Phased Array Antenna Phase Control for Temperature and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased array antennas face challenges such as high cost, large size, heat dissipation issues, and poor adaptability to low temperatures and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A control device for an antenna system that includes multiple antenna array elements and phase shifters, equipped with a temperature sensor, positioning unit, and computing control unit. This device adjusts the phases of the antenna array elements based on temperature and position information, satellite position, and pre-stored calibration data, while also incorporating a coupler and signal processing unit for signal gain optimization and a heating/cooling module for temperature regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If liquid crystal phased array antenna is used to reduce cost and size, then manufacturing cost and device size are improved, but adaptability to low temperatures and vibrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by storing calibration data at multiple predetermined temperatures before actual operation. During operation, the controller selects pre-calibrated phase shift values based on the current temperature, eliminating the need for real-time adaptation and ensuring optimal performance across temperature ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the calibration parameter (phase shift values) based on temperature conditions. By storing different calibration data sets for different temperatures and selecting the appropriate set based on temperature sensors, the antenna maintains optimal performance across varying thermal environments.
2Ease of manufacture
If liquid crystal phased array antenna is used to reduce cost and size, then manufacturing cost and device size are improved, but anti-vibration ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by storing calibration data that accounts for vibration effects at different temperatures. This pre-characterization allows the system to compensate for vibration-induced phase errors by selecting appropriate calibration data based on temperature, improving reliability without adding mechanical vibration resistance.
3Reliability
If conventional phased array antenna is used to achieve stable performance, then reliability is improved, but device size and heat dissipation issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical phase shifters with liquid crystal-based phase shifters. Liquid crystal materials can change their refractive index through voltage control, enabling phase modulation without mechanical moving parts. This substitution reduces device size and improves heat dissipation while maintaining phase control capability through electrical fields.
4Adaptability or versatility
If temperature compensation is implemented through multiple calibration data sets, then adaptability to temperature variations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature sensors to automatically detect the current temperature and selects the appropriate calibration data set from stored data without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously adjusts phase shift values based on temperature readings, making the system self-adapting to temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (phase shift values) based on temperature conditions. By storing different calibration data sets for different temperatures and selecting the appropriate set based on temperature sensors, the antenna maintains optimal performance across varying thermal environments without complex real-time calculations.
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 enhances the antenna's performance by improving signal gain, reducing noise, and increasing adaptability to varying temperatures and vibrations, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional phased array antennas.
Implementation Method 1
the heating module is configured to heat the antenna under control of the computing control unit
Implementation Method 2
the cooling module is configured to cool the antenna under control of the computing control unit
Data Source
AI summary
Device and method controlling for an antenna, an antenna system and a computing control device are provided. The antenna includes multiple antenna array elements and multiple phase shifters for calibrating phases of the multiple antenna array elements. The device includes a temperature sensor, a positioning unit and a computing control unit, the temperature sensor is configured to obtain temperature information of the antenna and output it to the computing control unit; the positioning unit is configured to obtain position information of the antenna and output it to the computing control unit; the computing control unit is configured to receive the position information and temperature information of the antenna, determine position information of a satellite, and control the phase shifters to adjust phases of the multiple antenna array elements according to the position information the temperature information of the antenna, the position information of the satellite and pre-stored calibration data.