Asymmetrical Phased Array Antenna for Circular Polarization Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional satellite communication terminals lack flexibility in switching between right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) and left-hand circular polarization (LHCP), have poor isolation between polarizations, and struggle with tracking multiple objects simultaneously due to poor signal-to-noise ratio, especially in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a phased array antenna system with 3-bit phase shifters, asymmetrical antenna structures, and rotating rings or gaps to control grating lobes, allowing for dynamic switching between RHCP and LHCP, improved isolation, and simultaneous tracking of multiple objects by optimizing antenna element placement and phase shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility in switching between RHCP and LHCP is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beamforming capability by using phase shifters to electronically control the phase difference between antenna elements, enabling real-time switching between RHCP and LHCP modes without mechanical adjustments. This transforms a static antenna system into a dynamic one that can adapt polarization states electronically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (phase and amplitude) of signals fed to different antenna elements to achieve polarization switching. By adjusting the phase difference between vertical and horizontal antenna elements to 90 degrees, the system can switch between RHCP and LHCP modes, improving adaptability without major structural changes.
2Reliability
If conventional antenna systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the isolation between RHCP and LHCP is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into separate vertical and horizontal antenna elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each polarization component, improving isolation between RHCP and LHCP by preventing interference between orthogonal polarizations through separate signal paths and independent phase control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional antenna systems are used, then the system is simple, but the ability to track multiple objects simultaneously is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering capability using phase shifters that can electronically redirect the main lobe of the antenna pattern to different directions. This enables simultaneous tracking of multiple satellites by forming multiple independent beams or rapidly switching between directions, transforming a static single-direction antenna into a dynamic multi-directional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional antenna system that can perform multiple functions: receiving signals from multiple satellites simultaneously, switching between different polarization modes, and steering beams to different directions. This universal antenna system replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate antenna systems, achieving multi-functionality within a single integrated structure.
4Reliability
If conventional antenna systems are used, then the signal-to-noise ratio is poor, but the system complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple antenna elements through coherent summation with optimized phase and amplitude weights. By merging the signals from vertical and horizontal elements with proper phase alignment, the system achieves signal constructive interference and noise cancellation, improving the signal-to-noise ratio through signal combining rather than requiring higher individual element performance.
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 solution enables low-cost, efficient beam steering with reduced grating lobes, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and simultaneous reception of RHCP and LHCP signals, enhancing the terminal's ability to maintain connectivity in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
Beamforming may be done by inducing phase differences between antenna elements to steer the antenna beam in a direction of interest
Implementation Method 2
circular polarization, which consists of right hand circular polarization (RHCP) and left hand circular polarization (LHCP). This is formed by adding vertical and horizontal polarizations with 90 degrees of relative phase shift
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An antenna system comprises a plurality of antenna elements arranged asymmetrically in an antenna array. Each antenna element in the antenna system includes one or more first terminals that receive a vertically polarized wireless signal and one or more second terminals that receive horizontally a polarized wireless signal. The antenna system further comprises a processing circuit that combines the vertically polarized signal and the horizontally polarized signal using a combiner after applying a 90-degree phase shift to the vertically polarized signal or the horizontally polarized signal to obtain a left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) signal or a right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) signal. The antenna system is configured to steer a beam of the antenna array to best antenna pattern. The plurality of antenna elements are asymmetrically positioned and asymmetrically oriented in the antenna array to provide tunability to each antenna element.