Array Antenna Feed Network Phase Control for Wider Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing millimeter wave array antennas face challenges in achieving broadband capabilities due to high reflection issues and increased complexity in design, particularly with large-scale arrays, which hampers miniaturization and integration in communication systems.
Innovation Solution
An array antenna bandwidth enhancement method based on phase regulation and control, utilizing a one-time-reflection model formula and optimization algorithms to adjust path lengths and phase compensation values in the feed network, effectively reducing reflection coefficients and enhancing bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas with different physical apertures are adopted to meet multi-band communication requirements, then the communication requirements are satisfied, but the physical aperture of the whole antenna is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a broadband feed network that can operate across multiple millimeter wave frequency bands (28GHz, 38GHz, 47GHz, 50GHz) using a single physical aperture. The feed network uses wideband power dividers and phase compensation techniques to achieve multi-band functionality without requiring separate antennas for each frequency band, thereby reducing the overall physical aperture while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a common array antenna with stepwise increased and matching adjustment is adopted, then a certain bandwidth is achieved, but the design time and complexity are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary phase compensation design during the feed network configuration stage. By pre-calculating and compensating for phase differences in the feed network paths before array formation, the design process avoids iterative stepwise adjustments later. This preliminary action significantly reduces design time while achieving the required bandwidth performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional iterative mechanical adjustment methods with electromagnetic field-based phase compensation calculations. By using field theory to predict and compensate for phase differences analytically, the design process eliminates time-consuming trial-and-error adjustments, thereby reducing design time and complexity.
3Measurement precision
If full-wave simulation calculation is used for large-scale arrays, then accurate results are obtained, but calculation resources and time cost are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large-scale array into smaller subarrays with dedicated feed networks. Each subarray is designed and analyzed independently using simplified models, and then the subarrays are combined to form the complete array. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity of full-wave simulations while maintaining sufficient accuracy for design purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feed network model as an intermediary between the source and the large-scale array elements. This model accounts for phase and amplitude distribution across the array, allowing designers to predict array performance without performing full-wave simulations on the entire large-scale structure. The intermediary model significantly reduces calculation resources and time cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an array antenna bandwidth enhancement method based on phase regulation and control, an apparatus and an array antenna, a reflection coefficient of the array is calculated utilizing a one-time-reflection model calculation formula determined based on a small reflection theory, thus saving a full-wave simulation time of a large-scale array, and greatly improving a design efficiency. Enhancement of a bandwidth of the array using the array bandwidth enhancement method based on phase regulation and control may save a time for stepwise increased and matching adjustment of the large-scale array, and reduce design complexity. The provided method is simple and efficient, and is beneficial to realization of a wideband design of the large-scale array antenna.