operate across different frequency bands, achieving wide bandwidth coverage while maintaining a relatively simple physical structure that can be reconfigured electronically.
Solution Approach 2:
The same physical antenna structure serves multiple functions by being reconfigurable into different operational modes. The switching circuit enables the antenna array to function across various frequency bands and geometric configurations using the same hardware components, thereby achieving multi-functionality and wide bandwidth without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the excitation position of radiating elements is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but modularity and multiple radiation configurations cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of excitation positions through a switching circuit that can connect any radiating element to any feed network port based on control signals. This allows the excitation position to be dynamically reconfigured, enabling modular assembly of different radiation patterns and configurations while maintaining a simple underlying device structure that relies on electronic control rather than physical reconfiguration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a reconfigurable antenna array (14) comprising a plurality of identical elementary unit cells (10), each unit cell having at least one symmetry, in particular being a square unit cell, and comprising a radiating element (12) having: at least four ports (P1, P2, P3, P4) distributed in pairs on either side of each median (MH, MV) of one side of a unit cell (10), the antenna array additionally comprising a reconfigurable switching circuit able to generate three distinct connection states (50, 52, 54) between each port of each pair (16) of ports facing one another, each port of a pair (16) belonging to two distinct elementary unit cells (10) that are vertically stacked or horizontally adjacent within said antenna array (14).