Wide-band Antenna Lens for 87 GHz Compact Test Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact antenna test ranges are limited in processing signals above 43 GHz due to the band-limited nature of traditional feed antennas, which restricts the frequency range and results in a smaller quiet zone, failing to meet the requirements of modern communication standards like 5G and new radio.
Innovation Solution
A wide-band antenna system incorporating a lens body with funnel-shaped curved sections merging into a common material section, positioned below the antenna aperture, providing a de-focusing effect that allows for signals up to 87 GHz transmission while maintaining a large half power beam width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional axial choke horn antennas with waveguide feed are used, then the antenna structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the frequency range is limited to 23-43 GHz due to waveguide cut-off frequency and higher-order modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the antenna by replacing the waveguide feed structure with a coaxial cable feed and introducing a dielectric lens with specific permittivity values (εr=2.25 or εr=4.5). This parameter change enables the antenna to operate across an extended frequency range from 23 GHz to 87 GHz while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dielectric lens as an intermediary component between the coaxial cable feed and free space. This lens serves as a mediator that transforms the electromagnetic fields from the coaxial feed into a suitable radiation pattern, enabling wideband operation without requiring complex waveguide structures. The lens with specific material properties acts as the key intermediary element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If antennas with higher frequency capability (above 43 GHz) are used, then the frequency range is extended, but the half power beam width decreases resulting in a 50% smaller quiet zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects and optimizes the dielectric lens parameters including permittivity (εr=2.25 or 4.5), dimensions (D1=112.5mm, D2=75mm, H=37.5mm), and position relative to the antenna aperture. These parameter changes enable the lens to control the phase and amplitude distribution of the radiated fields, maintaining a large half power beam width even at frequencies up to 87 GHz.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dielectric lens with curved surfaces (spheroidal or rotational symmetry) to control the electromagnetic wave propagation. The curved geometry of the lens enables proper phase compensation and beam shaping, maintaining a large half power beam width across the extended frequency range by focusing the electromagnetic energy appropriately.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a de-focusing lens with curved sections merging into a common material section is used, then signals up to 87 GHz can be transmitted with large half power beam width, but the lens body complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric dielectric lens design where the lens body has different curvature radii on opposite sides (first curved section with radius R1, second curved section with radius R2). This asymmetric configuration with a common material section allows the lens to properly focus/defocus electromagnetic waves across the wide frequency range while maintaining manufacturability through defined geometric parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric lens is segmented into distinct functional sections: a first curved section, a second curved section, and a common material section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function in controlling the electromagnetic fields, simplifying the design and manufacturing process while achieving the desired wideband performance and beam characteristics.
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 antenna system effectively transmits signals up to 87 GHz with a half power beam width greater than 35 degrees, enabling compliance with modern communication standards such as 5G and new radio within a compact antenna test range.
Implementation Method 1
The invention is based on the finding that a de-focusing lens can be used for the wide-band antenna in order to ensure that signals with frequencies up to 87 GHz can be transmitted while simultaneously providing a large half power beam width (HPBW). The de-focusing effect of the lens is provided by the shape of the lens body that has two curved sections merging into the common material section of the lens body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An antenna system (14) comprises a wide-band antenna (16) and a lens body (18). At least a portion of the antenna (16) is placed inside the lens body (18). The antenna (16) has at least two antenna portions (20, 22) with ends (24, 26). The antenna portions (20, 22) define a distance (d) between them, which gradually increases towards the ends (24, 26) defining the aperture (A) of the antenna (16). The lens body (18) has at least two curved sections (28, 30) that merge into a common material section (36) of the lens body (18). The common material section (36) is located below the aperture (A) of the antenna (16). Further, a compact antenna test range (10) is described.