Antenna Clusters for Phased Array Active Device Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave imaging systems face challenges with sidelobe degradation when reducing the number of antenna elements, particularly in sparse arrays, which leads to unwanted ghosting phenomena and requires costly active devices and deep digital memory, and existing solutions like deconvolution algorithms are either scene-dependent, time-consuming, or produce inferior image reconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A microwave imaging system utilizing a plurality of antenna clusters with at least two antenna elements each, controlled by a single active device, arranged to limit the maximum scan angle to less than π/2 radians, avoiding grating sidelobes and reducing the number of active devices needed, while maintaining effective scan coverage and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of antenna elements is reduced in sparse arrays, then the cost of active devices is reduced, but sidelobe degradation and ghosting phenomena occur
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple subarrays, where each subarray is controlled by a separate active device. This segmentation allows the system to use fewer active devices while maintaining image quality by processing signals from different spatial regions independently, thereby reducing sidelobe degradation and ghosting phenomena.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional one-dimensional element reduction approach to a two-dimensional subarray configuration. By organizing antenna elements into spatial subarrays and controlling them with fewer active devices, the system achieves element reduction without sacrificing image quality, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the solution.
2Reliability
If deconvolution algorithms are used to correct sidelobe degradation, then image quality can be improved, but the processing is time-consuming and scene-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the antenna array into specific subarray patterns that inherently minimize sidelobe degradation and ghosting phenomena. This preprocessing of the array configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming post-processing deconvolution algorithms, providing high-quality image reconstruction directly from the captured signals.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional phased arrays are used with full scan coverage, then complete object coverage is achieved, but the number of active devices and digital memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each active device controls multiple antenna element subarrays, making the active device multi-functional. This universal control approach allows fewer active devices to achieve the same scan coverage area that would otherwise require more devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive object coverage.
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 solution effectively reduces the number of active devices required, minimizes sidelobe degradation, and provides efficient scan coverage and image quality without the need for complex deconvolution algorithms, making it suitable for applications like security inspection systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each antenna cluster has at least two antenna elements and an active device. The active device controls the two antenna elements to direct microwave radiation to and from an object to capture a microwave image of the object.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of antenna clusters form an antenna array used in microwave imaging. Each antenna cluster has at least two antenna elements and an active device. The active device controls the two antenna elements to direct microwave radiation to and from an object to capture a microwave image of the object.