Array Antenna Arrangement With Different Aperture Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle radar systems face challenges in detecting objects at increased distances and non-zero azimuth and elevation angles, with existing methods either narrowing the elevation pattern or introducing nulls in the azimuth pattern due to amplifier configurations.
Innovation Solution
An array antenna arrangement comprising at least two array antennas with different aperture sizes, each connected to a corresponding amplifier arrangement including a power amplifier and phase shifter device, allowing for adjustable beam patterns that avoid nulls and provide enhanced directionality and elevation beamwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the length of the transmission antenna is increased to achieve increased detection range, then the detection distance is improved, but the elevation beamwidth becomes narrower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple separate array antennas (first array antenna with first aperture and second array antenna with second aperture) instead of using a single long antenna. Each array antenna is fed by its own power amplifier and phase shifter device, allowing independent control of beam patterns. This segmentation enables the system to achieve long-range detection through one array while maintaining elevation beamwidth through another array with different aperture characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (one antenna length controlling both range and beamwidth) to a multi-dimensional approach by using multiple array antennas with different aperture sizes oriented in different dimensions. The first array antenna aperture and second array antenna aperture can be arranged orthogonally or at different angles, allowing independent optimization of azimuth and elevation beam patterns without the trade-off present in single-antenna systems.
2Measurement precision
If two side-by-side antennas are used for simultaneous transmission to increase range, then detection capability is improved, but nulls are introduced in the azimuth pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different local qualities to different array antennas by giving them different aperture sizes and orientations. The first array antenna is optimized for specific azimuth coverage while the second array antenna is optimized for different azimuth regions. Each array's beam pattern is independently controlled through its own phase shifter device, allowing the system to combine patterns that complement each other rather than cancel, thus avoiding nulls in the overall azimuth pattern.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmission modes are used to detect both distant and close-in targets, then detection versatility is improved, but computational resources and silicon size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal antenna system where multiple array antennas with different aperture characteristics can handle both distant and close-in target detection simultaneously through a single transmission mode. The first array antenna with its specific aperture size and the second array antenna with its different aperture size provide complementary beam patterns that collectively cover both far-range and near-range detection requirements. The phase shifter devices enable dynamic beam steering to adapt to different target positions without requiring multiple discrete transmission modes or complex signal processing switches.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an array antenna arrangement (20, 31, 52, 100, 200) comprising at least two array antennas (21, 22; 32, 33, 34, 53, 54; 101, 103, 105; 201, 203, 205) and at least two amplifier arrangement (23, 24; 35, 36, 37; 107, 108, 109; 207, 208, 209). Each array antenna (21, 22; 32, 33, 34, 53, 54; 101, 103, 105; 201, 203, 205) has a corresponding antenna aperture (25, 26; 38, 39, 40, 57, 58; 102, 104, 106; 202, 204, 206), and each amplifier arrangement (23, 24; 35, 36, 37; 107, 108, 109; 207, 208, 209) comprises a corresponding power amplifier (27, 28; 41, 42, 43; 110, 111, 112; 210, 211, 212) and a corresponding phase shifter device (29, 30; 44, 45, 46; 113, 114, 115; 213, 214, 215). A first amplifier arrangement (23, 35, 107, 207) is connected to a first array antenna (21, 32, 101, 201) having a first antenna aperture (25, 38, 102, 202), and a second amplifier arrangement (24, 36, 108, 209) is connected to a second array antenna (22, 33, 53, 103, 205) having a second antenna aperture (26, 39, 57, 104, 206). The first antenna aperture (25, 38, 102, 202) has a size that differs from a size of the second antenna aperture (26, 39, 57, 104, 206).