Antenna Device Using Time-Division Multiplexing to Suppress Grating Lobes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In MIMO radar systems, increasing the number of antenna elements to improve performance is hindered by the limited space between sub-array antennas, making it difficult to enhance directional gain and suppress sidelobes without changing the antenna gap.
Innovation Solution
The antenna device incorporates a shared antenna element between sub-array antennas, allowing for increased antenna elements while maintaining the same antenna gap, by using a time-division MIMO configuration and adjusting power supply to minimize power leakage between sub-arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the antenna gap is reduced to increase the number of antenna elements, then the number of antenna elements increases, but grating lobes occur causing erroneous radar detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies time-division multiplexing to alternately activate transmission and reception functions of antenna elements. By switching the operational state of antenna elements in time domains, the system achieves virtual array expansion without physical grating lobes, maintaining detection accuracy while increasing element count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically reconfigures antenna element functions between transmission and reception modes. This dynamic switching allows the same physical elements to serve multiple roles, effectively creating a larger virtual array without the spatial constraints that cause grating lobes in static configurations.
2Reliability
If the antenna gap is increased to avoid grating lobes, then grating lobes are suppressed, but the number of antenna elements that can be mounted decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial dimension to time dimension by using time-division multiplexing. Instead of increasing physical spacing to avoid grating lobes, the system uses temporal separation of transmission and reception functions, effectively creating a virtual array with larger aperture without sacrificing element count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes antenna elements universal by enabling them to function as both transmission and reception elements through time-division switching. This multi-functionality allows the same physical elements to contribute to both transmit and receive arrays, effectively doubling the virtual element count without adding physical elements or increasing spacing.
3Strength
If more antenna elements are added to improve directional gain, then directional gain increases, but the mounting area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic time-division switching to create a virtual array with enhanced directional gain. By alternately activating transmission and reception functions, the system achieves the directional characteristics of a larger physical array without requiring the corresponding increase in mounting area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where transmission sub-array and reception sub-array are interleaved within the same physical space. This nesting allows the virtual array to achieve larger effective aperture and higher directional gain while maintaining a compact physical footprint.
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 configuration enhances antenna gain and reduces sidelobes, enabling improved performance without altering the antenna gap, thereby increasing the number of antenna elements in each sub-array.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more third antenna elements may couple with the first electrical power line and the second electrical power line via an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna device includes: a first sub-array antenna provided on a substrate and having a group of first antenna elements, one or more third antenna elements, and a first electrical power line through which electric power is supplied to the group of first antenna elements and the one or more third antenna elements; and a second sub-array antenna provided on the substrate and having a group of second antenna elements, the one or more third antenna elements, and a second electrical power line through which electric power is supplied to the group of second antenna elements and the one or more third antenna elements. The one or more third antenna elements are placed away from the first electrical power line and the second electrical power line.