Stacked Array Antenna Feed Layout for Simpler Phase Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of radiation elements in array antennas complicates the wiring design of microstrip lines due to the importance of line lengths in phase control, making it difficult to simplify the wiring and feed line path.
Innovation Solution
The array antenna design includes multiple conductive and dielectric layers with through hole conductors, allowing for a two-dimensional array pattern of radiation element pairs and branch feed lines, enabling flexible feed line arrangement and simplification of wiring paths by overlapping feed lines with slots in the conductive ground layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of radiation elements is increased to improve antenna performance, then the antenna coverage and directivity control are improved, but the wiring design complexity increases due to the increased number of microstrip lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked architecture. Multiple radiation element pairs are arranged in different layers (first and second radiation element patterns in different planes), connected through vertical via conductors. This 3D stacking reduces the horizontal wiring complexity while maintaining or enhancing the antenna coverage and directivity control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna array is segmented into multiple independent radiation element pairs arranged in a modular fashion. Each radiation element pair can be individually controlled through separate feed lines, allowing for independent phase and amplitude control. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall wiring design by breaking down the complex N-element problem into manageable pairs, while still achieving comprehensive coverage and directivity control.
2Measurement precision
If individual power feeding is implemented to enable precise directivity control, then the directivity control precision is improved, but the number of feed lines and wiring paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent radiation elements are merged into pairs, where each pair shares a common feed structure. The first and second radiation elements in each pair are fed through combined feed lines that branch from common power distribution points. This merging reduces the total number of independent feed lines while maintaining the ability to individually control the phase and amplitude of each element within the pair, preserving directivity control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed line architecture transitions to three-dimensional routing with vertical via conductors connecting different layers. Feed lines are distributed across multiple planes (first conductive pattern layer, second conductive pattern layer), allowing power to reach radiation elements through multiple spatial paths. This 3D feeding approach reduces the complexity of planar wiring while enabling individual element control.
3Manufacturing precision
If the lengths of microstrip lines are precisely controlled to manage phase differences, then the phase control accuracy is improved, but the wiring design becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Phase control is achieved by utilizing vertical via conductors that connect different conductive pattern layers. The phase difference between radiation elements is controlled by varying the lengths of these vertical connections and the paths through different layers, rather than relying solely on planar microstrip line length variations. This 3D phase control approach simplifies the wiring design while maintaining precise phase accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase control function is segmented across multiple independent components: horizontal feed lines in the first layer, vertical via conductors, and horizontal feed lines in the second layer. Each segment can be independently optimized and controlled, making it easier to manage the overall phase relationships without requiring complex monolithic wiring designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Wiring and a wiring path of a feed line for feeding power to a radiation element is simplified. An array antenna includes a first conductive pattern layer, first dielectric layer, conductive ground layer, second dielectric layer, second conductive pattern layer, third dielectric layer, and radiation element pattern layer that are layered in this order. The radiation element pattern layer includes radiation element pairs arranged in a two-dimensional array pattern. Each of the radiation element pairs includes a first radiation element and a second radiation element arranged side by side with an interval therebetween. The second conductive pattern layer includes branch feed lines arranged in a two-dimensional array pattern to correspond to the radiation element pairs, respectively. The first conductive pattern layer includes feed lines corresponding to the branch feed lines, respectively.