BAVA Antenna Array for Low-Profile Multifunction Radar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern sensing and communication systems face challenges in providing multi-function capabilities from a single aperture due to limited space on size-constrained platforms, such as aerial vehicles, making it difficult to effectively place various types of antennas.
Innovation Solution
The development of an arbitrary polarization circular or cylindrical antenna array using Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BAVA) elements, which are disposed between conductive substrates to form a parallel plate waveguide, enabling a low-profile aperture for broad bandwidth operations and multifunctional, multi-beam support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of antennas are placed on size-constrained platforms, then multi-function capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single antenna array aperture that can operate in multiple modes (omnidirectional and directional) with arbitrary polarization capabilities. The BAVA elements are configured to provide both omnidirectional radiation patterns and directional beamforming capabilities, eliminating the need for separate antenna types for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar antenna arrangements to a three-dimensional cylindrical or conical array structure. The BAVA elements are positioned at specific angular intervals around the circumference and at different heights, creating a volumetric radiation pattern that enables both omnidirectional and directional modes from a single aperture.
2Volume of moving object
If antenna array size is reduced for low-profile aperture, then ease of installation is improved, but radiation performance may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cylindrical or conical geometry for the antenna array structure instead of traditional planar configurations. The BAVA elements are arranged along the curved surface of a cylinder or cone, allowing the array to achieve its radiating function with a low vertical profile while maintaining effective aperture area through the circumferential dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electronically controllable beamforming networks that can dynamically switch between omnidirectional and directional radiation patterns. The amplitude and phase of signals fed to each BAVA element are adjusted in real-time to create different radiation patterns, allowing the system to adapt its effective aperture characteristics without physical reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If BAVA elements are disposed at slant angles, then arbitrary polarization capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna array into discrete BAVA elements, each independently mounted at specific angular positions around the circumference. Each element can be manufactured and tested separately, then installed in a modular fashion. The slant angles of individual elements are controlled during installation to achieve the desired polarization characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves arbitrary polarization by controlling the orientation angles of the BAVA elements relative to the vertical axis. By adjusting the slant angle parameter of each element, the system can generate different polarization states (linear, circular, or elliptical) without changing the fundamental structure of the elements themselves.
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
The antenna array provides ultra-wide band operations with greater than 5:1 instantaneous bandwidth, supporting omnidirectional and directional modes, and simultaneous multiple beams using digital and analog beam formers, while reducing the physical profile and power consumption, and enhancing transmit-to-receive isolation.
Implementation Method 1
The first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate jointly form a parallel plate waveguide for the circular antenna array
Implementation Method 2
The Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BAVA) elements are disposed between the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate and form a circular antenna array
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna is used in a radar, sensor, communication, discovery, electronic warfare and/or networking system. The antenna system includes a disc-shaped conductive substrate, a ring-shaped conductive substrate being positioned generally parallel with respect to the disc-shaped conductive substrate, the ring-shaped conductive substrate having an outer diameter generally coincides with an outer diameter of the disc-shaped conductive substrate. Antenna elements, such as, Balanced Antipodal Vivaldi Antenna (BAVA) elements, are disposed between the disc-shaped conductive substrate and the ring-shaped conductive substrate.