Beam-Steering Antenna Radome With PRS for Lower-Power Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-cost and high-power consumption issues in some phased arrays make them unsuitable for inclusion in consumer and other devices, limiting their application in 5G networks and other wireless systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a partially reflective surface (PRS) within a radome, combined with a dome-shaped parasitic layer, enhances the gain and directivity of antenna systems. This configuration includes control circuitry to adjust phase-shifting, allowing for targeted beam steering and improved radiation emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If phased arrays are used to steer beams of electromagnetic radiation, then beam steering capability is improved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A partially reflective surface (PRS) is introduced as an intermediary element between the antenna and the environment. The PRS reflects and focuses electromagnetic waves to create directional beam steering without requiring complex phased array control mechanisms, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining beam steering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified approach by creating a reflective copy of the antenna radiation pattern through the PRS. Instead of using multiple active antenna elements with complex phase control (phased array), a single antenna with a reflective surface creates the desired beam steering effect by reflecting waves in specific directions
2Ease of operation
If phased arrays are used to steer beams of electromagnetic radiation, then beam steering capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PRS is implemented using cost-effective materials and structures such as metallic meshes, conductive paints, or simple geometric reflectors. These inexpensive reflective surfaces can be manufactured and integrated into various devices without the high costs associated with phased array systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential beam steering function from the complex phased array system and implements it through a simpler mechanism - a single antenna combined with a partially reflective surface. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple active elements, phase shifters, and complex control electronics, significantly reducing cost
3Power
If a partially reflective surface is added to enhance gain, then emission gain is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partially reflective surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects electromagnetic waves to enhance gain, shapes the radiation pattern for beam steering, and can be integrated into the radome or housing structure. This multi-functionality increases emission gain without proportionally increasing device complexity
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 proposed solution achieves higher beam gain and improved directivity over a wide range of beam-steering angles, reducing power consumption and costs while enhancing wireless signal transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a partially reflective surface (PRS) in or on the radome, the PRS configured to enhance a gain of emission of the radiation by the one or more antennas
Implementation Method 2
a dome-shaped parasitic layer under which the antenna is disposed, the dome-shaped parasitic layer controllable to perform phase-shifting on radiation emitted by the antenna
Implementation Method 3
control circuitry configured to drive the antennas to emit radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes one or more antennas; control circuitry coupled to the one or more antennas, the control circuitry configured to drive the antennas to emit radiation; a radome under which the one or more antennas are disposed; and a partially reflective surface (PRS) in or on the radome, the PRS configured to enhance a gain of emission of the radiation by the one or more antennas.