Antenna Apparatus Switching Circuit for Rapid Beam Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antenna apparatuses require sequential operation of multiple patch antennas, increasing search time and necessitating complex circuits for beam direction control.
Innovation Solution
An antenna apparatus with a simplified circuit configuration, utilizing a plurality of switches to selectively activate antenna devices arranged in concentric circles or polygonal shapes, allowing for rapid beam direction adjustment without a phase shifter, enabling efficient selection of desired antennas and beam directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If multiple patch antennas are sequentially operated to control beam direction, then beam direction control is achieved, but search time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple antenna devices (e.g., 16 patch antennas arranged in a 4x4 matrix), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual antenna devices rather than sequential operation of entire antenna groups, significantly reducing search time while maintaining beam direction control capability.
2Loss of time
If four patch antennas are sequentially operated to steer main beam direction, then beamforming is achieved, but search time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific antenna devices based on the desired beam direction, rather than following a fixed sequential operation pattern. This dynamic selection approach, controlled by switching circuitry, enables faster and more flexible beam steering operations while reducing search time.
3Measurement precision
If each patch antenna is controlled with a complicated circuit for beam direction control, then precise beam control is achieved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple antenna devices share common control circuitry and switching mechanisms rather than each having independent complex control circuits. The switching circuitry can selectively connect any antenna device to the transmission/reception system, achieving precise beam direction control with shared, simplified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry is designed with universal functionality to manage any antenna device in the array. A single set of switching circuits and control logic can direct beams in multiple directions by selecting different antenna devices, eliminating the need for dedicated complex circuits for each antenna while maintaining precise control.
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna apparatus includes a number of antenna devices disposed to surround a center. M switches are connected to the plurality of antenna devices, M being an integer equal to or greater than 1. The of antenna devices include N antenna device groups and each of the N antenna device groups includes M antenna devices. N is an integer equal to or greater than 1. For each of the M switches, the mth switch is connected to the mth antenna device of the each of the N antenna device groups, m being an integer ranging from 1 to M.