Compact Electronic Scanning Antenna With Plasma-Sprayed Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic scanning antennas face challenges in simplifying and compacting power supply distribution while maintaining effective cooling and accessibility, particularly in high-stress, compact architectures used in airborne applications like drones.
Innovation Solution
The use of conductive tracks deposited on a cold plate, which serves as the main mechanical structure, to create an electrical power distribution circuit for transmission and reception modules, with connectors passing through the plate to connect to a power source, minimizing mechanical complexity and maximizing compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional busbar grouping and plug-in connection technology is used for power distribution, then electrical power can be supplied to transmission and reception modules, but the antenna structure becomes more complex and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power distribution circuit directly with the cold plate structure by depositing conductive tracks onto the cold plate surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate busbars and plug-in connections, thereby reducing both device complexity and antenna bulk simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-in connection system with a deposited conductive track system. The conductive tracks are directly formed on the cold plate, eliminating mechanical connectors and reducing structural complexity while maintaining electrical connectivity.
2Volume of moving object
If compact architecture is implemented to reduce antenna thickness, then antenna compactness improves, but cooling effectiveness and power supply accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply circuit is merged with the cold plate structure through direct deposition of conductive tracks. This integration allows the power distribution system to be embedded within the compact antenna structure without requiring additional space or complex routing, thus maintaining accessibility while achieving compactness.
3Volume of moving object
If compact architecture is implemented to reduce antenna thickness, then antenna compactness improves, but manufacturing complexity of printed circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional printed circuit board fabrication with direct deposition of conductive tracks onto the cold plate. This approach eliminates the need for complex PCB manufacturing processes, including layer stacking, drilling, and plugging, thereby simplifying fabrication while enabling thinner antenna design.
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
This solution enhances the compactness and efficiency of power distribution in electronic scanning antennas, reducing bulk, minimizing line losses, and allowing for high-power transmission while maintaining efficient heat dissipation and reduced magnetic coupling.
Implementation Method 1
said conductive tracks are deposited by plasma spraying
Implementation Method 2
at least one cold plate serving as main mechanical structure... allowing for high-power transmission while maintaining efficient heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna comprises at least one cold plate serving as main mechanical structure and a set of transmission and reception modules, the modules supplied with electrical power by an electrical power distribution circuit connected to a power source delivering a power supply voltage, the distribution circuit formed by conductive tracks deposited by plasma spraying on the cold plate and crossing the cold plate to reach connection points to the transmission and reception modules.