Array Antenna Phase Inverter Placement for Sidelobe Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional array antennas face inefficiencies in utilizing substrate space, leading to reduced antenna element installations and increased sidelobe generation due to feeder line configurations and phase-inverter placement.
Innovation Solution
The array antenna employs a center feed type configuration with primary and secondary feeder lines, phase-inverters positioned off-center and between antenna elements, and a symmetrical arrangement to minimize sidelobe generation by effectively utilizing substrate space and reducing feeder line curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If feeder lines are connected from the array direction to antenna elements, then the structure is simple, but the substrate area is not effectively utilized and the number of antenna element installations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional connection direction by connecting feeder lines to antenna elements from the center side instead of from the array direction. This reversal allows antenna elements to be arranged at both ends of the substrate, effectively utilizing the substrate area and increasing the number of antenna element installations.
2Length of stationary object
If two feeder lines are connected to antenna elements at the center side from different directions, then the distance between feeder lines is shortened, but a phase-inverter is needed and one feeder line must be greatly curved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the feeder line configuration by connecting one feeder line from the left side and the other from the right side to adjacent antenna elements at the center side. This asymmetric arrangement shortens the distance between feeder lines while avoiding the need for great curvature by accepting the complexity of different connection directions.
3Ease of operation
If one feeder line is greatly curved to accommodate phase-inverter, then the phase can be inverted, but sidelobes easily occur particularly at the center of the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the phase-inverter at the center of the substrate where it is most needed for phase correction. By concentrating the phase-inversion function at this specific location and using multiple phase-inverters distributed across the array, the system achieves effective phase control while managing sidelobe generation through localized intervention rather than requiring great feeder line curvature.
4Quantity of substance
If antenna elements are arranged to utilize both ends of the substrate, then the number of antenna element installations is increased, but feeder lines must be connected from different directions creating complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the feeder line system into multiple independent connection paths, with feeder lines connected from both the left and right sides of the substrate. This segmentation allows antenna elements to be arranged at both ends while distributing the connection complexity across multiple simpler paths, with each feeder line having a straightforward connection from its respective side.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an array antenna capable of reducing side lobes while efficiently arranging antenna elements. The array antenna includes a substrate, a plurality of antenna elements, a primary feeder line, a plurality of secondary feeder lines, and a phase-inverter. The antenna elements is arrayed on the substrate in longitudinal directions thereof. The secondary feeder lines are connected to the respective antenna elements from one of the longitudinal directions of the substrate, and at least connected to the antenna elements that are disposed at both end portions of the substrate from a center side of the substrate. The phase-inverter is positioned where the connected direction of the secondary feeder line to the antenna element changes, disposed at least between the antenna elements adjacent to each other on a first end portion side of the longitudinal center of the substrate, and inverted the phase of a radio wave to be transmitted.