Antenna Device Conductive Layer Suppresses Surface Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Planar antennas used in satellite communications suffer from undesired radio wave radiation due to surface waves propagating along the radome, leading to deteriorated directivity, especially on the back surface which exceeds regulatory values.
Innovation Solution
A conductive layer is applied around the antenna substrate, covering the side and back surfaces of the radome, which reflects and suppresses radio waves from these surfaces, preventing undesired radiation and maintaining directivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a radome is added to cover the planar antenna, then waterproof properties and rigidity are improved, but undesired radio wave radiation increases due to surface wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the radome and the antenna substrate. This conductive layer acts as a mediator that intercepts surface waves before they can propagate along the radome, converting the harmful surface wave energy into heat through resistive losses, thereby preventing undesired radio wave radiation while maintaining the radome's protective functions
2Strength
If a radome is added to cover the planar antenna, then impact strength is improved, but directivity deteriorates due to surface wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer serves as an intermediary that selectively interacts with surface waves without affecting the main radiation pattern. By positioning the conductive layer between the radome and antenna substrate, it absorbs surface wave energy while allowing the main lobe radiation to pass through the radome unaffected, thus preserving directivity while maintaining impact strength
3Stability of the object's composition
If a radome is added to cover the planar antenna, then rigidity is improved, but directivity deteriorates due to surface wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer functions as a stabilizing intermediary that prevents the radome from becoming part of the radiating structure. It maintains the mechanical rigidity of the radome assembly while electrically isolating the radome from surface wave propagation, ensuring that the radome remains a passive protective structure rather than an active radiating element that would degrade directivity
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 conductive layer effectively reduces radio wave radiation from the side and back surfaces, enhancing the antenna's directivity and compliance with regulatory standards by shielding unwanted noise and maintaining signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive layer is applied around the antenna substrate, covering the side and back surfaces of the radome, which reflects and suppresses radio waves from these surfaces
Implementation Method 2
the planar antenna is covered by a radome comprised of thermoplastic resin (dielectric)
Implementation Method 3
a part of the radio waves transmitted (radiated) from the front surface of the planar antenna propagate as surface waves along the surrounding radome
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an antenna device includes: an antenna substrate which comprises on a front surface thereof a radiation element for transmitting/receiving radio waves; a dielectric layer which covers the front surface and a back surface of the antenna substrate; and a first conductive layer which covers a side surface of the antenna substrate.